Join us for the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Oct 13 in Washington DC

The Power of Recognition in Civic Engagement: A Changemaker’s Perspective

I’ve been working to put an end to people experiencing homelessness since I was eight years old. I started Khloe Kares in 2015 as a way of working with people experiencing homelessness. We teach leadership workshops that build changemakers, and I take trips to Ghana where I install water pumps and bathroom facilities in schools that don’t have access to clean water. I never imagined I’d be able to make such a big impact, but after becoming Daily Point of Light Honoree #6663 and The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award 2019 Honoree, I understand the importance of recognition.

Being a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award Honoree has opened doors for me as part of my recognition, I received a grant that supported my work in Ghana to help end their water crisis. At the award ceremony I had the opportunity to meet Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. That meeting led me to a one-on-one interview with Secretary Clinton. Recognition like this made me realize that civic engagement is about more than just how good it makes you feel. It’s about how it motivates you and positions you to do more.

I know I would not have been able to reach as many volunteers or people to further my cause without recognition. One of my first times being recognized was when I went on this show called The Real, a daytime talk show. This opportunity led to me getting awards, grants and so much more, but that’s not what made me fully successful. You don’t have to rely on recognition to be successful, but it will push you further and grow what your organization can do. With everything that nonprofits do, volunteer recognition may seem less important, but I promise you, it makes all the difference for your volunteers and your organization. I make sure I always recognize those who volunteer and support Khloe Kares because I feel it’s crucial to recognize those who help build and support the work we do.

Recognition is the puzzle piece that all changemakers need to make their projects thrive. To maximize your impact in your community, you need support, which comes from others. Whether it’s through a partner organization, family, friends or other willing volunteers, the most successful organizations understand the value of recognizing their most invested supporters. These connections can open so many doors which lead to new opportunities in life. It’s important to build relationships in order to continue the support.

Points of Light has done a lot of research on social impact. And they collaborate with corporate sponsors like UPS, Bank of America, KPMG, and Starbucks. These are all major partnerships that support people, nonprofits and companies. These partners collaborate and uplift their employee volunteers by nominating them for the Daily Point of Light Award and when they’re recognized they bring awareness and opportunity to their employee volunteer programs. The Daily Point of Light Award has been able to change people’s lives, just by recognizing all the ways they contribute and volunteer. For example, 83% of respondents say receiving the Daily Point of Light Award made them feel appreciated while 48% say receiving the Daily Point of Light Award elevated their issue or cause. And 27% report that the Daily Point of Light Award attracted volunteers to their organization.

You can start to see how recognition is so crucial to growing your impact. And it works right into the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that helps people connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. By putting the elements together, you can grow your impact in your community. When you’re recognized in a sector like this one, when you are put on the front lines your impact will spread like a wildfire. Even though recognition comes and goes you are forever contacted, supported or just have an overall community that surrounds you. Plus, when all can see your work, you’re able to motivate and inspire others to want to become changemakers. Whenever I feel as if I need some inspiration, I look to those around me. And when we all work together with that same mindset, we really can change the world.

I make sure to connect and work with other organizations, because working together helps us grow and create friendships and relationships. Points of Light connects nonprofits, corporations and individuals so that we can address the world’s changing needs together. They provide calls to action that keep you wanting to work with your community. Recognition is one of the things that started Points of Light — it’s at the heart of their mission, and it’s one of the ways to motivate volunteers that is closest to my heart.

Catch the Future of CSR at the Points of Light Conference

The

Points of Light Conference

2023 allows professionals across the business and

nonprofit/NGO

sectors to join more than 1,000 of their peers for inspiration, education and networking. This powerful conference is tailored to staff and board members from nonprofits and NGOs, as well as those with

corporate social impact roles

at companies, and government agencies with a focus on service. As we eagerly await the start of this year’s Points of Light Conference at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, June 14–16, 2023, we’re giving you a sneak peek at a few offerings, starting with our Civic Talks. Civic Talks are conversations that bring inspiring ideas and experiences to the stage and offer deep learning and takeaways from innovative leaders. These all-conference sessions bring together a cross-section of attendees to focus on a particular social issue affecting our world.

Perspectives on Health Equity: How Hyper-local and Global Strategies Align

This session explores the complexities of health equity and connections to systemic racism and social, economic, environmental and cultural determinants of health. Attendees will learn about frameworks for collaboration that drive systemic change, hyper-local strategies and actions that advance health equity.

