Local Action Leads to Local Impact: It’s Time to Get Out and Vote
With less than 50 days until midterm elections in the United States, there’s rightfully much talk, news and action focused on the senate, house of representatives and governors’ elections.
And while these elections are critical, they are not the only ones that make a difference in our daily lives. Voting in local elections is equally, if not more, important.
Local elections affect our lives in countless ways we might not realize, and it all comes down to our vote.
In Chicago in the 1990s, due to legislation and ambitious school reform efforts, the Mayor of Chicago gained full control of the school district. At the time shifting power from a local elected school board to mayoral or gubernatorial appointees was a novel idea. The impact of one person to appoint a school board whose governing body oversaw a $6 billion budget, education of more than 300,000 students, and the support of 40,000 employees could not be overstated. And that decision came down to who you voted for in the mayoral election.
Whether it’s the school board, investment in infrastructure for clean water, mental health services for our young and old, or creating more green space and parks, local politics impact every neighborhood and every family everywhere.
I often say that systems are reinforced or dismantled one decision at a time. I’ll double down on that and add that government systems are upheld or dismantled one vote at a time, especially those impacted by local elections.
Did you know that a vast majority of city or county coroners are elected? And medical examiners are appointed, usually by another local official. These individuals hold the authority to mark cause of death on a death certificate. Their determinations lead to or prevent individuals seeking greater due process in questionable deaths, and may impact social justice. The system that perpetuates or changes the status quo is decided by your vote.
Have you ever voted on a local or state ballot or referendum? Those questions can sometimes be unclear and confusing – whether intentionally or unintentionally. And the individuals who write those ballot questions are often elected officials, ranging from attorney general, lieutenant governor or the proponent of the bill.
And, of course, there are the more well-known positions like mayor, governor, secretaries of state, district attorneys, judges, sheriffs and others that influence and control our local and state taxes and laws.
Voting is one of the most important civic actions we can take – not just every two or four years, but as often as we are presented an opportunity, particularly when there is a special referendum or in run-off elections. Voting allows us to use our voices to influence issues that impact our daily lives.
Local action leads to local impact. Don’t cede your power to others. Use your voice in your community. Listen and learn more about candidates who want to represent your community.
Use nonpartisan websites like vote.org to find your state and county board of elections, register to vote, learn where your polling location is and more. Register to be a poll worker and contribute to fair and open elections. We all have something to say. Speak loudly with your vote.
Listen to These 9 Podcasts About Civic Engagement
There are many ways to live a full civic life. Today’s post is part of a series that has already covered
, we’re looking at nine podcasts about civic engagement that highlight timely and relevant ways for you to champion social good.
Points of Light’s Civic Circle is a framework designed to demonstrate the various ways that individuals and organizations can lead, lend support and take action for causes they care about. After all, volunteering and donating are important facets of civic life, but doing good comes in many other forms, too. The following list of podcasts* about civic engagement will help you bring all nine elements to life.
*Note: These podcasts may contain mature language or content. Parents and caregivers, we recommend being mindful to listen first, before sharing them with children.
This podcast, brought to you by BBB Wise Giving Alliance Give.org, exists to educate and empower people who are interested in donating responsibly. By showcasing stories of philanthropic leaders, government figures and active donors who have a passion for giving, episodes discuss strategies and tools to help listeners make impactful gifts that stretch far and benefit many.
This episode of the podcast Hidden Brain tackles the idea of “listening and learning” head-on. When we believe we are experts in something, we imagine that we know more than we do. Psychologist Adam Grant discusses what actually happens in the brain when we choose to challenge our own deeply held beliefs.
Green Dreamer is a beautifully produced podcast for those pursuing more environmentally conscious lifestyles. It takes on the concept of capital as a means of expressing deep values
and building a more responsible economy. The podcast features themes of creative transformation as it discusses the deconstruction of harmful economic systems, healing from materialism, addressing global waste and how people can repair their relationship to consumerism.
Each week this podcast interviews a different person with a career in public service to gain insights on why they do what they do. You can hear from U.S. Senators, think tank employees and leaders of advocacy groups on their journeys to public service. If you’re interested in serving in any capacity – whether on your local school board or in national government – this podcast is for you.
