Jon Meacham and Judy Woodruff Named Co-Chairs of the 8th Annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards 

WASHINGTON, DC. – Sept. 2, 2026 — Points of Light has announced that Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham and acclaimed journalist Judy Woodruff will serve as co-chairs of the 8th annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, the organization’s highest honor recognizing individuals whose service, generosity, and civic leadership strengthen communities and inspire others to act. 

Set against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s awards highlight extraordinary leaders whose work reflects President George H.W. Bush’s enduring belief in the power of service to shape a stronger civic culture. As we look to the future, these leaders show why volunteering is central to building connections in communities and strengthening our society. 

This year’s honorees are David M. Rubenstein, investor, philanthropist, interviewer, author and historian; Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc.; Karen and Morrill Worcester, co-founders of Wreaths Across America; and Olivia Zhang, founder and CEO of Cancer Kids First. “ 

“The substance and spirit of Points of Light is the substance and spirit of America at its best: gracious, generous, and energetic,” said presidential historian Jon Meacham. “George H.W. Bush left the country and the world a much better place than he found it, and Points of Light is an essential element of that living legacy.” 

“I am incredibly honored to serve as a co-chair of the 2026 George H. W. Bush Points of Light Awards, and especially alongside my friend, the remarkable Jon Meacham,” said Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent, PBS Newshour. “At this polarized moment in our nation’s history, these awards are a powerful reminder of the critical importance of service and of giving, of looking out for others, regardless of political beliefs.” 

“Judy Woodruff and Jon Meacham have each helped Americans better understand the people, principles, and moments that define our nation,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Their commitment to shining a light on important values that bring us together, like volunteering, have a meaningful connection President’s Bush vision of Points of Light and belief everyone had the power to serve.” 

The celebration will take place Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., with SiriusXM radio and CNN television host Michael Smerconish serving as master of ceremonies. 

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional information about The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards are available at pointsoflight.org/bushawards. 

About Points of Light 

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. 

Points of Light Announces 2026 Honorees of The Civic 50® and Inaugural Volunteering with Purpose Award Recipients

Today, Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteering and service, announced the 2026 honorees of The Civic 50® and the inaugural recipients of the Volunteer with Purpose Awards at the Points of Light Conference in Washington, D.C.  

Now in its 14th year, The Civic 50® is the nation’s premier corporate social impact recognition program, honoring the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States based on their employee volunteering programs, community investment strategies, and social impact practices. 

View the full list of The Civic 50® honorees.

“As we reimagine service, companies play a critical role in making volunteering a national priority,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. “These companies are leaders in creating meaningful engagement for volunteers and investing in a thriving ecosystem for volunteering in communities. We’re grateful for their leadership and congratulate them on being on the Civic 50 2026.” 

This year’s honorees mobilized an average of 45% of employees to volunteer — well above the 25%¹ U.S. company average. Their strong engagement reflects intentional efforts to scale and make volunteering more accessible, including formal volunteer ambassador programs (74% of honorees), volunteer time off policies (74% of honorees and with a 19% median utilization rate), and strategies for engaging frontline/deskless (46%) and hourly/part-time employees (58%). 

These companies represent a standard at a time when the expectation for corporate purpose is at its highest. The Civic 50® honorees demonstrate what it looks like to go beyond intention and build measurable social impact into company operations and culture. 

“Prudential’s inclusion in The Civic 50® for the 12th year reflects our deep commitment to corporate citizenship and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Shané Harris, Vice President, Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and President of The Prudential Foundation. “For more than 150 years, we’ve worked to solve the financial challenges of a changing world and create more secure futures for all. We remain focused on advancing that impact through our people, our partnerships, and our purpose.” 

The Civic 50® evaluation offers companies a practical framework to assess, strengthen, and scale their social impact programs. Points of Light partners with True Impact to analyze and score survey results and provide complimentary benchmarking scorecard reports with actionable insights into each company’s strengths and opportunities for growth. Participation is free and open to U.S. public and private companies with annual revenues of $1 billion or more. 

Introducing the Inaugural Volunteering with Purpose Award Recipients 

This year, Points of Light expanded The Civic 50® with 10 all-new Volunteering with Purpose Awards, recognizing companies and CSR leaders whose work represents the leading edge of innovation, leadership and impact in employee volunteering and community engagement.  