Building Community Equity: Disaster Preparedness, Response and Resilience

This session will explore how disasters alter realities, particularly in low-income communities, the challenges of necessarily complex multi-organizational strategies for revitalization and how a reactive versus proactive response from the public and private sectors can deter revitalization. In addition to these conversations, conference will give a nod to

CSR trends

with potential areas of emerging focus.s. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of sustainability, social impact and ethical practices, CSR is becoming an integral part of corporate strategy. If you’re considering attending the Points of Light Conference 2023, or you’re already registered, you can expect to hear from speakers and participate in workshops that will help equip you to answer these CSR trends, so you can leave feeling empowered and prepared for what’s ahead.

1. CSR will continue to be a top priority for businesses.

According to a survey conducted by the

Public Affairs Council

in 2020, 87% of corporate leaders ranked CSR as a high or extremely high priority, up from 80% in the previous year. This trend is likely to continue as consumers, investors and employees increasingly demand socially responsible practices from the companies they support.

“Gen Z and millennial workers are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to work for an employer that offers nonpartisan actions to strengthen our global communities, including their own neighborhood.” — Katy Elder, Vice President, Business Innovation

2. ESG investing will become more mainstream.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, which focuses on companies with strong sustainability and social impact practices, has gained significant momentum in recent years. A report from the

Global Sustainable Investment Alliance

found that ESG assets under management reached $30.7 trillion in 2020, a 34% increase from 2018. This trend is expected to continue as investors increasingly seek out opportunities that align with their values. This also means that the need for ESG disclosure is also increasing as recently explored in CECP’s 6th edition of their

Investing in Society

report.

3. Companies will prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion.

Recent social justice movements have brought the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the forefront. A survey conducted by

Deloitte

in 2020 found that 87% of companies have made DEI a priority, and 53% have established DEI targets. As the focus on DEI continues to grow, businesses will be expected to take concrete steps to promote diversity and inclusion in their hiring, promotion, and leadership practices. Overall, the future of CSR looks bright, with businesses continuing to prioritize sustainability, social impact and ethical practices. As consumers, investors and employees increasingly demand social responsibility, companies will need to stay on top of emerging trends and adapt their strategies to meet these evolving expectations. If you’re not registered for this year’s

Points of Light Conference

, make sure you reserve your spot soon so you can glean all the knowledge you can from fellow social impact and civic engagement leaders.

5 Ways to Champion Sustainable Practices With Points of Light Research

This is the first in a series on findings from Points of Light research. Check out the other blogs in this collection:

Earth Day is on April 22, and it’s a natural time to think about one of the biggest threats – and opportunities for action – facing the world today: climate change. It’s a global issue with big implications, including impacts on our health, our access to food, and the future of flora and fauna that support and sustain our planet. We’ve compiled some sustainable practices to help you make a positive impact. Points of Light’s

research

shows that 40% of people are concerned about

climate change

when compared to other issue areas, and 43% of people are concerned about the

environment

when compared to other issue areas. This difference is likely due to the politization of climate change in recent years. It’s clear that climate change is going to require large-scale, systemic change. Every individual has the opportunity to make a difference and affect positive change. Here are some tips for how you can leverage strategies for sustainability, tackle climate change and work toward a healthier environment.

5 everyday Sustainable Practices

Learn About the Issue of Climate Change

Did you know that 73% of people said they took time to learn about the issue of climate change?

Listening and learning

is a crucial first step to tackling any social issue or cause area and is one of the nine elements of the

Points of Light Civic Circle

®

. When we learn about an issue before jumping into finding solutions, we can more effectively combat the challenges and remain sensitive to the communities impacted by it. If we don’t have the foundational knowledge surrounding what is going on, what work is currently being done and how best to help, we may even unintentionally cause further harm trying to solve the issue. Start by reading books and blogs, listening to experts and examining research to get educated on the current state of things. You can check out

TED Talks

focused on climate change, add some

books

on the issue to your library and listen to

podcasts

from knowledgeable experts in the field.

Volunteer With an Environmentally-focused Organization

Volunteering

your time and talent is another element of the Civic Circle, and this is an excellent way to lend hands-on support to the causes you care about, including environmental issues and climate change. Volunteers provide critical support in the form of pro-bono labor, saving organizations valuable funds, increasing people power and maximizing resources. You’ll want to make sure you find credible organizations that are working to solve the issues in sustainable ways. You’ll also want to be mindful of your schedule and capacity and choose an organization that can allow you to volunteer when you’re able – whether that’s once a week, once a month or during a special event with a team.

See how New Jersey teenager Jashmitha Sappa is working to keep batteries out of landfills.

