These Standards establish requirements for organizational and programmatic excellence to enable members of the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network to serve as the local experts on volunteerism and problem solving in their communities.

• Professionalize our work and strengthen the Network, national partnerships, and funding opportunities; and

• Establish required standards for membership in the Volunteer Center National Network and Points of Light Foundation.

Background
The Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network's shared vision is to mobilize people and resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems. As part of the Points of Light Foundation's Strategic Plan for its Work with Volunteer Centers, 'a Unified Network and Identity' was identified as one of its seven primary goals. From that, the Unified Network Task Force led the development of the Standards of Excellence and Assessment Tool.

Since first launched in 2001, the Standards Assessment Tool has been revised to address the need for clarity and consistency, include additional terms, and revisit the progressive order within the principles. In addition to establishing a baseline for Volunteer Center membership in the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, the revised Standards Assessment tool is a useful tool that Volunteer Centers and their stakeholders can use as a road map to excellence based on the Volunteer Center core competencies.

Technical Assistance
The Foundation makes available technical assistance and support systems that help Volunteer Centers meet the required standards. To request assistance with the assessment tool or with meeting the required standards, e-mail VCStandards@PointsofLight.org.