Executive Order Number 11-05

Executive Order Number 11-05 (PDF, 135 KB)

Executive Order Creating the Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise

WHEREAS, The people of Illinois are urgently seeking solutions to social issues, such as education, health care, unemployment, and poverty; and

WHEREAS, Social enterprises directly address social needs through their products and services or through the employment of disadvantaged people; and

WHEREAS, Social enterprises are nonprofit or for-profit organizations that employ earned revenue strategies in order to increase their capacity to deliver services; and

WHEREAS, The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act created the Social Innovation Fund within the Corporation for National and Community Service; and

WHEREAS, The Social Innovation Fund mobilizes public and private resources to grow promising, innovative community-based solutions that have evidence of compelling impact in three areas of priority need: economic opportunity, healthy futures, and youth development; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise will work cooperatively to create, scale and sustain innovative programs; build the capacity of nonprofit organizations and governments to pursue entrepreneurial ventures; and seek funding to support these ventures; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise will ensure that Illinois stays on the cutting edge of finding innovative and sustainable solutions to these social issues and encourages nonprofits, government, and the private sector to partner on effective solutions and bring funds to Illinois to support these efforts;

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the supreme executive authority vested in me by Article V of the Illinois Constitution, do hereby order as follows:

1. CREATION
   

   There is hereby created The Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise (hereinafter "Task Force") having the duties and powers set forth herein. Members of the Task Force shall represent the diversity of Illinois, shall be appointed by the Governor, and shall include the following individuals:

   1. Two executives of nonprofit organizations that operate at least one social enterprise
   2. One representative from a statewide or regional nonprofit management support organization
   3. One university representative who has an established track record in social entrepreneurship or tracking the economic impact of social sector issues
   4. The Secretary of Human Services, or his or her designee
   5. The Director of Children and Family Services, or his or her designee
   6. Two representatives from the private sector whose companies have a strong commitment to the community and have a track record of support for social entrepreneurship
   7. One representative from a foundation or venture philanthropies which have an established track record in funding social entrepreneurs
   8. Two other individuals who have expertise that would be valuable to the task force, including a representative from the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service

   The Governor shall appoint a Chairman, and the Chairman will set meeting dates for the Task Force. Administrative support to the Task Force shall be provided by the agencies appointed to the Task Force. The Task Force may access donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.

2. PURPOSE
   

   The purpose of the Task Force is to make recommendations on how to strengthen the capacity of Illinois to work cooperatively to create, scale, and sustain innovative social programs; build the capacity of nonprofit organizations and government to pursue entrepreneurial ventures; and attract funding to Illinois to support these ventures. The Task Force shall advise the General Assembly, the Governor, and agency heads and have the following duties:

   1. To gather information on social innovation, entrepreneurship, and social enterprise; and
   2. To receive and consider reports and testimony from individuals, government departments, community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, foundations, and other public and private organizations statewide and of national significance about how social innovation and entrepreneurship can accelerate progress on social issues, work cross-sector, and advance social and economic development goals; and
   3. To identify promising strategies that have been used in other communities and states to encourage cross-sector collaboration on social issues; and
   4. To identify promising strategies to educate and train citizens, nonprofit organizations, governments, students, and businesses on entrepreneurial concepts as applied in the social sector; and
   5. To complete a statewide comprehensive strategic plan to the general public, State and local officials, various public and private organizations and associations, businesses and industries, agencies, potential funders, and other community resources.
   
   
   
3. FUNCTION
   
   1. The Task Force shall submit preliminary reports to the General Assembly and the Governor within 6 months of its first meeting and within 1 year of its first meeting, and shall submit a final report within 2 years of its first meeting.
   2. The reports shall address the plans, actions, and resources needed to achieve the Task Force's goals and progress as identified in the Plan.
   3. The reports shall include an accounting of funds expended, funds received from grants, and anticipated funding needs and related cost savings for full implementation of recommended plans and programs.
      
      
4. TRANSPARENCY
   In addition to any other applicable laws, rules, or regulations, all aspects of The Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise shall be governed by the Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et. seq, and the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq. This section shall not be construed so as to preclude other statutes from applying to the Task Force or its activities.
   
   
5. SAVINGS CLAUSE
   Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to contravene any state or federal law.
   
   
6. SEVERABILITY
   If any provision of this Executive Order is found invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
   
   
7. EFFECTIVE DATE
   This Executive Order shall be take effective upon filing with the Secretary of State immediately upon its execution.

This Executive Order shall be effective immediately.

Pat Quinn
Governor of Illinois

Issued by the Governor: November 2, 2011
Filed with the Secretary of State: November 10, 2011