Donate to a Nonprofit Taking on Climate Change

Don’t feel you have the time or capacity to volunteer? You can always

make a difference with your dollar

. As you research organizations working to tackle climate change, consider donating to these causes. Besides helping these organizations to thrive, you can also support ongoing research on climate change and the environment through your donations. Check our Points of Light’s free digital magazine,

Civic Life Today: Donate

, to learn more about how to vet each organization you consider to ensure that donor money is being spent wisely and the organization is actively working to advance the cause. Whether you provide a one-time or recurring donation, your funds can help make a huge impact on the issues. Nonprofits in particular rely on donations to sustain their mission. Donors are what help these organizations pay their staff, resource their volunteer projects and keep moving forward with their crucial work. Through contributing money, services or goods, you can support the welfare of others and help advocate for a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future.

Contact Your Representatives to Voice Your Concerns

How else can you combat climate change and work towards a healthier, brighter future for the planet? Since many of the sources causing environmental harm today come from large corporations and well-established systems, changes in political leadership and agendas are necessary to see large-scale improvements. As an individual, you can

use your voice

to make your concerns known to your local and national leaders. Contact your legislative representatives, be mindful of who you’re

voting

for and what their stances are on environmental issues, sign petitions for action on climate change and even consider reaching out to local officials or leaders in your schools or workplaces to introduce green solutions to these spaces.

Read about Bank of America employee Beth Hartnett’s sustainability journey, including cultivation of a community garden in her coastal New England town.

Take Steps Toward Sustainability in Your Own Life

With a little effort, you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute toward solving climate change. Start by assessing your own carbon footprint with a

helpful calculator

. Then find ways to cut back on activities that are contributing to harmful emissions. Perhaps you make a plan with your family or roommates to be more mindful of water usage and energy consumption. Maybe you opt for walking, biking or public transit instead of driving everywhere – or consider carpooling with coworkers and friends.

Purchase

sustainable goods and be mindful of waste. Set up recycling or composting protocols in your home or workplace. Reduce your use of single-use plastics. There are myriad ways you can take small, daily actions to begin reducing your own carbon footprint.

Want to keep diving? Take a look at these topics to find out how you can leverage our research to take civic action in your own community:

Hands On Atlanta Focuses on Volunteer Appreciation and Fundraising for Global Volunteer Month

As

Global Volunteer Month

moves along, making ripples of impact in communities around the world through volunteer efforts, we’re highlighting a few

Points of Light Global Network

affiliates who are positively impacting their communities through volunteer appreciation and other pathways to doing social good. The Points of Light Global Network operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities.

Hands On Atlanta

is a member of the Points of Light Global Network, with a vision for Atlanta to be the most civically engaged and equitable community in the world. Hands On Atlanta mobilizes the Atlanta community to tackle the city’s most pressing needs. We spoke with Tim Adkins, director of marketing and communications at Hands On Atlanta, to talk about the organization’s take on Global Volunteer Month and how they are celebrating it this year.

How is your organization recognizing Global Volunteer Month this year?

This year, we’re celebrating Global Volunteer Month with our

Spring for Service

campaign. On our blog and social channels, we’ll recognize 20 volunteers throughout the month with our Volunteer Spotlights and in addition, we’ll recognize five nonprofit partners. We are also going to use the flurry of global and national days of service to mobilize the community to serve. We are promoting projects on Good Deeds Day, Earth Day, Global Youth Service Day, National Volunteer Week and other local events like 48in48. The third and final piece is a fundraiser, led by a peer-to-peer giving campaign with a goal of raising $130,000.

How are you engaging with volunteers to inspire them to participate in community service activities?

The idea is to recognize individuals and add a call to action to join them. We want to inspire others to volunteer for a big day of service.

What resources or tools are you providing to volunteers to help them get involved in their community?

We regularly share between 25-50 volunteer opportunities a day on our platform. With our software, marketing tools and website, we’ve made finding a project as quick and easy as possible.

What impact has Global Volunteer Month had on your organization and the communities you serve?

Global Volunteer Month is a tool our organization leverages to recognize and mobilize volunteers, while also supporting our spring fundraising efforts. Because we’re a part of a bigger initiative, our bet is that volunteers are more inclined to get involved and act now instead of waiting for another time. For fundraising, we draw a very clear and direct narrative to our work – we use the spotlights to tell the story and the marquee events to share the need.

What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?

Volunteering and service is 100% of our organization’s mission. We don’t exist without our volunteers or

AmeriCorps

members.

Share one success story of a volunteer (or a group of volunteers) in your community who have made a significant impact.

