It’s a new year, a new decade with a new sense of purpose. I, like so many of us, feel refreshed and excited for all that lies ahead of us. As we move into a new decade, we’re seeing more people than ever before getting involved and the multiplying effect of the positive change they’re making.
As a society – despite what the headlines might portray – we’re more connected to each other than ever before. We largely have instant access to information, and to each other. Because of this constant connection, we’re reminded all the time that we have so much in common, despite the miles or borders or oceans that may separate us, and that people are always looking to lead and to bring about change.
We see a
in Greta Thunberg, who was named Time’s Person of the Year. In her we see a part of the next generation, ready to get involved. We see celebrities taking a stand, but more importantly, taking action. For example, Shakira splits her time performing on stages around the world, (including next month’s Super Bowl) and building
. By using her voice, time and resources to really make change, hopefully we’re inspired to help in our own communities, too.
Every day, people are changing our world for good. But the reality is, unlike Greta and Shakira, most of them don’t make the news.
There are teenagers like Crystal Chan, who, as a senior in high school, started a nonprofit organization called
to help first-generation American students explore job options and gain access to opportunities to help them build fulfilling careers. Your circumstances today don’t define your tomorrow and Crystal is certainly proving that!
.
Liam Hannon is another inspirational change-maker. At just 10 years old, he started making lunch for homeless men and women in his native Cambridge, Massachusetts, turning it into an operation called
.
Naveen Prathapeneni, from Hyderabad, Telangana, in India, works as a cloud solution architect with IBM India and also supports rural education. He holds STEM workshops, mentors high school and college students, and has developed a mobile application to help small-scale farming businesses.
.
At Points of Light, we want to continue to uplift and celebrate these kinds of stories – because, as a society, what we celebrate reflects what we value. This year, in addition to National Volunteer Week, we are going to expand our celebration worldwide and will
throughout the month of April.
We see this as an opportunity to expand our collective work, joining in celebration with the affiliates, corporate partners and others who’ve helped us along the way. We’re going to highlight the work that is done all year long and that makes our communities and our world stronger, better, and even more full of light and promise.
Will you join us?
; we may highlight them during Global Volunteer Month. We can’t wait to see your submissions and to hear your stories!
Natalye Paquin was the president and chief executive officer of Points of Light from 2017–2022.
She is a visionary and results-oriented leader, with more than 20 years of experience providing strategic, operations and fiscal leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors.
20 Easy Ways to Make a Difference in 2020
New Year’s resolutions offer us a chance to take inventory and identify the areas of our life where we want to make a change. Resolutions tend to be personal: getting healthy, maintaining or building relationships, handling our finances, etc. But there is one resolution that can help in all areas of life: getting involved in your community!
Volunteering and giving back have a positive effect on your mental and physical health, help you build connections and strengthen your community. If you’re looking for ways to make a difference this year, here are some easy ways you can start.
If You’ve Got More Free Time
If you’re someone who likes to spend their weekends doing hands-on work, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for you! Whether you enjoy physical activity, organizing books, or hanging out with animals, you can find a volunteer project that fits your skills.
1. Put A Warm Meal On Someone’s Table
Nearly 9 million seniors in America face the threat of hunger, and many live alone facing feelings of loneliness and isolation. By volunteering with
are being created with social impact in mind – with missions that tackle local and global issues such as alleviating hunger, improving access to quality education, building financial literacy and economic equality, and combatting climate change.
3. Make The Lorax Proud
Pitch in to help preserve America’s natural and cultural resources by volunteering at a state or national park! If you’re a history buff or a naturalist, or just love being in the great outdoors, you can explore opportunities to work at fascinating historical sites and public lands maintained by the
also let you raise money for your favorite charity, giving back with every mile you run or walk.
5. Give Some Love to Animals in Need
Shelter animals need your support to feel loved while they wait for a forever home. You can volunteer with your animal shelter to play, walk, and bathe animals so they’re ready to be take in by a loving family!
6. Put Your Dewey Decimal Knowledge to The Test
Libraries typically need help organizing shelves and assisting patrons, and you may also be of help setting up and running public events, such as author signings and book fairs. Have some marketing skills? Ask your local library if you can help design flyers or copy edit ads, and put that experience on your resume!
7. Put Me In, Coach
After-school or summertime sport camps offer kids to the opportunity to have a lot of fun while learning important life skills. If you have a passion for a particular sport, become a coach to help kids nurture their skills and build confidence. Check your local government’s parks and recreation website to learn more about getting involved with youth sports leagues.
, an organization that connects public high school students with professionals in fields they are interested in. Your mentorship could help an at-risk student stay in school and eventually graduate.
allows nonprofits to post openings for board positions, often based on areas of expertise like marketing, real estate development and more, so you can share your specific gift with those who need it.
If You Need A Little More Flexibility
Not everyone has a ton of free time to spare and that’s OK! There are plenty of ways to get involved if you’re busy with other things in your life – or even if you’re the couch and the couch is you.
10. Get the Vote Out
Voting in local and national elections is a great way to make sure you have a say in the laws and policies that affect your community – but there are some people who may need a little help. Whether you’re helping someone figure out how to register or you’re driving people to the polling station, helping others exercise their voting rights is an easy, quick way to ensure everyone’s voice can be heard.
11. But First, a Selfie
This year, save a little space in your social media to advocate for your favorite nonprofit or cause! If they’re having a fundraiser or need volunteers, you can do your part to get the word out. From Facebook fundraisers to online organizing, social networks can be a powerful tool in shining a light on the issues that matter most. If you volunteer, be sure to talk about it on social media. It’s a great way to get the word out about what you’re passionate about!
12. Financial Donation
When you review your budget for the upcoming year, keep in mind things that you are particularly passionate about – what organization or cause sets fire to your heart? Consider setting up a small monthly donation to support that cause over the course of a year.
13. Or Another Kind of Donation
Donation’s don’t have to be strictly financial. You can donate clothes, books, canned goods, and even your hair to various organizations. Contact your local nonprofits, food banks, and blood donor and see what they need.
14. Give an Animal a Home
Shelters are frequently overpopulated with homeless cats and dogs. Don’t have the ability to adopt? Consider fostering an animal from your local shelter, providing them temporary love and comfort until they find their forever home.
15. Collect and Give Box Tops
Box Tops can be found on hundreds of products inside grocery stores. Take the time to look at your groceries for any Box Tops, clip the ones you find and send them to your local school, where they will be collected and turned into cash to support the school.
16. Buy With Purpose
Create change through the places you shop – we call this purchase power! Take a moment to look into the places where you choose to spend your money; by supporting companies that promote and invest in the causes and ethical practices you share, you live your values and help make a difference in the world.
Encourage Others to Get Involved
You don’t have to be the most extroverted person in the room to encourage people to volunteer! Whether it’s friends, families or coworkers, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer together as groups. Teamwork makes the dream work!
17. If You Run A Business
Get your company to partner with a nonprofit or community organization! Studies show millennials are more focused on companies that provide opportunities to give back to the community. Work with your HR team or CSR division to select an organization that relates in some way to the mission and values of your company.
18. If You’re an Employee
Get your office involved in the green movement! Set up a recycling bin in different rooms, use coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam cups, or start your very own compost initiative. Come together with your coworkers to think of little things that can help conserve energy and make the office a little greener.
19. Volunteer With Your Family
Kids and teens have an exceptional view on the world, and often offer some of the most creative solutions. Engaging them in volunteer work is a great way to solve community problems in a unique way – while helping to foster important social and emotional competencies, like empathy and compassion, and develop key 21st-century skills like critical thinking and collaboration. generationOn, our youth and family division, provides DIY project ideas and toolkits to help you get started planning a volunteer activity with the family!
20. Host a Family-Friendly Project
Does your organization host family-friendly volunteer projects? Points of Light and Disney Parks celebrate family volunteerism by rewarding nonprofits and schools in the United States with Disney 1-Day Park Hopper tickets for engaging families in volunteer activities! Learn more about the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program.
“No matter your schedule or time constraints, there are plenty of ways to get involved in 2020. Find what brings out your passion to make the world a better place! Ready to get started? Find volunteer opportunities in your community.
BONUS: If you’re feeling especially bold and want to travel to Japan this summer, you can volunteer at the 2020 Summer Olympics!
Leading with Purpose: What We Learned in 2019 And How Companies Can Prepare for 2020
This year brought us clear indicators of a profound change that is taking place in society and the evolution of the business landscape.
– defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity – redefining the role of business in society. As the year ends, we looked at some of the significant changes in 2019 that will continue impacting corporate social responsibility and employee engagement as we move into 2020.
The UN’s SDGs pass the five-year postmark and progress is not moving fast enough.
It’s been five years since the United Nations unveiled the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of goals and benchmarks for the entire world to unite around to make our planet a better place by the year 2030.
. Climate change appears to be an unstoppable menace that threatens all life on the planet, and humans aren’t doing enough to stop it. Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals remains uneven, and is not moving fast enough to meet the ambitious
, would become one of its greatest allies, and her role is an illustration of the many changes that are coming. Gen Z (those born after 1996) comprised
of the global workforce by 2020.
Gen Z has grown up in a society shaped by discussions around climate change, gender, equality and diversity. In the workplace, Gen Z seeks a career path, and a working lifestyle vastly different from the generations that came before them. They care about a company’s
and gravitate towards companies that are purpose-driven. They want to know their work in some way will have a positive impact on the wider community, not just the business, and place high importance on joining an organization that shares the same values as them and that is proactive in its stance. Companies will have to be prepared to address the need for transparency and openness by acting with honesty and authenticity.
Civil society has become more fragile, volatile and divided.
Civil society saw an increase in duress in 2019. Civicus’
identifies the rise of authoritarian leaders, right-wing populists and anti-rights groups as three of several reasons civil society has become more fragile. With people increasingly getting their news and information from
, it has become harder for people to know what is true and what is false.
These turbulent times will affect how companies operate and might influence their bottom line. As an example, as the most recent quarter drew to a close,
shows that despite the lowering trust in mainstream media and “the system,” one relationship does remain strong and is trending upwards – the trust an employee has in their employer. The report states that “58 percent of general population employees say they look to their employer to be a trustworthy source of information about contentious societal issues.” 76 percent also say they “expect a CEO to take the lead on change.”
SurveyMonkey recently conducted a five-country
on what people expect of business leaders. Half of the respondents said they’ve bought from or boycotted a company because of the social or political views of the company, or the way it does business and/or treats its employees. And in every country surveyed, the majority of consumers want business leaders to stand up for social or political issues they believe in.
There are more activist companies and employees.
According to a report from global communications and marketing firm Weber Shandwick, the
after learning of an agreement the home décor company made to furnish migrant detention centers. These were just but a few of the many employee protests that made headlines.
The core part of a company’s function has evolved from not only being a driver of shareholder wealth but becoming a responsible steward and benefactor in the communities in which they operate – take BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s
as an example. Companies are increasingly putting their brand behind social causes they believe in, and employees are demanding that their employers do more than provide a salary and benefits package.
So, what does all of this mean, and how is it tied together?
All of these waves of change mean it is no longer acceptable for companies to sit on the sidelines of change. At Points of Light, we believe all of us have a role to play in creating a society where it is easy for people to take action.
As we face a new decade filled with changing roles, expectations and immense challenges, companies must engage their people – from their employees, to their suppliers, to their board room – to take action.
By companies investing in community engagement initiatives and making a conscious decision to be active, responsible and thoughtful corporate citizens, companies have the opportunity to not only continue to provide shareholder value, but provide stakeholder value as well.
What will your company do in 2020 to set yourself, your stakeholders and you communities up for success and change in the next decade?
Daniel Elliott contributed to writing this article.
The Power of People to Rewrite a Narrative (In Just One Lifetime)
, and this year’s theme is “Volunteer for an Inclusive Future.” Just a few days ago, on Dec. 1, millions of people recognized World AIDS Day. This year’s theme was “
.” Both days offer a time to pause and reflect on the world as it is, and to envision what it can be.
I’ll take a moment to reflect on and envision the bold aspiration to
end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, community by community
, and share a personal story. In the late 1980s as a young civil rights lawyer, I worked with a lovely gentleman who eventually died from AIDS. He was my boss and I admired him. He was a courageous openly gay male, wicked smart with a wry sense of humor, passionate about our work, and compassionate to all.
In the ’80s and early ’90s, HIV was a death sentence. If you knew someone with HIV, you dreaded its progression to AIDS, and felt helpless as you watched them become ill and lose their sense of self. After my boss’s passing, a group of us channeled our energy and love for him by making a quilt to celebrate his life. Our quilt became a panel in “The Names Project,” which at the time was a way for communities experiencing loss to rally.
What started as a way for friends and families to remember the names of their loved ones who died from AIDS turned into a massive quilt, displayed on the National Mall as a tangible symbol of the human toll of the epidemic. It grew to become a
, and has been deemed an American treasure. More than three decades later, the quilt is still displayed across country as a reminder of the immense impact of AIDS in America, but also as a testament to what can be accomplished when people use their voices and turn their collective effort toward change.
While many people felt hopeless, some were fearless and committed to reverse the inevitable and imminent death trend. It seemed like a tall order. But 40 years later, great progress has been made. Think about it: In just one lifetime, HIV went from a ravaging global epidemic – a guaranteed death sentence with stigma and fear – to a manageable condition that
are living with today.
This happened because, yes, science and medicine made brilliant advances – but also because, globally, people stood up for the ones they loved and a cause they cared about. People pushed for research, for awareness and for education about the condition, both to help prevent its spread and to help the public understand it. Ordinary individuals determined to create change worked tirelessly to make their voices heard.
Today, the scientific community worldwide continues the fight against AIDS. Communities are using the lessons learned from around the world to drive awareness about HIV/AIDS and to fight its stigma. The efforts of those early changemakers are still working, and their impact is growing. They simply would not be denied. It’s the
power of people
in full force, for sure.
It begs an obvious question: What will
you
do to help your community? So, on this International Volunteer Day, is there a local cause that piques your interest or a global issue that stirs you? What I know for sure is that in one lifetime, the narrative can change. And
you
can help rewrite it.
Natalye Paquin was the president and chief executive officer of Points of Light from 2017–2022.
She is a visionary and results-oriented leader, with more than 20 years of experience providing strategic, operations and fiscal leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors.
Meet the Aguirre Family: The First-Ever Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Aguirre family from McAllen, Texas, were announced today on Good Morning America as the first-ever Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Aguirres were surprised live on-air with a special visit from Mickey Mouse and GMA’s Will Reeve, who invited them to a week-long vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, where they will be the guests of honor at a super celebration for Family Volunteer Day. Plus, they received $10,000 for the organization that nominated them, San Juan Diego Catholic Regional High School — and a surprise additional $10,000 for their own nonprofit, Emily’s Meals.
The Aguirres, parents Coni and Rick and daughters Emily and Erica, started their volunteer journey four years ago when a then 6-year-old Emily saw a homeless person for the first time and asked her parents how they could help. That question prompted the family to create Emily’s Meals,
which now provides food to 40 homeless people every day. Learn more about the
, were featured on Good Morning America ahead on an online vote to find the winner.
Today the other finalist families were surprised with the news that Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Bob Chapek — so impressed with their volunteer work — is inviting them all to Walt Disney World Resort, too! In addition, Disney will give each of the families’ organizations $5,000 to continue their important work.
All five families will join Points of Light and Disney parks and resorts around the world in celebrating
on Nov. 18 for more information on Family Volunteer Day global celebrations and how you can join in, and tune into Good Morning America on Friday, Nov. 29, to catch up on all the excitement of the families’ trip to Walt Disney World.
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can
and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events.
Meet the Bell-Wallaces: Finalists for the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Bell-Wallace family from Pickerington, Ohio, were announced this week on Good Morning America as one of the five finalists in the running to be named the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Bell-Wallace family’s volunteer story began 17 years ago when Kevin and Carey Wallace approached
to ask if they could offer a therapeutic horse program for their 4-year-old daughter Morgan, who had been diagnosed with autism. Kevin and Carey were so impressed with Morgan’s progress, they have been dedicated to supporting the program ever since. Morgan’s grandparents, Darlene and George Bell, also joined as volunteers, with Darlene going on to create a new program to help support veterans experiencing PTSD. Now, every event at Dreams on Horseback features the volunteering efforts of all three generations of the Bell-Wallace family!
The Bell-Wallaces were one of thousands of families across the country nominated for the
featured on GMA this week, sharing the stories of their incredible volunteer work, followed by a nationwide online vote starting on Oct. 11 where you will be able to vote for your favorite family!
The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to
on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school that nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community.
Make sure to tune into every day this week to meet the rest of the incredible Top 5 families, and stay tuned for more updates on the competition and details on how you can vote!
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can
and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events.