This multi-award-winning podcast is sure to move you to action (and possibly tears) with incredible stories of courage and purpose. Finding Humanity takes listeners into the heart of the most complex social and political issues facing our world, featuring global leaders, human rights experts and more. Each season of the podcast zeroes in on a specific realm of advocacy, and the “B Lab Special Series” focuses on people in the business sector who are addressing today’s biggest challenges.
As a United States citizen, one of the most powerful ways to ensure your values are represented in government is to participate in democracy. This nonpartisan podcast examines a different aspect of democratic life each week — from voting to criminal justice to the free press. You might be surprised at what you learn about the origins and issues of these facets of democratic life, as well as what you can do to help build and sustain a healthy democracy.
This riveting podcast highlights impactful people working for social change, including educators, activists, social workers and more. Each guest shares a bit about their personal journey as well as real-life stories from the field. Discussions are honest and bold, with guests leaving listeners tangible tips for getting involved in addressing issues like racism in education, equity in mental health, immigrant rights and responsible crisis intervention.
The Pro Bono Perspectives podcast from nationally-recognized nonprofit Common Impact covers a wide variety of topics, including social impact, CSR, philanthropy, partnerships, climate justice, how companies can take action for racial equity, where pro bono can be a solution for some of society’s biggest challenges and much more. You’ll finish each episode feeling inspired by social impact thought leaders who are creative transformative change in their spheres of influence.
The Fairer Cents podcast is a cheeky, often comedic podcast taking on some serious issues, like the wage and wealth gap, the economics of motherhood and the roots of economic inequality. Whether you’re a woman in the
or simply curious about the role of your money and career on your personal relationships, this is a fantastic podcast to start exploring big themes.
Now you’re equipped with these nine podcasts about civic engagement you can listen to on your next walk around the neighborhood, daily commute or unwind time before bed. If you find one you really love, tag us on social media to let us know! Remember, educating yourself on the issues is just one piece of the puzzle, so be sure to find ways you can
is an opportunity to honor your most outstanding volunteers and recognize the impact they have on the community. This award honors people whose service makes a difference in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action. Here are three reasons you should become an organization that is approved to provide the
President’s Volunteer Service Award to your volunteers.
1. It’s a prestigious award
The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes the United States’ most exceptional volunteers. Each volunteer receives a letter signed by the president that recognizes how their engagement has contributed to solving some of our country’s toughest challenges. That’s a pretty big honor and something that’s a once-in-a-lifetime special moment of recognition!
2. President’s Volunteer Service Awards motivate your volunteers and help with retention
Student Austin Sandel of Benton Central High School in Oxford, Indiana, helped his school become a Certifying Organization.
is a reward in and of itself, but it certainly feels good to be recognized. Your volunteers will appreciate the extra incentive and may be inspired to volunteer with your organization to earn a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Whether they are working towards a
, volunteers may feel motivated to be recognized with this special award. Plus, earning special recognition helps volunteers feel connected to your organization.
Student Austin Sandel of Benton Central High School in Oxford, Indiana, shares, “I helped my rural high school become a Certifying Organization in order to boost opportunities for recognition and provide extra motivation for service and activism among my friends and classmates. Our principal wholeheartedly supports PVSA and now invites any graduate who earns the award to wear their medallion at commencement. As I pursue my college major in music education, I will continue to look for ways to serve.”
3. Being a Certifying Organization gives your organization credibility
An organization that can give out President’s Volunteer Service Awards is called a Certifying Organization. Becoming a Certifying Organization means your organization has been granted authority through an application and review process to give out the President’s Volunteer Service Award to volunteers. Certifying Organizations verify and certify that a volunteer has met the
to receive a President’s Volunteer Service Award and may choose from certificates, pins, coins and medals to award volunteers. The process is simple and takes only about two weeks.
Becoming a Certifying Organization signals to your partner organizations that you are uniquely qualified to honor your exceptional volunteers with this prestigious award. It says to your volunteers that you put a premium on their meaningful contributions to building community and making the world a better place for all.