Our Civic Leadership Program is the best example of “service success” at Hands On Atlanta. It’s a pretty competitive process. To qualify, members must have served at least three times in the past year. Then, once accepted, fellows are paired with a nonprofit or school for 10 months, where they host at least one project per month. They recruit volunteers, manage onsite and do all the follow-up and post-project work. They also attend quarterly leadership training workshops led by various community leaders and subject matter experts. The last piece of the program is the fundraising commitment. The program is free for fellows, but we ask they raise $500 for Hands On Atlanta. Last year our Civic Fellows engaged close to 1,000 volunteers to serve over 2,600 hours across 10 different nonprofits and eight schools, raising over $13,000 for Hands On Atlanta. Our fellows go on to do great things, like this volunteer spotlight from former fellow — now Civic Leader —

Capt. Aprille Moore

.

What are some future plans for your organization to continue promoting volunteerism and civic engagement beyond Global Volunteer Month?

We’re looking to engage and recognize volunteers throughout the year, with another large focus and push during Hands On Atlanta Week in October and MLK Day in January.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?

Don’t wait! Dive in, experiment, learn what you like and don’t like, meet different organizations and you’ll find something that works well for you — while doing good along the way. It’ll become a lifestyle and a part of your weekly or monthly routine. You’ll feel good, meet great people, learn about some of the challenges in the community, maybe explore new parts of town you haven’t been to and make a difference every time you serve.

Phillips 66 and UPS Sponsor Global Volunteer Month 2023

It’s Points of Light’s fourth annual

Global Volunteer Month

and this year, our sponsors are continuing to support this month of service with their generosity. Through their contributions, Points of Light is better equipped to celebrate the impact of people who volunteer and engage in civic actions that change the world. Research shows that that 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. To tackle society’s greatest challenges and build a better future, we must engage a wide range of people to make a positive difference in the world. In partnership with Phillips 66, our lead sponsor for Global Volunteer Month 2023, and our supporting sponsor UPS, we’re shining a light on the work they are doing in communities around the globe.

Phillips 66

believes that giving back and investing in community is a critical role they play as a company. Whether it’s through their Good Energy Month in April or year-round, Phillips 66 employees are encouraged and empowered to give their time and talents to improve lives and demonstrate the company values of safety, honor, and commitment. Since 2012, the company has logged 680,000 hours of service from employee volunteers and invested $280 million into local communities. Whether it be education equity, environmental sustainability, social advancement or safety and wellbeing, Phillips 66 is using its resources of capital and people power to advance the causes their employees and communities care about.

At

UPS

, service is in their DNA. The UPS Foundation leverages their company’s people, business assets and philanthropic resources globally to address the systemic inequities and injustice that contribute to poverty and prevent people and communities from thriving. Their vision is to create a more equitable and just world, and their philanthropic approach centers on equity and justice through four focus areas: Health and Humanitarian Relief, Equity and Economic Empowerment, Local Community Engagement and Planet Protection – what they refer to as their HELP pillars. The company is committed to serving 30 million volunteer hours by 2030, and saw 2 million volunteer service hours recorded in 2022 alone, with over 529,000 volunteer hours recorded in underserved Black communities.

The UPS Foundation

has invested $120.8 million globally and has planted 22 million trees to date.

As these companies and many others engage employees throughout Global Volunteer Month, it’s important to keep in mind that volunteer recognition helps promote active participation and strengthens ESG programs. If you’re leading a project or team for Global Volunteer Month, consider nominating one of your employee volunteers for the

Daily Point of Light Award

or the

President’s Volunteer Service Award

. And if your organization is looking for volunteer projects to get involved with this Global Volunteer Month, consider partnering with one of our nonprofit affiliates. Points of Light’s

Global Network

is made up of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities.

Ruach Tova Incorporates International Day of Volunteering “Good Deeds Day” for Global Volunteer Month 

Global Volunteer Month

is in full swing, and we’re continuing our series of highlighting some of our

Points of Light Global Network

affiliates who are positively impacting their communities through volunteerism and other pathways to doing social good. The Points of Light Global Network operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities.  

Ruach Tova

, the leading organization in the field of volunteering in Israel, specializing in matching volunteers with organizations. We’re proud of all the work this member of the Points of Light Global Network is doing in Israel and beyond. We spoke with Hannah Wojno, director of the international division of Ruach Tova, to get her unique perspective on Global Volunteer Month and how her organization incorporates their own upcoming event, an international day of volunteering, Good Deeds Day.

How is your organization recognizing Global Volunteer Month this year?

Ruach Tova (“Good Spirit” in Hebrew) celebrates Global Volunteer Month primarily through our event,

Good Deeds Day

, which was created 17 years ago and has gone on to become a global movement of doing good around the world. As the Points of Light Affiliate of Israel, we see Global Volunteer Month as part of the global month of celebrations, like an umbrella of volunteering. In Israel, Good Deeds Day saw 2 million people taking part in hands-on volunteering projects across the country. There were also seven mega-events for the public to celebrate doing good, including entertainment and fun ways to volunteer. One thousand companies volunteered, 250 municipalities engaged their residents, and 10,000 projects were offered to the public via our website. The message this year is: think good, speak good, do good.