View the Volunteering with Purpose Award winners.  

For more information about The Civic 50®, visit pointsoflight.org/civic50 or contact [email protected]. 

¹U.S. data from Giving in Numbers, 2025 by CECP.   

About Points of Light 

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org. 

5 Benefits of Volunteering as a Family

Family Volunteer Day, to be celebrated on November 23, 2024, is a time to come together and make a difference. It’s a chance for families to strengthen their bonds while making a positive impact on their communities. The world is facing many challenges, but there is an opportunity for all of us to step up and create change. Family Volunteer Day provides a unique opportunity to inspire hope and create lasting change.

Why volunteer as a family? Beyond the inherent rewards of getting involved in your community through volunteerism, doing this together as a family offers a wealth of benefits:

1. Family volunteering promotes shared values.

Volunteering is a powerful way to instill compassion and a sense of social responsibility in children. By actively participating in community service, families demonstrate their commitment to making the world a better place. These shared experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.

2. Family volunteering creates a foundation for a lifetime of volunteering and commitment to social change.

A recent study from FoundationSource found 58% of Gen Z volunteered their time in the past year. 70% of Gen Z said they aspire to be described as “changemakers.” Younger generations are passionate about being involved in their local communities, and the earlier their engagement begins, the better understanding they have of being a supporter and partner with nonprofits.

3. Family volunteering helps you spend quality time together while having fun.

In a fast-paced world, finding quality time for family can be difficult. Volunteering provides a shared experience that fosters communication and creates lasting memories. As adults look to find ways to spend time with kids disconnected from screens, volunteering is a great way to connect. Working together towards a common goal strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of shared accomplishment.

3. Family volunteering helps children develop empathy.

Volunteering exposes children to diverse perspectives and lived experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. It helps them connect with people from different backgrounds and appreciate the challenges faced by others. These interactions nurture compassion and broaden their worldview and decrease bias in the long term.

4. Family volunteering encourages lifelong learning.

Volunteering offers a unique learning experience outside of the traditional classroom setting. Children develop valuable skills, gain knowledge about social issues and discover their potential to make a difference. It instills a love of learning that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms.

5. Family volunteering helps everyone hone important skills.

From practical skills like gardening and painting to essential life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, volunteering provides opportunities for children and adults to learn and grow. It’s a chance for families to discover hidden talents and develop new skills together.

Family Volunteering: A Catalyst for Growth, Connection and Change

Volunteering as a family in 2024 offers a refreshing opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with each other and your community. We invite you to put down the devices and engage in meaningful real-world experiences that foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

Studies show that helping others reduces stress and boosts well-being for all ages, making family volunteering a valuable investment in your family’s mental and emotional health. It’s also a chance to connect with neighbors, strengthen community ties and contribute to a sense of shared responsibility.

By volunteering as a family, you can learn about global issues and actively participate in creating solutions, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empowering your children to become agents of change.

How will you celebrate Family Volunteer Day this November? Need some ideas? Check out our DIY volunteer projects and search the Points of Light Engage platform for in-person or virtual volunteer opportunities in your area. Happy volunteering!

Points of Light Celebrates Global Volunteer Month and Launches Mobilizing Millions Campaign, Empowering Volunteers to Drive a Nationwide Movement of Service

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteering and service, celebrates Global Volunteer Month throughout April. The nonprofit also announced a new campaign, Mobilizing Millions, in partnership with national energy leader Phillips 66 to expand volunteer engagement and strengthen nonprofit capacity nationwide.

Global Volunteer Month and this new partnership arrive as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, celebrating centuries of America’s enduring legacy and tradition of service. Global Volunteer Month is a time to honor individuals who support their communities through volunteering and civic engagement.

Throughout the month, Points of Light encourages people worldwide to take the pledge to volunteer and take action, create connections and move communities forward. Phillips 66 will serve as a key partner in Points of Light’s Mobilizing Millions campaign, a nationwide effort designed to inspire and connect millions of Americans to meaningful service opportunities across the country. This partnership will harness the shared energy of America’s 250th anniversary to strengthen nonprofits volunteer capacity, expand employee volunteer engagement and build toward a national volunteer infrastructure that empowers volunteers and helps communities thrive.