3 Labor Day Employee Engagement Ideas to Help Busineses Reach CSR Goals
Labor Day is a federal holiday that recognizes the social and economic accomplishments of American workers. It celebrates a proud history that deserves to be remembered and honored. It’s the perfect day for
contributions of their employees. Here are three Labor Day employee engagement ideas to help you reach CSR goals, both big and small.
Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day is officially celebrated on the first Monday of September. Labor activists began advocating for a holiday in the 1880’s. They used their collective
. First recognized among individual states, it was eventually deemed a holiday when Congress passed an act to officially recognize it as such on June 28, 1894.
How COMPANIES Can Support Employees on Labor Day
1. Give Employees the Holiday Off, and Pay Them for It
Provide your employees with a paid holiday. This practice can include just Monday, the actual holiday, but may also include the Friday before the weekend. Not only is observing important historical holidays like this an important part of staying civically engaged and culturally relevant, but it allows your employees time to recharge and come back refreshed, which means better productivity. It’s a win-win proposition.
In some parts of the U.S., this holiday can coincide with the first week or two of school, so many parents will be thankful for the additional time off. Employers can largely prevent burnout by supporting employees with regularly scheduled holidays and time off… and a strict no-work policy on holidays whenever possible.
2. Provide Volunteer Opportunities and/or Volunteer Time Off
Offer a paid volunteer day in addition to the holiday. Many organizations opt to host a company-wide volunteer day on the Thursday or Friday preceding the Labor Day holiday. Work with your
(or multiple activities, if you have employees or different locations.)
Provide clear communication about the volunteer event to your employees in advance so they can plan accordingly. Be sure to share that the time spent volunteering will still be paid. Alternatively, you can provide “volunteer time off,” allowing employees to choose their own volunteer activities. And if you don’t yet have an
in place, now is the time to start mobilizing towards creating one for your next fiscal year.
3. Review Your Internal Systems and Structures to Ensure Adequate Employee Support
It’s a great idea to do an annual audit of your internal processes and policies – and what better time than around the Labor Day holiday? You might choose to begin with an anonymous employee survey you can send out company-wide to gather current data and important feedback about improvements. In fact, we recommend keeping some channels for employee feedback and suggestions open year round. Often, employees are eager and willing to set up their own initiatives or suggest solutions, but only if they feel welcome to speak up.
Examine your current pay structures, benefits packages and recognition programs. How often are you saying “thank you” to your employees through competitive salaries, insurance plans and paid time off, annual bonuses, paid lunches or corporate retreats? This internal audit is also an excellent opportunity to review your diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Where do you stack up among other employers in your industry with training and resources on DEI, as well as providing a safe and inclusive environment for your workers?
Above all, remember that your organization simply wouldn’t exist without your employees. Take this opportunity to celebrate Labor Day in a way that will feel meaningful to your workers. Remembering to thank them not only creates a culture of gratitude, it’s the right thing to do.
Explore Civic Engagement Concepts in Your Classroom This School Year
With school starting across the U.S., educators have the chance to think big when it comes to civic engagement. You are at the forefront of shaping the next generations for a more equitable world, and while you may be somewhat limited in scope based on curriculum, there are ways of incorporating
Work With Administrators to Address Curriculum Gaps or Resource Needs
As you teach certain principles such as equity, diversity or inclusion, and you identify areas that are lacking culturally relevant supporting materials, speak to your administrators. It might help to
. This nonprofit provides educators a curated set of books with LGBTQ characters for either middle or high school students, along with a detailed curriculum for the books, written by experienced English educators and adapted to Common Core State Standards.