What are some of the projects completed through your organization during Global Volunteer Month?

Some examples include establishing community libraries, packaging food, giving aid to underserved populations, working to protect the environment, volunteering for animal welfare, helping seniors in their homes, preparing food for those who needed a hot meal and more. All of these are done under different frameworks – in the neighborhood, through the schools, in the workplaces or through the mobilization of the entire organization, with the participation of entire units of soldiers, policemen, students, trainees of youth movements and private companies.

Are you working with other Points of Light Global Network affiliates on a community project around volunteerism?

Over 20 Points of Light Global Network affiliates are taking part in Good Deeds Day around the globe.

Atados

, in Brazil, carries out projects nationally as part of their strategy to involve more people in volunteering.

Houston Food Bank

will gather 500 volunteers that will involve inspecting, sorting or packing food.

iVolunteer

offers projects around the country. In Delhi, there will be a school renovation project to create better infrastructure and creative learning space for children. They will engage up to 200 employees in a School Refurbishment activity, clocking 600+ volunteering hours. These are just a few examples of organizations we partner with.

How are you engaging with volunteers to inspire them to participate in community service activities?

We run campaigns both online — social media, online news publications — and offline in Israel, through radio, billboards and posters, to encourage volunteers to either sign up for a volunteer project in their community or lead a project with friends, family members or their companies. We also work with hundreds of municipalities in Israel to help them involve people in volunteering.

What resources or tools are you providing to volunteers to help them get involved in their community?

We provide toolkits, branding, seminars, workshops, mentoring, 10,000 projects anyone can sign up for, activation at universities on how to plan projects and more.

How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions during Global Volunteer Month?

There are specific events recognizing the work of volunteers. All of the projects and the entire initiative is focused on the volunteers themselves (instead of the beneficiaries).

What impact has Global Volunteer Month had on your organization and the communities you serve?

It’s had a huge impact. We are breaking records of community involvement and impact, boosting the culture and activation of volunteering in Israel and globally. It’s positioned our organization as the place to go for when you want to volunteer, and the impact on the communities has been the most important. Through the framework they are now engaging in volunteering all year round, bringing communities together and addressing critical issues as a community.

What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?

Volunteerism is the backbone of our mission and objectives. We believe everyone has the power to do good, which is why we specialize in connecting individuals and groups to causes and organizations they’re passionate about, in order to help them to make a difference in the world.

Share one success story of a volunteer (or a group of volunteers) in your community who have made a significant impact.

One woman decided to organize free wedding dresses and fittings for brides due to the high prices of wedding dresses. She is giving out 300 dresses to women who need them by offering a fun day to try on and get fitted for their special day. She opened a bridal shop 10 years ago after her own struggles with the mission to make wedding dress shopping accessible for all. She receives and accepts donations and for her project, volunteers will help arrange the dresses. Some of them come from the school for special education in Kibbutz Hamediya, and the girls from the studio of Beit Shean as well. Girls will come to pick a dress and get it fitted and then return it after the wedding for another person to use.

What are some future plans for your organization to continue promoting volunteerism and civic engagement beyond Global Volunteer Month?

Engaging volunteers is the backbone of our everyday work – we operate a call center divided by region that assists individuals on finding the perfect opportunity for them. We also work with more than 2,000 companies year-round for corporate volunteering.

Can you share any tips or best practices for other organizations looking to recognize Global Volunteer Month?

Just start small or brand one of your current projects as part of Global Volunteer Month.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?

Find the right cause. What is a cause your community needs, that matches both your interests and abilities? Sometimes we want to do something but don’t have the means or connections, while other times we have the means and it matches perfectly with the community needs and our personal passions.

4 Tips to Maximize Your Social Impact This Global Volunteer Month

April is

Global Volunteer Month

and offers the perfect opportunity for you to get more civically engaged in your community and beyond through

volunteering

. This month, we’re highlighting ways you can contribute your time and talent through volunteering, one of the nine elements of

Points of Light’s Civic Circle

®

, a framework for creating social impact that opens the door to doing good in your own community.

Why is Volunteering so Impactful?

Volunteering represents an individual’s ability to choose to lend their time and talent to a cause area they are passionate about in order to advance that cause or help solve a societal issue without concern for personal gain – monetary or otherwise. Although the spirit of volunteerism can be seen in an act as simple as helping a neighbor bring in their groceries, volunteering is an act that is often done in partnership with a nonprofit organization. Most nonprofits rely on their volunteer base to help keep their mission alive and do the greatest level of good for the communities they work with. Volunteers help these organizations save critical financial resources that can then be maximized in other ways for the benefit of the communities served. There are plenty of ways you can volunteer, both with a nonprofit and outside of one. The majority of acts of volunteerism today are typically informal – mowing the lawn of a senior friend or organizing a donation drive for someone who lost their home in a natural disaster.