“Mobilizing Millions kicking off during Global Volunteer Month elevates the critical role volunteering plays in supporting individuals, strengthening communities and bringing our society together,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, CEO of Points of Light. “This campaign builds on our decades-long legacy of mobilizing volunteers in communities around the world and highlighting the positive benefits of volunteering for everyone. Our partnership with Phillips 66 has long demonstrated a commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities through best-in-class corporate social impact programs that support their communities and be part of a nationwide movement that creates lasting, sustainable impact.”

Across the country, nonprofit organizations face growing challenges. Nearly half report struggling to fill critical volunteer roles, and many have experienced funding cuts that directly affect their ability to deliver essential services. While volunteers make up roughly one-third of the nonprofit workforce, overall participation in the U.S. has stalled, leaving many communities underserved. “At Phillips 66, we have long believed that strong communities are built when employees are empowered to give their time, talent, and energy to causes they care about,” said Mark Lashier, Chairman and CEO of Phillips 66.

“Partnering with Points of Light during Global Volunteer Month through the Mobilizing Millions campaign allows our employees to make a tangible difference in the communities where they live and work, while contributing to a national movement to elevate volunteerism and strengthen our nonprofits that serve the critical needs of so many Americans.” The broader partnership will also support Points of Light’s National Volunteer Strategy, a cross-sector initiative that will help advance the organization’s goal of doubling the number of volunteers in the U.S. and globally from 75 million annually to 150 million by 2035, and strengthen the volunteering infrastructure, tools, and resources that nonprofits need to recruit, train, and retain volunteers effectively.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.

About Phillips 66

Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.      

The 8th Annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Highlight Philanthropists, Volunteers Who Shape Civic Culture Around the Country

Points of Light has announced the honorees of the 8th annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, the organization’s highest honor. These five leaders’ service, generosity and philanthropy changed lives and strengthened communities. Against the backdrop of America’s 250^th anniversary, our esteemed honorees showcase how individuals turn values into meaningful actions through service. The event will be held on October 13, 2026, and hosted by Michael Smerconish, Sirius XM radio and CNN television host. This year’s honorees include:

• David M. Rubenstein: David M. Rubenstein is an investor, philanthropist, interviewer, author, and historian. He is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. Mr. Rubenstein is a recipient of The Presidential Medal of Freedom and an original signer of The Giving Pledge. A leader in the area of Patriotic Philanthropy, Mr. Rubenstein as made transformative gifts for the restoration of American landmarks and monuments, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.  He is a New York Times best-selling author and the host of Peer-to-Peer Conversations and Wealth on Bloomberg TV and Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein on PBS.
• Evan Spiegel: Evan Spiegel is the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. Snap is a
  technology company that empowers people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world and have fun together. In 2017, he formed the Spiegel Family Fund, which is committed to philanthropy in California and across the United States. The Spiegel Family Fund is dedicated to supporting human progresses through the arts, education, housing, and human rights. Spiegel and Snap co-founder Bobby Murphy also created the Snap Foundation, dedicated to developing pathways to the creative economy for underrepresented youth in Los Angeles.
• Karen & Morrill Worcester: Karen Worcester has served as executive director of Wreaths Across America since the nonprofit was founded in 2007. With more than 45 years of experience supporting and stewarding the Worcester family’s businesses, Worcester brings deep organizational leadership and a passion for service to her role. As a co-founder of Wreaths Across America, she is widely recognized as a tireless advocate for honoring our nation’s veterans and engaging communities across the country in acts of remembrance.

Morrill Worcester is the founder of Worcester Wreath Company and Wreaths Across America. In 1992, when Worcester Wreath Company found itself with a surplus of holiday wreaths, Worcester arranged to have them placed at Arlington National Cemetery during the holiday season. What began as a quiet act of remembrance eventually grew into a nationwide movement. In 2007, Wreaths Across America was formally established as a nonprofit organization with the mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

• Olivia Zhang: Zhang is the founder and CEO of Cancer Kids First. Launched when she was just 14, the organization empowers young people to support pediatric cancer patients by normalizing the hospital environment and providing a loving community. Sparked by the loss of her grandfather and elementary school teacher to cancer, Zhang channeled her grief into action—building what is now the largest youth-led force in pediatric cancer support, with over 43,000 volunteers across 80 countries. She leads all aspects of the organization from strategy and partnerships to impact tracking to support 15,000 patients in 22 countries.