Use the Impact of Storytelling to Instill Values in a Memorable Way
Educators know that teaching is not just about relaying information but using proven methods for students to comprehend and retain that information. One of the most potent ways educators can do this is through storytelling. Whether it be through personal stories that are age-appropriate and honor the boundaries of the student-teacher relationship or with illustrations of others who are impacted by the issues you’re teaching about, storytelling can resonate deeply and powerfully with young minds. Relate lessons to current events; have students examine political issues or real-time Supreme Court cases to explore their thoughts and feelings around them.
found out that her eighth-grade English teacher was waiting for a kidney transplant, and discovered that approximately 120,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for life-saving transplants and 22 people die each day while waiting for one, she took matters into her own hands. She started by volunteering with existing organizations before
Look for Opportunities in the Classroom to Demonstrate Concepts Taught
Just like storytelling can help students retain concepts, so too, can relating concepts to daily occurrences happening in the classroom. Try assigning a writing prompt that asks students to identify a need they see in the classroom or among their peers and propose a solution. Perhaps there’s an assignment for students to write anonymous notes of support or encouragement to each other. Whether it be recognizing when students share notebook paper, pencils or food with one another or demonstrating what compassionate and empathetic communication looks like in a conflict among students, you can teach lessons in a practical, relatable and hands-on way that can have a deep impact.
, to foster growth, personality and empathy. During the pandemic, when most learning was happening virtually, Wendy allowed students to spot needs and help meet them. “Some kids felt isolated and frustrated during the pandemic, so one of our student volunteers created a virtual exercise class, and we also hosted online conversations for younger students,” Wendy shared.
As you prepare to teach concepts around inclusivity, empathy and civic engagement in your classroom, you can reference Points of Light’s
, a framework designed to help individuals connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. The Civic Circle represents your unique power as an individual or organization to lead, lend support and take action for causes you care about.
Since a big part of being civically engaged is being informed, we’re offering nine interesting, must-see documentaries that will educate, inspire and stay with you as you continue on your own journey to make the world a better place.
*Note: As these documentaries are capturing real situations and circumstances from across the globe, viewers may find some scenes to be graphic or disturbing. Parents and caregivers, we recommend being mindful to screen these films first before showing them to children.
This incredible documentary has won more than 60 international film festival honors. It challenges each of us to consider whether what we’re contributing could actually be part of a big problem that has developed in the world of philanthropy. With over 200 interviews filmed in 20 countries, the film will empower you to donate your dollars, goods and time more consciously.
When this film was released on Netflix, it became one of the most-viewed documentaries the streaming network had seen. In a world where many people are receiving the bulk of their information via social media, which, unlike credible news media or peer-reviewed publications, isn’t vetted by experts. This film gives some great insight into how this phenomenon is shaping public opinion.
Fashion can be a fun and unique way to express oneself, but “fast fashion” has devastated many critical cause areas, including the environment and workers’ rights. This film documents the lives of real people around the world living in poverty and war-torn areas, who make clothes for the world’s fashion. It will have you thinking twice about doing your research on clothing brands you support and how to spend your dollar in a way that supports sustainable fashion.
This film, narrated by Annette Bening, has garnered accolades too numerous to count. It dives into the nearly six decades of the trials and transformations of this agency through stories from its incredible host country nationals, Peace Corps Volunteers and staff, as well as scholars and journalists.
This fascinating documentary will not only help you understand the concept of social entrepreneurship but also follows the journeys of three Millennial changemakers who are prioritizing meaning and purpose above financial considerations. You’ll finish this film feeling inspired by how entrepreneurial-minded people are using their skills to find creative ways to solve some of the world’s toughest issues.
Tune into this intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis, following his life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism, from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career.
It will leave you feeling empowered in your right to vote in every eligible election and championing the right for all people to vote.
When it comes to the power of one voice to make an impact on an issue or cause area, perhaps few modern people come to mind as vividly as Greta Thunberg. This compelling documentary follows the teenage climate activist from Sweden on her international crusade to get people to listen to scientists about the world’s environmental problems.
Volunteers share their time and talent with organizations working to advance the causes they care about. Volunteering is one of the best ways you can directly support the solutions to any issues that you’re passionate about, but volunteering comes with responsibility too. This documentary illuminates the impact of international volunteering on local communities. If you’re interested in volunteering overseas, you’ll want to watch this first so that you can plan to do so consciously.