Points of Light’s research

shows that while 43% of Americans prefer to volunteer with a nonprofit organization, 28% prefer to volunteer with friends or neighbors, without an organization’s involvement.

Create Your Action Plan

You might be passionate about a lot of different cause areas, so narrowing down the one or two areas to which you’d like to contribute your time and talent is the first step.

HandsOn Greater Richmond

has created a helpful

Giving Back Guide

to help guide this initial process of defining where you’d like to focus your energy in volunteering and other ways of supporting the causes you care about. By determining your top values and issue areas, exploring the issues to get educated on what initiatives currently exist and considering your specific skill set, you can make a more strategic decision about how, when and where to volunteer.

Research Volunteer Opportunities

Next, you’ll want to find volunteer opportunities in your community – or beyond – that align with the causes you defined in your action plan.

Points of Light Engage

is a great place to start. This global database features hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the world just waiting for the right volunteer to step up. You have the ability to search and filter opportunities based on location and even look for virtual opportunities if you’d like to volunteer from home. You can also contact nonprofit organizations in your area to see what their needs are and how you can best contribute. Reaching out through a phone call or email can help you make connections with the organizations advocating for the social issues you care about and even if they don’t currently need volunteers, they may be able to help point you in another direction so you can start contributing to the cause.

“Volunteering doesn’t just mean dedicating your whole life. Just a note. Just a phone call. Just appreciating someone who’s around you. You yourself can step into someone’s shoes, feel their pain and help improve their lives. Volunteering can start with shaking someone’s hand or patting someone on the back, all the way to going on mission trips or donating every month. Volunteering is a blessing. When you give, you receive. You receive an abundance of peace, happiness and improved outlook on life.” — Daily Point of Light Honoree NISHA MANDANI

Start Small and Work Your Way Up

You don’t need to tackle every cause area or take on hours of volunteer work per week to start making a difference. Often, the best way to begin is by completing a one-time volunteer project.  Then, you can get a feel for the organization and for the type of work you’re doing to see if it’s a good fit. If you have the capacity, committing to a regular volunteer schedule once a week or once a month is a smart next step. Don’t try to take on too much too quickly – this can result in compassion fatigue and

burnout

. While volunteering is always needed in our communities, the most effective and impactful volunteerism is achieved by those who maintain a healthy sense of balance and continue to prioritize self care throughout their work.

“There’s nothing magic about it. If you have that volunteer itch, scratch it! It doesn’t matter what cause it is. Volunteering is so rewarding. It’s something special — it’s so authentic and it comes from a great place, which is an individual’s heart. You should never think any volunteer opportunity is too small. It can grow into something huge.” — Daily Point of Light Honoree ALEX BROWN

Check Out Global Volunteer Month Resources

The tips above cover some ways you can get started with volunteering now and at any time of year. For more ideas on planning an initiative or event for Global Volunteer Month, check out Points of Light’s

Global Volunteer Month toolkits

. These resources are full of inspiration on creating and leading successful social impact initiatives throughout April, including communication techniques, ideas for recognition and even logos you can use on social media. There are four different toolkits tailored to various audiences – nonprofits, companies, government officials and individuals. Download the toolkit that’s applicable for you to get fresh ideas on how to celebrate volunteerism this month.

Want to explore more? Check out these additional resources:

  • How to Volunteer: One Microstep at a Time: This article covers more tips for getting in the right mindset and taking small steps toward making volunteering part of your lifestyle.
  • How Physical Volunteering Can Engage Employees Coming Back to Work: this article discusses the ways that volunteering can help promote employee engagement in for-profit organizations.
  • Charity Navigator: you can vet the nonprofit organizations you’re considering to see how their mission aligns with your values, what their impact has been and how their funds are distributed, making you a more informed participant as you begin to volunteer.
  • Points of Light’s Corporate Services & Solutions: if you’re managing a CSR program or attempting to launch an employee engagement program, partnering with a nonprofit can help. Points of Light has a team of experts with best-in-class tools, frameworks and customized support to help establish or refine your initiatives.

HandsOn NWNC Focuses on Volunteer Recognition During Global Volunteer Month

April is

Global Volunteer Month

, and we’re highlighting a few

Points of Light Global Network

affiliates who are positively impacting their communities through volunteerism and other pathways to doing social good. The Points of Light Global Network operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities.

