|  Committees: Operation Manna Committee

Operation Manna Purpose Statement
To engage Christian Reformed Churches in community ministries that seek to bring about sustainable change in individuals and communities experiencing significant needs.

Mandate
The committee will provide support and recommend funding for projects that are aligned with the 8 guidelines for funding and demonstrate effective holistic ministry with the poor and those in need.

Guidelines for the Committee
The committee will carry out this mandate within the following guidelines:

1. Promote holistic community development ministry initiated by the deacons/churches.
2. Work with partners and the board to develop characteristics for effective ministry and set guidelines for funding of projects.
3. Invite applications for funding within the guidelines.
4. Review applications for funding and the annual reports to identify areas of strength and areas for growth.
5. Direct staff to assist projects by capacity building and organizational development to stimulate holistic community development ministry.
6. Create opportunities for mutual learning among projects, participants and diaconates/churches.
7. Recommend projects for funding to the board.
8. Promote the ministry of the projects to encourage generous participation by the churches in financial support, prayer support and volunteer involvement.
9. Prepare a budget, give input to the promotional campaign and nurture the development of other sources of financial support.

Composition
The committee will be composed of one representative from each participating diaconal conference plus one DMC board member from Eastern Canada and one DMC board member from Western Canada. Representation of western diaconal conferences will expand with growth of the program.

Committee members will:

• Attend the September, January and May meetings of the Operation Manna Committee
• Engage in self-education to increase knowledge of effective community ministry
• Attend Diaconal Conference meetings to provide OM program updates and report on the progress of projects
• Assist project reps in making arrangements for presentations at Diaconal Conference meetings
• Promote the May Operation Manna offering at the Diaconal Conference.
• Conduct on-site reviews of new and existing projects
• Request deacons to participate in on-site review visits
• Participate in the “Ministry Networking Day” in May, where possible

Staff: The Project Developers and Executive Assistant attend in an advisory capacity. The National Director is ex-officio member.

Nomination and Appointment
The members are appointed by the board of DMC. Nominations can come from the Operation Manna Committee, the diaconal conference, staff, the executive or the board.

Meetings
Meetings will normally take place three times per year. The meeting schedule of the committee will allow for timely reporting to the board. Minutes of all meetings will be provided to the board.