Who says that businesses and their employees can’t use their for-profit work as a way to change the world for the better? Real Value is an award-winning economics documentary that interviews top leaders in the world of agriculture, apparel, insurance and biofuel. This inspiring look at what happens when businesses value the planet and its people in the same way as its profit will leave you both informed and inspired to make change in your own workplace and want to support socially-minded businesses too.
With nine documentaries highlighting nine different ways to lead a civically engaged life, we know you’ll find one that speaks to your specific passions and interests. Once you’ve watched,
and the news was sobering. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated in his forward, “As the world faces cascading and interlinked global crises and conflicts, the aspirations set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are in jeopardy.” Some thought leaders suggested that based on current levels of action, attitudes and shifting priorities, we could not reasonably expect to achieve these goals for another 60 years beyond 2030. This expectation must be challenged.
When the SDGs were originally announced in 2015, the business community rallied as champions, including many of Points of Light’s partners. More than 50% of the companies Points of Light supports and partners with signed on to the
, a public commitment to advancing the SDG agenda that asked companies to “…first do business responsibly and then pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges through business innovation and collaboration.”
Since this time, the expectations for companies have only grown. According to Points of Light’s
released in April 2022, 82% of respondents believe companies play a critical role in addressing societal challenges.
So what needs to be done? Points of Light suggests a return to fundamentals. When the SDGs launched, Guterres stated, “It simply is not possible to attain the SDGs without a wide range of people engaged at all stages, at all levels, at all times” and called for increasing community-based engagement for success to be achieved.
For Points of Light, the fundamentals of corporate community engagement are represented by
. Since it was launched in 2012, The Civic 50 has provided a framework for community-based engagement and good corporate citizenship. This framework is broken down into four dimensions: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement. Companies that are building their strategies across these dimensions have better fundamentals and are well positioned to achieve their social impact objectives, including those defined by the SDGs.
Investment: How the company strategically invests its resources in community engagement and social impact activities through volunteerism, financial giving, in-kind contributions, civic engagement and advocacy.
Integration: How the company integrates its community engagement and social impact programs throughout its business functions and interests.
Institutionalization: How the company institutionalizes its community engagement and social impact programs through organizational policies, systems and incentives.
Impact: How the company measures the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs.
. This report not only recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States as determined by the above dimensions, but it also provides a great indicator for the overall state of corporate community engagement.
The data in this year’s report suggest that the challenges of the last two years have dampened some aspects of the community involvement of the country’s best corporate citizens, The Civic 50, and grown other aspects.
Overall corporate giving is down, but contributions as a percentage of revenue are up. In aggregate, companies represented by The Civic 50 contributed a total of $2 billion in cash and $1.8 billion in-kind to societal causes. These figures are not only less from pre-pandemic levels but less than 2021. On the other hand, contributions as a percentage of revenue increased. As the global economy faces headwinds related to inflation and other disrupters, we will continue to pay attention to the impact this has on the critical investment needed in social causes areas.
External volunteering has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, but internal volunteering is higher than ever. Across companies represented by The Civic 50, 22% of employees participated in external volunteering activities and engaged in 5.8 million hours of volunteering, compared to 40% and 10.5 million hours in 2019. What is encouraging is that we are continuing to see high levels of internal volunteering, with 48% of employees participating in activities like employee resource groups, green teams and more. This is up from 33% in 2019 before the pandemic.
One hundred percent of The Civic 50 companies reported significant efforts in integrating their community engagement into business functions. Community engagement is best served when companies share accountability across business functions. This responsibility must extend beyond expected departments, like Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility, and into departments and functions, such as marketing and PR, purchasing and procurement, research and development, sales and more.
Impact measurement is still a challenge. The Civic 50 report showed that even the country’s top corporate citizens are struggling to consistently measure the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs. This challenge was mirrored in The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022, where the report cited that despite some progress, serious data gaps persist in SDG monitoring.
The fundamentals may not be easy, but as The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 shares the outputs and outcomes of the world’s collective efforts, it is important to cross-reference it with reports like The Civic 50, which track the inputs of corporate efforts toward community engagement. The trajectory of business as a societal leader is without question, and we want a promising future for our planet and its people to be without question too.