HandsOn NWNC

, a member of the Points of Light Global Network, mobilizes the people and organizations that inspire community change in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties in North Carolina. HandsOn NWNC envisions a Northwest North Carolina where citizens and nonprofits are equipped and engaged in creating thriving, healthy communities. We spoke with Amy Lytle, executive director at HandsOn NWNC, to get her thoughts on Global Volunteer Month and how the organization supports its volunteers to take action and increase social good. She shared why volunteer recognition and other ways of engaging volunteers is so important.

How is your organization recognizing Global Volunteer Month this year?

Our largest event of the year is the Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, where we recognize the “best of the best” volunteers in our area at a 250 to 300 person breakfast that draws a wide variety of community leaders. This year, we’re holding the breakfast on May 2, but we profile all of our two dozen nominees in social media posts leading up the event.

How are you engaging with volunteers to inspire them to participate in community service activities?

The

Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

(GVSA) are our primary method of volunteer recognition efforts, and of inspiring other volunteers to serve. We also make sure to give out

The President’s Volunteer Service Award

(PVSA) to any GVSA nominee that qualifies. Additionally, we run our

Project Blueprint

program, which engages BIPOC community leaders in board service (and which includes a program stipend for professional development.)

What resources or tools are you providing to volunteers to help them get involved in their community?

We run

GetConnected

, our online volunteer matching portal. And we publish a quarterly Volunteer Connection e-newsletter that highlights a variety of engagement opportunities. We also provide ongoing

board training classes

in addition to Project Blueprint.

What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?

Volunteerism is at the heart of why we exist. We have an active and engaged board of directors. The Program and Marketing committee of our board also serves as the core of the selection committee for our GVSA awards as well as our competitive, stipended programs. We constantly seek to engage new audiences in volunteerism, whether it be youth (we just recently laid down a Youth Engagement Coalition, but it had been very active during the pandemic) or corporate, or the more rural/ex-urban parts of our service area.

Share one success story of a volunteer (or a group of volunteers) in your community who have made a significant impact.

Lots of our “best” volunteer stories have been recognized as

Daily Point of Light honorees

, including

Rosa Johnson

and

Karl Yena

. In the past, Points of Light has made it easy for us to submit our GVSA winners each year for DPOL consideration.

Sarina Horner

, another outstanding volunteer, was the driver behind our Youth Engagement Coalition and served on our board for two years while she was in high school, and has changed local public transport policies to make relying on the bus easier for families who need it to buy groceries:

What are some future plans for your organization to continue promoting volunteerism and civic engagement beyond Global Volunteer Month?

We also promote volunteerism around our large, established MLK Day of Service Read-In event, and we’ve put together a Civic Circle presentation that we’ve done for our local Chamber’s HR roundtable as well as local conferences for a variety of audiences. We hope to continue to do similar presentations to civic and church groups in the future.

Can you share any tips or best practices for other organizations looking to recognize Global Volunteer Month?

Just do it! Try to tie your local, pre-existing efforts into GVM and the Civic Circle to widen your story and generate press coverage.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?

Give us a call, check out our website and think about the causes and issues you most care about. As the Indigo Girls said, “If I’ve got a care in the world, I’ve got a gift to give.”

CSR Awards to Benefit Your Company’s Reputation and Attract Top Talent

If your company has successful corporate citizenship and social impact programs, it needs to be recognized! External recognition can enhance your reputation, attract the best talent, and foster a robust company culture. Not sure where to start? Check out the list of CSR awards below!

CSR Awards

D&AD IMPACT AWARDS

DEADLINE: March 15, 2023.

View the 2022 honorees here

. The

D&AD Awards

gather the world’s best creative work from across the commercial design, advertising, production and craft disciplines to be judged by more than 400 global creative leaders, practitioners and innovators. Their categories span the full spectrum of disciplines, including social good with “Impact” and “Future Impact” awards.

THE CIVIC 50

DEADLINE: March 17, 2023.

View the 2022 honorees here

.

The Civic 50

, an initiative of Points of Light, recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation each year as determined by an annual survey administered by True Impact. The Civic 50 honorees are selected based on the four dimensions of their community engagement and social impact programs: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.

BCCCC’S CORPORATE CITIZEN INNOVATION AWARDS

DEADLINE: March 24, 2023.

View the 2022 honorees here

. The

Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship Innovation Awards

honor and celebrate the achievements of forward-thinking companies and individuals that have applied the assets of their business to create positive social and/or environmental impacts. Categories include: Social Impact Change Maker, Transformative Partnership, Eco Innovator and Innovation Amplifier.

ACCP’S PURPOSE AWARDS

DEADLINE: Will open Spring 2023.

