This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Today, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Council for Community Solutions. The Council will provide advice to the President on the "best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs," the White House said. The president appointed Jon Bon Jovi to the council. President Obama said in a White House press release, "These impressive men and women have dedicated their lives and careers to civic engagement and social innovation. I commend them for their outstanding contributions to their communities, and I am confident that they will serve the American people well in their new roles on the White House Council for Community Solutions. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead." In addition to providing advice to the President on solving specific community needs, the White House Council for Community Solutions has been tasked with three key functions: enlisting leaders in the non-profit, private, and philanthropic sectors to make progress on key policy goals; providing strategic input and recommendations to help the federal government promote greater innovation and cross-sector collaboration; and honoring and highlighting those making a significant impact in their own communities. Or something like that.
Jon's efforts with his own Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in recent years has resulted in creative public and private partnerships as well as more than 260 units of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.