Public Policy Platform
California recently received from the Pew Center on the States an overall grade of “C” in the quality of its high level management; the state also ranks last in fiscal performance.
To meet the state’s serious fiscal and governance challenges, California needs to change dramatically how public decisions are made and how public dollars are spent. Non-state actors, including the philanthropic sector, have a valuable role to play in fixing California’s governing system.
Recognizing their responsibility as changemakers, The California Endowment, The Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation collaborated to fund California Forward, a bipartisan effort to address more effectively the issues facing California and to make government work again.
The California Forward Action Fund has submitted a pair of nonpartisan initiatives to give our state’s systems an overhaul, with the goal of responsible budgets delivered on-time and a government that is more responsive to the people.
Please join Southern California Grantmakers for an overview and update on California Forward’s reform plan. The presentation will explain initiatives submitted for the November 2010 ballot and address a variety of concerns for funders:
- What are the implications of reform for foundations?
- What are realistic expectations of these reforms?
- What role can foundations of all sizes play in bringing about reform?
- As a member of the Southern California philanthropic community, what can you do?
Presenters:
James P. Mayer
Executive Director, California Forward
As executive director, James P. Mayer is responsible for working with the California Forward Leadership Council to develop and guide strategic reform projects, manage the executive team, and develop and work with project teams focused on specific governance challenges. In 2007, Mayer was part of the team that developed California Forward from a concept and strategic plan to full operation. He has served previously as founding executive director of the nonpartisan New California Network (NCN) and executive director of the Little Hoover Commission, an independent and bipartisan state panel that reviews state programs and policies for efficiency and effectiveness.
Dr. Robert K. Ross, M.D.
President and CEO, The California Endowment
Robert K. Ross, M.D., is president and CEO for The California Endowment, a health foundation established in 1996 to address the health needs of Californians. Prior to his appointment in 2000, Ross served in a variety of public health positions, most recently as director of the Health and Human Services Agency for the County of San Diego from 1993 to 2000, and commissioner of public health for the City of Philadelphia from 1990 to 1993. Ross is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and has served on the President’s Summit for America’s Future and as chairman of the national Boost for Kids Initiative.
Pete Manzo
President & CEO, United Ways of California
Pete Manzo is president and CEO of United Ways of California, which improves health, education and financial results for low income children and families by enhancing and coordinating the community impact and advocacy work of California’s 37 United Ways. Previously, he was director of strategic initiatives for the Advancement Project, a civil rights “action tank” that advances equity and expands opportunity for low income and vulnerable people. Manzo has served as executive director and general counsel with the Center for Nonprofit Management and directing attorney of Community Development Programs for Public Counsel and Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
Moderator:
Amy Dominguez-Arms
Program Director, The James Irvine Foundation
Amy Dominguez-Arms is program director at the James Irvine Foundation, responsible for the foundation's California Democracy program, which aims to advance effective public policy decision making that is reflective of, and responsive to, all Californians. She has served previously as acting president and vice president of Children Now, where she led policy and communications activities to increase children's access to quality child care, health care and positive media. In 2003, she was named Professional Child Advocate of the Year by Voices for America's Children. Dominguez-Arms was an executive fellow with the California Health and Welfare Agency.
Location:
Center for Healthy Communities
1000 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Registration:
You may register by:
- Emailing programsrsvp@socalgrantmakers.org
- Contacting Kameron Green, program assistant, at (213) 680-8866, ext. 233
Who May Attend:Current SCG members and other grantmakers eligible for SCG membership.
Click here for eligibility requirements.Fees:Free for SCG members
$30 for other eligible grantmakers
Payment can be made by credit card or a check payable to Southern California Grantmakers.