“At Points of Light, we believe volunteering changes everything. This year’s honorees demonstrate that one pivotal moment can transform into a lifetime of service, having ripple effects on people and communities around the world,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “We look forward to celebrating their collective impact in October and know their efforts will inspire others to find their purpose through volunteering.”

Past honorees of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards include Arthur M. Blank, Patrick Dempsey, Marvin Ellison, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, José Andrés, Bryan Stevenson and Marc and Lynne Benioff. Funds from The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration support Points of Light’s mission and efforts to double volunteering in the U.S. so everyone may find their purpose and create positive change through volunteering and service. To learn more about this year’s sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Katherine O’Hare at [email protected].

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries.

Points of Light Names Jeff Zanelli as Chief Marketing Officer

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, announced today that Jeff Zanelli will join the organization as chief marketing officer. In this role, Zanelli will lead Points of Light’s strategy to advance brand growth, deepen audience engagement, and elevate storytelling that inspires people and companies to take action through volunteering.

Zanelli brings deep expertise in building high-performing marketing organizations that connect mission to measurable growth. Most recently, he served as chief marketing officer at the National Forest Foundation, where he drove multichannel marketing, thought leadership, and direct-response strategy to grow the organization’s brand and strengthen supporter engagement. “Jeff is a strategic, creative leader who understands how to build brands that inspire people to take action,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light.

“His ability to create powerful emotional connections with audiences will help us expand our reach and accelerate our impact around the world.” Prior to the National Forest Foundation, Zanelli served as vice president at Dunn & Foster, LLC. He also spent more than a decade at The Nature Conservancy, where he led marketing and communications efforts across North America, managing a team of more than 125 professionals. His work focused on delivering strategic communications and outreach to engage leaders, influencers, and decision-makers in support of the organization’s conservation mission.

“Points of Light has an incredible legacy and a powerful vision for what’s possible when people can see the impact they can have on their community and are given the tools to make a difference,” said Zanelli. “I’m excited to join this team and tell the story of volunteering in a way that makes it accessible to everyone, strengthens partnerships, and inspires action in communities everywhere.” Zanelli holds a leadership certificate from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State University.

Volunteer Engagement Expert, Sue Carter Kahl, Ph.D., Joins Points of Light

Carter Kahl joins Points of Light to build the case for investing in volunteer engagement that drives meaningful impact and strengthens communities. Her career spans roles in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, where she has built deep experience in civic engagement and volunteering, translating research into accessible and practical insights. This new role reflects Points of Light’s investment in long-term capacity building across the sector. By building programs that support nonprofits and volunteer managers, we drive lasting community impact and increase the value of volunteering on a national scale.  

“The expertise Carter Kahl brings to Points of Light comes at a pivotal moment in our organization,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “With an extensive background and proven leadership in the nonprofit sector, she will ensure our work reflects emerging best practices and the real-world needs of the field—increasing our ability to lead with purpose and impact.” 

With a focus on turning sector research and field insights into practical strategies, Carter Kahl will contribute to program delivery that supports practitioners nationwide in creating the conditions that double the rate of volunteering in the U.S. by 2035.  

“I look forward to supporting Points of Light in bridging the gap between research and practice,” said Carter Kahl. “This work is vital to our sector’s ability to meaningfully demonstrate the value that volunteers provide to nonprofits and their communities.” 

An internationally recognized expert on volunteer engagement, Carter Kahl has facilitated sessions for the White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the National Park Service, the Points of Light Conference and more. She taught a graduate course on strategic volunteer engagement at the University of San Diego, and her writing has been featured in Transforming Disruption to Impact, Volunteer Engagement 2.0, Nonprofit Quarterly, the Sacramento Bee and the San Diego Business Journal. She was named one of the top 10 Volunteer Leadership Voices in 2025 by Galaxy Digital. 

Carter Kahl holds a Ph.D. in leadership from the University of San Diego, a master’s in social work administration and a certificate in nonprofit management. An active volunteer, she is an executive coach for nonprofit leaders through the Fieldstone Leadership Network, supports strategic volunteer initiatives and served two terms as a state commissioner with California Volunteers.