The National Volunteer Strategy was developed over 18 months through a multi phase research, listening, and co design process led by Points of Light in partnership with stakeholders across the volunteer ecosystem. Of multi-phase research, listening, and co-design Cross-sector roundtables and focus groups Leaders across nonprofit, corporate, government, faith, youth, technology, academic and community sectors Survey responses that helped inform strategy design
Our Process
18
Months
23
Round Tables
270
Leaders
2,200
Responses
What is the US National Volunteer Strategy?
Points of Light is launching the National Volunteer Strategy as the next step in Reimagining Service 2035, a bold effort to reinvigorate and double volunteering in America over the next decade. This is about more than participation. It is about creating opportunities for people to deepen community connection, work across differences, and contribute to real challenges communities face.
At a time when many people feel disconnected from one another, from institutions and from civic life, volunteering can help rebuild trust, strengthen belonging and create shared responsibility. But for volunteering to meet this moment, the systems around it must evolve. The National Volunteer Strategy provides a shared roadmap for nonprofits, businesses, schools, faith communities, governments, and individuals to make volunteering more meaningful and more accessible for everyone.
This strategy honors the millions of people already giving their time and talent to help communities thrive. It also challenges what’s possible when the volunteer ecosystem has the infrastructure, investment, coordination and modern approaches it needs. Join us in building a stronger future for volunteering, and a stronger future for communities across the country.
The Strategic Framework
The National Volunteer Strategy is organized around three interconnected areas that together help explain what it takes for purposeful volunteering to thrive: a thriving ecosystem, transformative impact, and meaningful engagement.
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A Thriving Ecosystem
The systems, leadership, infrastructure, investment, and partnerships needed to support volunteer engagement over time.
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Transformative Impact
Stronger communities where people are more connected, needs are better met, and change is increasingly shaped by those closest to it.
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Meaningful Engagement
Volunteer experiences that are relational, flexible, and responsive to people’s lives and community priorities.
Download Guides
The National Volunteer Strategy is a shared roadmap, but every organization has a different role to play. These guides offer a practical starting point for various stakeholders to identify which strategy goals and opportunities align with your work, where you can contribute, and how you can help strengthen volunteering over the next decade.
Toward Purposeful Volunteerism: A Theory of Change
Purposeful volunteering requires intention. This theory of change shows how, when designed well, volunteering creates positive outcomes for volunteers, organizations, communities, and society.
The National Volunteer Strategy is the roadmap for making those conditions a reality. Its framework and goals outline how we can work together to strengthen volunteering and create more opportunities for people to engage in purposeful service.