Meet the Nepolas: Finalists for the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Nepola family from Pembroke Pine, Florida, were announced this week on Good Morning America as one of the five finalists in the running to be named the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Nepolas have volunteered with
since 2015. Parents Justin and Jackie, with daughters Mia and Ava, work tirelessly for the projects they volunteer for, whether they’re building gardens, distributing school supplies or packing meals for families in need. Recently, the family took on two big events as project leaders, Night On The Streets and the Florida AIDS Walk. Due to inclement weather, the two events were rescheduled to the same day and, without hesitation, the Nepolas kept their word to handle both, despite the extra work this would require. This example, and many more like it, shows the family’s dedication to serving their community and making the world a better place!
The Nepolas were one of thousands of families across the country nominated for the
featured on GMA this week, sharing the stories of their incredible volunteer work, followed by a nationwide online vote starting on Oct. 11 where you will be able to vote for your favorite family!
The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to
on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school that nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community.
Make sure to tune into every day this week to meet the rest of the incredible Top 5 families, and stay tuned for more updates on the competition and details on how you can vote!
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can
and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events.
Meet the Jeevanayagams: Finalists for the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Jeevanayagam family from Suwanee, Georgia, were announced today on Good Morning America as one of the five finalists in the running to be named the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Jeevanayagams have been volunteering with
for more than six years. Parents Nicky and Jacob, along with twins Luke and Hannah, exemplify what it means to give back and are always the first to show up whenever there is a need in their community. Including their son, who has autism, in their volunteering work not only provides him with valuable experience, it also helps others see that everyone has the power to make a difference, regardless of ability. The Jeevanayagam family’s volunteer work includes fundraising, organizing events, recruiting new volunteers and leading the way by inspiring others in their community with their commitment to service.
The Jeevanayagams were one of thousands of families across the country nominated for the
featured on GMA this week, sharing the stories of their incredible volunteer work, followed by a nationwide online vote starting on Oct. 11 where you will be able to vote for your favorite family!
The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to
on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school that nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community.
Make sure to tune into every day this week to meet the rest of the incredible Top 5 families, and stay tuned for more updates on the competition and details on how you can vote!
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can
and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events.
Meet the Aguirres: Finalists for the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Aguirre family from McAllen, Texas, were announced today on Good Morning America as one of the five finalists in the running to be named the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Aguirre family’s journey to volunteering began almost five years ago, when daughter Emily noticed a homeless person for the first time outside their local grocery store. Emily had lots of questions about the man and, after her father, Rick, explained that he did not have a home and lived on the streets, she asked if they could give him some food because he looked hungry.
That week, the Aguirres decided that instead of giving up something for Lent, they would instead feed a homeless person every day for the following 40 days … and they have not stopped yet! Today, the
team feeds 40 people every day, rain or shine. They also link individuals experiencing homelessness to numerous local health services, social service agencies, and even help coordinate pet care.
The Aguirres were one of thousands of families across the country nominated for the
.
Now five amazing finalist families will be featured on GMA each day this week sharing the stories of their incredible volunteer work, followed by a nationwide online vote starting on Oct. 11 where you will be able to vote for your favorite family!
The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to
on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school that nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community.
Make sure to tune into GMA every day this week to meet the rest of the incredible Top 5 families, and stay tuned for more updates on the competition and details on how you can vote!
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can
and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events.
Meet the Orlandos: Finalists for the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Orlando family from Castro Valley, California were announced today on Good Morning America as one of the five finalists in the running to be named the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Orlandos volunteer together at
where they organize a clothing closet for children and teenagers entering the foster care system. All of Rendy and Don Orlando’s children were adopted and at one point received a bag of clothing similar to the ones they now help prepare for other children in need. Every one of the Orlando children help in the clothing closet, from the 18-year-old college student who volunteers on her school breaks to the 6-year-old who comes along to help her mom pack the bags. Together the Orlando family truly embodies the spirit of giving back to their community!
The Orlandos were one of thousands of families across the country nominated for the
.
Now five amazing finalist families will be featured on GMA each day this week sharing the stories of their incredible volunteer work, followed by a nationwide online vote starting on Oct. 11 where you will be able to vote for your favorite family!
The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to
on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school that nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community.
Make sure to tune into GMA every day this week to meet the rest of the incredible Top 5 families, and stay tuned for more updates on the competition and details on how you can vote!
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can