3 Themes From the 2022 Points Of Light Conference to Support Your Nonprofit’s Impact
yields a wealth of unique opportunities, and a big one is hearing from experts in the nonprofit sector on current issues, innovative ideas and best practices. The 2022 conference hosted a variety of inspiring speakers from nonprofit organizations from around the world offering insightful and educational messages. Here are a few key takeaways for nonprofit leaders that emerged from this year’s stage:
People will engage with what they’re most passionate about.
, but it isn’t always easy. Knowing how to keep the flame alight among your team, your volunteers and your stakeholders is crucial to avoiding fatigue and burnout. This year’s conference theme was “Revitalize. Reimagine. Recommit.” and we featured speakers and sessions that spoke directly to this mission… like Jennifer Taylor, who shared on the topic of “rage giving.” With increasing polarization on the political and social landscapes, now is the time for nonprofits to develop specific strategies that allow people to act on the very causes they feel most strongly about. How can you leverage what you and your stakeholders are most excited, hopeful, frustrated or angry about to sustain your impact?
Listen to the communities you serve to learn what they need.
Intentional listening and learning in the communities you serve allows you to find solutions to the
true
unmet needs of that community, rather than the issues you might
assume
to be the most pressing. In the Opening Plenary, Points of Light CEO Natalye Paquin shared a story about
, an Orlando native. When she chose to voluntarily live alongside the people she was working with who were unhoused, she found that food insecurity was not their greatest unmet need, but hygiene was. This knowledge led her to create Street Team Movement, a nonprofit providing laundry services, haircuts and hygiene products to people experiencing homelessness, offering solutions to the exact needs the community expressed were most urgent.
PEOPLE FEEL significant positive impact from VOLUNTEERING.
Several conference sessions discussed the immense benefits that come from volunteer work – not just to communities, but also to the volunteers themselves. Points of Light
one in four people said a reason they took action was, “I believe it supports my own personal well-being.”
As you engage volunteers in your efforts, keep in mind that they are likely benefitting from this work as much as the communities they serve. Volunteering can
Volunteers are as healthy as non-volunteers who are five years younger.
Volunteering activities on a resume can yield higher employment opportunities.
You can begin to see that this benefit goes beyond the altruistic feelings of spending worthy time in support of social impact. Often, volunteers walk away with new skill sets, relationships and perspectives they may not have the opportunity to gain anywhere else. Framing volunteer work in this way can help organizations to promote greater equity and remember that they are providing mutually-beneficial resources rather than just rescue.
of affiliates from around the world is that the nonprofit sector is teeming with innovative thinkers and creative problem solvers. Nonprofit leaders, what are some insights you’d add to this list?
We’re already gearing up for the 2023 Points of Light Conference in Chicago on June 14-16, 2023, with a special pre-conference day for nonprofit professionals. Sign up to receive updates, and join us next year for another powerful conference.
4 Resources to Get Young Changemakers Engaged This Summer
Leading a civic life isn’t just about lending time and resources as an established adult. It’s also about involving youth, showing them that they, too, can make an impact, regardless of their age.
While young changemakers can stay involved all year long, summertime is prime time for kids to become more civically engaged. After all, school’s out, schedules tend to be more lax and there is ample time to fill with worthwhile activities. Plus, getting involved with causes you care about can be rewarding when done with those you love.
Fortunately, Points of Light has a wealth of resources for youth and families to get involved in their communities. Here are a few to get you started.
, a framework we created to show people that doing good comes in many forms. But have you taken a deep dive into each element of the Civic Circle in our free digital magazine series,
to publish nine unique issues, including interviews and articles from leaders in the field.
Best of all, at the back of each issue you’ll find a special section devoted to Youth and Family, with additional resources to explore. You’ll also discover a Personal Action Plan section, created in partnership with
, for your family members to figure out exactly how they can best leverage their time and talent for a specific cause area.
Find a Volunteer Opportunity
There are hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the world, just waiting for the right volunteer to step up. Some of these opportunities are in person, while others are virtual or a combination of the two. Points of Light offers the world’s largest digital network, allowing you to search for these opportunities in an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
database listing volunteer opportunities—inside and outside of the home—that meet critical needs. You can search for volunteer projects in your local area, or get inspired by what’s happening in other areas and start your own initiative.
, summer is a great opportunity to do so. With a variety of different kinds of projects, from creating a mobile library to cleaning up a local park to collecting old cell phones, there are ample options for kids of all ages.
Each DIY Project guide comes with an overview and a step-by-step guide, including materials and resources needed, as well as helpful tips along the way. Take special note of those “Pre-Project Discussion” questions. They can help you start a rich dialogue with your children that connects the “what” of the project to the “why.”
Celebrate Your Civic Journey
At Points of Light, we’re firm believers in the power of recognition. If your kids have taken the time to learn, grow and get more involved with causes they care about, that’s certainly worth celebrating! This celebration might look like getting ice cream after wrapping up that volunteer day, debriefing with some “wins” after completing your DIY project or maybe something even bigger.
Points of Light’s founder, President George H.W. Bush created the
to honor ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things. If your family knows of someone in your community who is leading and lending support in the volunteer space, nominate them for a Daily Point of Light Award. (Psst – you can also hold your own “award ceremony” as a family, giving each member special recognition for something unique that they brought to your volunteer activity.)
However your family chooses to get engaged, know that you are setting a wonderful example for a life of service. Many nonprofit founders and recipients of the Daily Point of Light Award reflect on how concepts like volunteering and donating were taught early on and became ingrained in them from a young age. The seeds you’re planting today could lead your kids to a more active, civically engaged life for decades to come.
Changemaking in Action: Highlights From The 2022 Youth Summit
was filled with memorable moments, but one that stood out in particular was this year’s Youth Summit. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of what went down… Don’t forget to mark your calendar for June 14-16, 2023 so you can be in attendance at next year’s Conference.
with the day’s Daily Point of Light Award for her efforts in environmental conservation.
“With the right support, young people, you are changing the world,” Natalye said, before handing things off to President and Board Chair of KPMG Foundation Anita Whitehead. Anita introduced the various ways the KPMG Foundation has revitalized its mission and poured funding into equity and diversity efforts, committing millions of dollars to this focus.
, 2021 Time Kid of the Year and Ambassador for Kindness, who spoke about his personal journey and gave helpful advice to any young person looking to make a change.
“Sometimes, I have to admit, it’s not easy seeing a problem so large and figuring out how to go out there and make a big impact on that problem,” shared Orion. “But I think that with a little determination, perseverance, courage and compassion, you can really do anything.”
He encouraged young people who see problems they want to fix to be proactive, reaching out to adults who can help them secure the resources they need to contribute their talents and energy to that issue. He also encouraged adults with resources to support kids with a vision, as the power to change the world lies in this type of collaboration.
Following Orion’s chat with Anita, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council—
—and Generation Amazing Youth Advocate Sayed Alam—joined a moderated panel discussion. Each spoke about their individual civic journeys and shared touching moments from their experiences.
From fostering hope in communities through uplifting words and gestures… to reinforcing the message that we are never alone, but supported… to releasing one’s ego in volunteering and learning to be a team player… these five leaders passed on a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for all the civically engaged youth in attendance. “Embrace the vulnerability of not knowing what you’re doing,” shared Adom Appiah.
One theme highlighted again and again was the importance of listening and learning before acting. Several Points of Light Youth Council members spoke about how their nonprofits or initiatives had changed as the leaders themselves continued to learn and grow.
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun talked about “allowing the experience to evolve” with her – changing what she was doing as she continued to learn more and more, and honoring the people sitting across the table from her, even if she disagreed with them.
Hearing from community members about what would help them most, instead of assuming that they already knew what was most supportive, was illuminating for these leaders. Many times, they made strategic decisions for their volunteer projects or even revamped the structure of their nonprofits based on the feedback they heard from those they were directly working with.
While this year’s Youth Summit featured a powerful group of young leaders, Points of Light is committed to uplifting youth voices every single year at the
Following Orion’s chat with Anita, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council—