View previous honorees here

. Every year, through the

Purpose Awards

, ACCP acknowledges and celebrates corporate citizenship professionals who serve as beacons of excellence in their field. ACCP recognizes individuals each year with the following designations: Champion for Change, Trailblazer, Rising Star and, new for 2023, Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year.

P3 IMPACT AWARD

DEADLINE: April 7, 2023.

View previous honorees here

. The

P3 Impact Award

was created by

Concordia

, the

University of Virginia Darden School Institute for Business in Society

, and the

U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Partnerships

to recognize and honor leading public-private partnerships (P3s) that improve communities and the world. Inaugurated in 2014, the award seeks to highlight leading practices and actionable insights in the P3 arena.

D CEO AND COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS

DEADLINE: April 14, 2023.

View previous honorees here

. Through the

Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards

, D CEO and Communities Foundation of Texas, are proud to honor professionals and organizations in the Dallas Fort Worth area from the nonprofit world that make a positive and efficient impact on the community, while celebrating the efforts of corporations and business leaders that support and collaborate with local nonprofits.

FAST COMPANY BRANDS THAT MATTER

DEADLINE: April 14, 2023.

View the 2022 honorees here

. Fast Company’s

Brands That Matter

showcases brands that communicate and demonstrate brand purpose. Brands That Matter honorees don’t just recite corporate vision statements or management talking points; they have achieved relevance through cultural impact and social engagement, and their branding authentically communicates a brand’s current mission and ideals. Brands from around the world—including the largest multinational conglomerates and small-but-mighty companies—are encouraged to apply.

GLOBAL GOODS AWARDS

DEADLINE: April 21, 2023.

View previous honorees here

. The

Global Goods Awards

reward businesses, NGOs, charities and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes around the world, that are blazing the trail for purpose-driven sustainability and ethical leadership. They recognize leaders who are achieving practical, real-world impact that is both scalable and replicable – and who have inspiring stories to tell.

CATALYST AWARD

DEADLINE: May 12, 2023.

View previous honorees here

. The

Catalyst Award

is the premier recognition of organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that drive representation and inclusion for women.

REUTERS EVENTS RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARDS

DEADLINE: June 30, 2023

Reuters Events Responsible Business Awards

are the world’s leading awards celebrating leadership in sustainable business. It’s more than acknowledging excellent sustainability strategies. The Responsible Business Awards recognize those that are truly having an impact on business, society and the environment – delivering a new blueprint for business in the 21st Century.

FAST COMPANY MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES

DEADLINE: Not yet announced; likely in September 2023.

View the 2023 honorees here

. Since 2008, Fast Company’s

Most Innovative Companies

has been the definitive source for recognizing the organizations that are transforming industries and shaping society. Last year, Fast Company recognized more than 400 organizations with this prestigious honor, from the largest companies in the world to small startups with just a few employees. With innovation more important than ever this year, Fast Company is looking forward to recognizing the organizations that are moving the world forward. Categories include: corporate social responsibility and social good, among many others.

THE DRUM AWARDS FOR SOCIAL PURPOSE

DEADLINE: Not yet announced; likely in October 2023. The

Drum Awards for Social Purpose

celebrate the people and brands, making a positive contribution through responsible marketing. These awards are truly global, and open to teams and companies from anywhere in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa or the Americas.

ENGAGE FOR GOOD’S HALO AWARDS

Register

here

to be alerted when the submission period opens again (December 2023).

View the 2023 honorees here

. The

Halo Awards

are one of North America’s highest honor for corporate social initiatives and cause marketing and showcase successful consumer engagement and employee engagement efforts. These CSR, cause marketing and corporate social impact awards focus on initiatives in which brand purpose and social impact intersect to help build a better world and the bottom line.

THE US CHAMBER FOUNDATION’S CITIZEN’S AWARD

DEADLINE: Not yet announced.

View previous honorees here

. The

U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Citizen’s Award

recognize the most innovative and impactful corporate citizenship programs from businesses, chambers, and associations of all sizes. Any business entity may nominate itself, or a third party may also nominate a business, Chamber of Commerce, or trade association.

RAGAN AND PR DAILY’s CSR & DIVERSITY AWARDS

DEADLINE: Currently closed for 2023.

View the 2022 honorees here

. Ragan and PR Daily’s annual

CSR & Diversity Awards

recognize the influential communications work that has been instrumental in positively impacting communities, whether internally, locally or globally.

3BL MEDIA’S RESPONSIBLE CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

DEADLINE: Currently closed for 2023. View

previous honorees here

and the

2022 announcement here

. 3BL Media’s

Responsible CEO of the Year Awards

recognize chief executives with proven records of bold and innovative leadership on environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.

Other CSR Awards and Rankings: