Photo courtesy of Atados, a Points of Light Network affiliate.
At the core of Points of Light’s philosophy is a belief that the most powerful force in the world is the individual who has realized their power to do good.
Whether you plug in or tune out, it is hard to avoid the topic of bitterness and division. It is in the headlines, on the nightly news, in our social media feeds and at our family gatherings. Everywhere we look, differences – political, racial, geographical, and otherwise – threaten to divide us. Amidst deep political divisions, heartbreaking displays of hate and intolerance, and a growing distrust of people and institutions, it is critical that we leverage every available opportunity to lift each other up and inspire one another to move beyond this destructive force field.
Instead, consider another power. The incredible power of people – as a force of human kindness.
At the core of our philosophy at Points of Light is a belief that the most powerful force in the world is the individual who has realized their power to do good, and who applies their time, talent, and resources to make a positive difference. I believe that every individual has the power to create change and no act is too small. It is not someone else – it is each of us.
Last month, the world paused to celebrate the life and legacy of our founder and 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush. In the many tributes spoken and written about his life, the primary focus was not on his many professional accomplishments, but on his character and the personal traits that most who knew him experienced and remembered. His friends reminded us of his empathy, respect, desire for people to be kind to one another, and his belief in the power of the human spirit to create positive change. Nearly every friend and leader who spoke about him expressed President Bush’s reference of “a thousand points of light.” It was clear in their reference, and in the president’s own words, that he used this phrase as metaphor to illustrate the multiplying effect of people doing good.
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in Washington, D.C., with nearly 100 corporate partners focused on integrating social purpose into their business strategy, as we came together for the annual meeting of our Corporate Service Council. After a day of connections and exchange, on the first night, a small group took a walking tour of the monuments and paused at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial for a special moment of reflection. Each person received a small book of “Quotations of Martin Luther King Jr.” and took turns reading their favorites aloud.
It was inspiring that so many of our partners extended their day to participate in this moment, despite the snow on a cold January night. Experiencing the monument together provided a brief moment of wholeness and hope. Now, each person has the opportunity to share and discuss that experience with others, whether in their homes, office, and communities around the country, and become multipliers, extending wholeness and hope.
President Bush asked each of us to become a point of light. Dr. King challenged each of us to take an active role in building a better world. Both leaders encouraged us to serve others and live a civic life. Each year on MLK Day of Service, we have the unique opportunity to reflect on the gains we have made, and re-commit ourselves to the work that remains as we strive for a more just society. What is interesting is that our expression of civic life today is complex and evolving. Individuals are leading and lending support to causes they care about through many mechanisms.
Today’s engaged person may express their desire to do good through their purchase decisions, in what they share on social media, or where and how they choose to work, and what non-profit organization to support as a volunteer or donor. Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank, whether with a vote, a voice, or a wallet – doing good comes in many forms. People are still working to achieve many of the same ideals Dr. King fought for in his lifetime. Peace, justice, equality, kindness – and the creation of a “Beloved Community,” a global society built on love for all people.
We are witnessing a significant shift in our civic culture, a revolution against apathy, marked by events and movements that have altered the way we connect with and engage in our communities and our world. If we look at eras of significant change throughout history, each was preceded by a period of disruption. The Industrial Revolution was the transition from hand tools to machine-powered manufacturing, and ushered in the Industrial Age. The Digital Revolution propelled us from analog to digital technology and electronics, and led us into the Information Age.
Where the Industrial Age centered on the rise of the factory system, I believe this new age is an era of civic engagement that is driven by human capital, connections through technology, a force of human kindness, and the extraordinary power of people to create change. When future generations look back on this time, they will see it was an era of sustained, meaningful civic engagement, fueled by a global community of people ready and willing to do good. The dawn of a “Civic Century.”
Each year we experience an astounding pace of advancement in science and technology, pushing humanity to new limits. While we can be certain that technology will continue to change, let’s also know that certain truths remain constant. As Dr. King taught us:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.”
Instead of sipping on stories of bitterness and division, I suggest a new fuel for the new year. Imagine kindness. The super power of people – the multiplying effect of a force of human kindness in the world.
Project Management Day of Service: Finding Innovative Solutions to Nonprofit Challenges
“We rarely have the luxury of spending time on the business with a group of highly skilled professionals,” said Mariana McNeill, executive director of CareerCatchers. Dedicated to empowering the community’s most vulnerable populations through career counseling, mentorship and training programs, Mariana and
participate in the D.C. Regional Project Management Day of Service each year, taking advantage of the unique opportunity to work with project management professionals to solve tough challenges – at no cost. Hosted by
, the marathon-style event falls annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and is designed to help nonprofits find innovative solutions to their most pressing challenges. This year’s event will include 130 project management volunteers who will contribute hours of direct service to more than 30 projects for 25 area nonprofits. Participating this year for the fifth time, CareerCatchers will seek support in creating plans to boost infrastructure development, and improving marketing and communications efforts.
Created in 2014, the Project Management Day of Service started out as a one-day community service event in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. At each event, volunteer project managers help nonprofit leaders to scope and plan projects that allow them to do more to serve their communities. Since its inception, PMDoS events have been launched at locations across the United States and around the world, including Virginia, New York, Georgia, California, Australia and Poland.
For many nonprofits, pro bono project management can be a valuable asset when limited resources prevent smaller organizations from hiring full-time support. Points of Light is proud to partner with Project Management for Change on these events, which helped community-focused nonprofits more effectively manage their resources and give project management professionals the perfect opportunity to give back.
This year’s D.C. event will take place on Jan. 19, and Mariana will once again attend to meet with project management professionals. We spoke with her to learn a little more about her experience with PMDoS over the years, and how the events support CareerCatchers’ success.
Please tell us a little bit about CareerCatchers.
CareerCatchers provides sustained career counseling for more than 500 domestic violence victims, homeless, at-risk youth, previously incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants every year. Since our inception in 2007, we’ve worked with more than 2,100 individuals. Our mission is to ensure stable employment and upward mobility; identify and encourage participation in workplace skills training programs; enhance self-esteem and foster empowerment, primarily through one-on-one counseling as well as Job Clubs, workshops and mentoring/tutoring. The ultimate goal is to support clients as they move from poverty to self-sufficiency. CareerCatcher’s personalized and collaborative approach makes a difference in the community by supporting the most vulnerable residents in obtaining job training and sustainable careers while leveraging other county resources.
What project or need did you bring to the Project Management Day of Service last year? Tell us a little about your experience that day, and how the project management volunteers supported your work.
Last year we came to PMDoS for help with new fundraising ideas. The project managers assigned to us were incredible. After some discussion and collaboration with the subject-matter experts, the notion of establishing a junior executive board was suggested. The concept was fleshed out and one of our project managers, Angel Choi, said she’d like to be a part of the effort. By the time we left the room we had a plan for how to establish a board, how to recruit members, and its major purpose.
What happened after PMDoS? Give us an update on your project, or how your participation in the event helped your organization.
After the PMDoS session last year, the board of directors wholeheartedly supported the formation of a junior executive board. Angel, who had offered to chair the project of starting a board, followed up on her promise. Within a month, a five-member junior executive board was operational. In 2018, the JEB held two fundraising events, and by the end of the year added a CareerCatchers client to their membership. At this point we are working out the relationship between the board of directors, the junior executive board and staff to ensure that the needs and contributions of all stakeholders are met.
What has been the most valuable part of your participation in these PMDoS events?
The ability to take a step away from the day-to-day operations and focus on an aspect of the business that needs attention. The project managers help us articulate the issues and create a framework for coming up with an actionable solution.
Will you be attending the 2019 event? If yes, what do you hope to accomplish this year?
Yes, we will be attending this event. The first project is creating a plan for a steady revenue stream for infrastructure development. The second project is a communications and marketing vehicle that enables us to get our mission out to our target audience and increases individual donations.
What advice would you give to other organizations that are in need of project management support?
Come to PMDoS with your organization’s pressing issues!
Project Management Day of Service: Helping Nonprofits Tackle Their Most Difficult Challenges, One Project at a Time
Inspired to help local nonprofit organizations reach their full potential, Gary Vaughan volunteers his time and project management skills to create actionable project plans during the annual D.C. Regional Project Management Day of Service. Hosted by
, the event falls annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, and over 130 volunteers will contribute hours of direct service to more than 25 area nonprofits and 30 projects. A senior IT adviser with the Bureau of Information Resource Management at the State Department, Gary brings years of experience to the PMDoS marathon-style event. Now in his fourth year as a volunteer, he is helping under-resourced nonprofit leaders address their most difficult challenges at no cost, one project at a time.
Created in 2014, the Project Management Day of Service started out as a one-day community service event in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. At each event, volunteer project managers help nonprofit leaders to scope and plan projects that allow them to do more to serve their communities. Since its inception, PMDoS events have been launched at locations across the United States and around the world, including Virginia, New York, Georgia, California, Australia and Poland.
For many nonprofits, pro bono project management can be a valuable asset when limited resources prevent smaller organizations from hiring full-time support. Points of Light is proud to partner with Project Management for Change on these events, which helps community-focused nonprofits more effectively manage their resources and gives project management professionals the perfect opportunity to give back.
This year’s D.C. event will take place on Jan. 19, and Gary will once again volunteer his time to support nonprofits in his local community. We spoke with him to learn a little more about his involvement with PMDoS over the years, and what inspires him to give back.
How did you become involved with DC Project Management Day of Service, and how many times have you participated?
I have been an active member of the D.C. chapter of the Project Management Institute, which was a key initial founder of the day of service. I was attracted by the mission to help D.C.-area nonprofits, and the events also offer an opportunity to hone my project management skills in the “real world,” outside of the office. This year, I will have participated in the Project Management Day of Service for four years, including the upcoming event this month.
Tell us a little about your experience with PMDoS over the years, and your role at the event.
I have been a volunteer both on regular project management teams in addition to serving as a roving IT expert where I helped various teams. The most memorable event was one where our team coached a small international nonprofit in developing a plan for an internal, online human resources system.
What has been the most rewarding part of your participation in these PMDoS events?
It’s a great opportunity to meet not only members of the nonprofit community, but to interact with fellow project managers. I have also enjoyed talking with representatives of sponsoring organizations that exhibit at the event.
Why is an event like Project Management Day of Service so important, not only for the nonprofit sector but also for the project management volunteers who give their time? What keeps you coming back year after year?
I think that the one-day format is very pragmatic in making efficient use of time for nonprofits and volunteer project managers. We all tend to leave the event with a sense of accomplishment! It seems that every time that I participate, I learn something new about the practical and applied world of project management.
What advice would you give to nonprofit organization that are in need of project management support?
They should consider applying to participate in a Project Management Day of Service. I have already recommended it to a few nonprofits in my area. It is a great way for an organization that is lean on resources to get free stock-taking and planning all in one fell swoop. Taproot Foundation also offers some helpful, pro bono project management support for nonprofits.
Why is it important for others to get involved and make a difference in their community?
Nonprofits are essential partners in supporting our community, but are often short on budget and long on needs for funds and organizational support. My sense is that PMDoS provides a great way to match up organizations’ needs and the skills and good will of local project managers.
In addition to PMDoS, do you volunteer in any other capacity (as a project manager, or otherwise)?
I have volunteered as a project manager with Taproot Foundation, both to head a team on a long-term project to develop a WordPress website for a D.C.-area nonprofit that helps new immigrants, in addition to volunteering to assist nonprofits during a half-day workshop. In the past through the Project Management Institute, I also mentored graduate students in George Washington University’s project management program.
Creating a Caring Community for Volunteers of All Ages
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” HandsOn Hong Kong, a Points of Light Network affiliate, brings to life these words from Helen Keller – tackling their most pressing social needs by mobilizing and empowering every member of their community to make a difference through volunteer service.
Since its founding in 2007,
has been working to create service opportunities for every cause and volunteer. Whatever your passion may be, HandsOn Hong Kong makes it easy to search its inclusive volunteer calendar to find service projects for people of all ages. From homelessness, refugee and asylum seeker support, to disability inclusion and food insecurity, the organization is turning every day of the week into an opportunity for individuals and families to give back.
The organization is dedicated to making volunteering more accessible and rewarding in Hong Kong, where research shows that finding new family-friendly volunteer opportunities often feels limited, according to
. According to Catherine Dannaoui, head of communications for HandsOn Hong Kong, it is common for charities to prefer adults over children due to assumed physical limitations. The organization is combatting this misconception by pouring more resources and energy into their affiliates’ understanding of the power of family volunteering. With support from The Walt Disney Company, they give awareness talks and share family volunteering opportunities with schools across the community.
“Our youth are the future stewards of the city,” said Catherine. “If we don’t instill in them this stewardship of service, we can’t move forward. We want them to be the next generation of volunteers, and we want family volunteering to be important everywhere.”
Volunteers have responded with great support, especially on Family Volunteer Day — a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to improve their communities and neighborhoods. This year, HandsOn Hong Kong led four Family Volunteer Day projects. At their biggest event at Kennedy School in Pokfulam, 180 volunteers upcycled unwanted materials like T-shirts into mats, keychains, potholders, coasters and a large community rug. The textile industry is the second biggest contributor to pollution in Hong Kong, and unwanted materials usually end up in overly populated landfills; thanks to HandsOn Hong Kong, these materials were turned into usable items that were donated to community centers and senior centers.
Each year, HandsOn Hong Kong engages more than 47,000 volunteers, and runs more than 100 volunteer programs each month. It works alongside nonprofit partners and community-minded corporations to create a caring community that gives its time and talent to transform Hong Kong. Opportunities to volunteer with the organization are many and varied, but key family-friendly programs are central to its work.
ImpactHK, is a nonprofit that HandsOn Hong Kong supports with volunteers almost every day of the year. Its mission is to support Hong Kong’s homeless through kindness with the aim of giving them a true second chance — the first step is to reach out to them through “kindness walks.” Every day of the week, up to 10 volunteers hand out water and snacks, and encourage homeless people to go to their local community center to start a plan towards reintegration into society. Volunteers are able to build trust, which is a pivotal step in helping homeless citizens navigate a path towards rehabilitation.
HandsOn Hong Kong also equips volunteers to give back to the elderly. In Hong Kong, one in three people over the age of 65 live in poverty and become more susceptible to depression, anxiety and loneliness. During the winter season, HandsOn Hong Kong connects volunteers with struggling elderly populations through its signature Soup for the Elderly program, spreading warmth and love to seniors through home visits and soup deliveries.
In addition to working alongside community volunteers and nonprofits, HandsOn Hong Kong helps corporations engage in service opportunities through custom volunteer programs. For example, the organization assists L’Oreal Paris with its annual Citizen Day program, a day-long volunteering event across the globe, by bringing numerous service projects in Hong Kong to life. They also connect employees from Fossil Group to schools where they takeover a school for a day and lead art workshops, create hygiene products and other educational activities.
And each year on International Volunteer Day, HandsOn Hong Kong hosts a breakfast to celebrate their volunteers’ efforts, share their values and promote their work among their community. The organization is raising awareness of Hong Kong’s pressing social needs – and ensuring inclusive access to volunteer opportunities, so everyone can take part in improving their community.
“We will do everything we can to empower and equip our community members with the skills they need to be lifted up and succeed,” said Catherine. “We will continue to support every kind of cause you can imagine.”
19 Everyday Ways You Can Make a Difference in 2019
Why not add volunteering to your New Year’s resolution list? The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to start volunteering, or to find new ways to make a difference in your community. Not only does volunteering connect you to the people closest to you and to others in your community, it can also improve personal health and happiness levels. Giving back can be as big or small a commitment as your time allows, but it’s always time worth spending. Here are everyday ways you can start making a difference this year:
Give What You Can
1. Run or Walk for a Good Cause
There are races, walks and fun runs for almost every cause imaginable. Visit Active for lists of charity walks near you, or Running in the USA for local races. Mobile apps like Charity Miles also let you raise money for your favorite charity, giving back with every mile you run or walk
2. Donate Your Hair
Help bring confidence and smiles to children who are suffering from hair loss, whether from alopecia, chemotherapy, or other conditions. Grow out your hair for a new look, then donate inches to Locks of Love.
3. Save Your Coins
Children do it, and so can adults! Having a jar to collect loose pocket change and coins can add up into an unexpected sum of money in time. After a few months, count your savings and donate it to your favorite charity.
4. Give Blood
A decision to donate your blood has the potential to save a life, or even several when your blood is separated for patients with specific conditions. Connect with your local blood bank or the American Red Cross to find out how to donate in your community.
5. Donate Electronics, Furniture and Household Items
Companies like eBay are making it easy to give back. By selling old or unwanted electronics and household items, the eBay for Charity program connects users with their favorite charities with the option to donate proceeds from any sale to a cause that matters most to you.
6. Find a New Home for Old Books
Want to clear your bookshelf to make room for new purchases, or declutter your home? You can give your books a new home while helping others by donating them to a local school, library, or literacy organization. Or, consider creating a Little Free Library in your neighborhood!
7. Make the Most of Spring Cleaning
Now is the perfect time to clean out your home and simplify. Any clothing or household items you no longer need can be donated to a local charity. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and the Salvation Army even offer pick-up services for larger pieces of furniture.
Show Love to Your Neighbors
8. Cook or Bake for Others
Food is an easy way to everyone’s heart. Do you have a neighbor who needs some extra joy in their life? Try baking them some cookies, or bring them a home-cooked meal. Burn everything you try to cook? No problem, just pick up something from your local bakery.
9. Read to Children
Do you love to read? Ask local elementary schools, libraries or daycare centers if they are in need of volunteers to read to children. You can do what you love, promote literacy skills, and bring joy to kids in your community.
10. Tell a Soldier Thank You
We can’t say thank you enough to the men and women who serve our country, but we can try! Writing a thank you note to a soldier is an easy way to give back, such as Operation Gratitude, or consider sending books or care packages to military personnel stationed overseas
11. 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.
12. Deliver a Meal
Nearly 9 million seniors in America face the threat of hunger, and many live alone facing feelings of loneliness and isolation. By volunteering with Meals on Wheels on your lunch break, you can help seniors in your neighborhood and bring them an extra source of joy.
13. Share a Smile
When you smile, you instantly uplift others! Plus, smiling can reduce stress and activate the smiles in the people around you. Trust us, the world wants to see you shine.
Improve Your Community
14. Embrace the Green Movement
Make a conscious effort to start recycling more, by placing an additional waste basket near existing trash can in your home or office. Don’t forget about batteries, paint and medication that may need to be disposed in a particular way. And, to conserve resources (and save some extra money!), try unplugging appliances you know you won’t use in the near future, and remember to turn off lights before leaving your home.
15. Use that Green Thumb
Community gardens have many benefits. Creating a garden in your town is a great way to reduce food insecurity, increase physical activity through garden maintenance activities, and increase fresh fruit and vegetable intake for your household.
16. Support Local Businesses
Finding ways to support local businesses is a great way to give back to your community and show the ones around you that you support them. When you shop small, purchases become more meaningful and you help encourage growth in your home community.
17. Become an Ethical Shopper
More than ever, large and small brands alike are taking stands on important issues of the day. Take the time to research stores and brands to find places to shop that align with your values and the causes you care about.
18. Foster an Animal
Animal 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.
19. Find volunteer opportunities in your community!
With Unique Employee Programming, Arconic Connects Corporate Values with Meaningful Community Engagement
Companies of all sizes are seeking strategies to engage diverse employees and advance inclusive values. Arconic, a global leader in lightweight metals manufacturing and engineering, is on the cutting edge of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Leveraging three unique programs to engage its more than 41,500 employees worldwide, Arconic links organizational goals and values with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the communities where its employees live and work.
Employee Resource Groups have a proactive role in inclusion and diversity efforts, as critical drivers of employee engagement; recruitment and retention; and brand building through community engagement. There are six ERGs available to Arconic employees, representing women, people of African heritage, Hispanics, LGBTQ, early-career employees and veterans. One of the longstanding ERGs, the Arconic African Heritage Network, has made community engagement a cornerstone of its mission. The group partners with the National Society of Black Engineers on several initiatives, including activities for middle school and college students. For example, Howard University students get hands-on manufacturing exposure through touring Arconic’s facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and interacting with plant personnel. And in Davenport, Iowa, employees sponsor and train a local robotics team with grant support from the Arconic Foundation, which provides funding for STEM and workforce development initiatives in communities where Arconic facilities are located.
Arconic’s ERGs have played a major role in leading volunteerism for the company; in fact, nearly 50 percent of the more than 200 volunteer events Arconic has participated in to date in 2018 have been led by ERGs – many of them supporting engineering and technical skills training at colleges and technical schools, and creating access to STEM education opportunities for members of under-represented communities. By connecting the ERGs to available nonprofit support through the Arconic Foundation, the company is able to build the narrative of manufacturing as an exciting profession and career option.
“As chair of the Arconic African Heritage Network and a director of Arconic Foundation, I am sensitive to and proud that our ERGs and foundation work together to expand and multiply our impact in communities where we work and live,” said Bruce Thompson, who also serves as vice president, internal audit, at Arconic. “Their collective work has been tremendous and all employees should be proud of it.”
Arconics in Motion promotes wellness and physical fitness through charity. AIM encourages employees, as well as their friends and families, to participate in marathons, walks, rides and other fitness events that benefit cause-based community organizations. The program offers a way to make an impact, encourages teamwork and builds camaraderie amongst employees.
Arconics Coming Together in Our Neighborhoods supports employees volunteering their time, energy and skills for service projects that directly address community needs. ACTION projects are as diverse as the communities they serve and are not prescribed by foundation or corporate leadership. Projects range from skills-based volunteering in STEM camps and school robotics programs, to hands-on community clean-ups, packing meals for charitable meal delivery, and rebuilding homes for veterans.
To maximize impact, project participation carries a minimum of 16 hours, where at least four employees engage for four hours. Opportunities are deployed through ERGs, employee-led community advisory boards or a single point of contact at each Arconic location, with a focus on diverse projects that employees care about and that foster a direct connection to communities.
Recognition of employee volunteerism efforts and community commitment is a key part of Arconic’s culture. Through partnerships with DonorsChoose.org and GlobalGiving, all volunteers are awarded charitable gift cards, enabling them to donate to causes they care about. Throughout the year, employee teams receive recognition by company leaders and through employee media channels and social media. And each October, Arconic holds a company-wide Month of Recognition and an Arconic Foundation-sponsored contest where the best volunteer initiatives are acknowledged with a trophy and $10,000 grants are awarded to the nonprofits with whom they volunteered.
Arconic is a member company in the Points of Light Corporate Service Council, which provides networking opportunities, best practices and new ideas that catalyze high-impact social change initiatives. To learn more about how your company could benefit from membership, connect with us at [email protected].
Transforming Organizations Through Strategic Volunteer Engagement
Despite a surge of passionate leaders, the social sector continues to struggle with getting volunteer engagement just right while creating sustainable infrastructure for effective volunteer engagement. That’s where the Service Enterprise Initiative comes in. A national change-management approach, the Service Enterprise Initiative helps organizations gain a greater return on volunteer investment to meet their missions by tackling tough questions like: How do we address myths or misconceptions about volunteers among our staff? How can we get more resources for volunteering and make our program more sustainable? How can we work with volunteers to do more with less? The initiative is inspired by principles from Reimagining Service, a coalition of cross-sector leaders, researchers and practitioners that identified what was needed for effective volunteer engagement after the Serve America Act was signed into law in 2009. At its core, Service Enterprise transforms an organization’s culture so that it values volunteers as part of its human capital strategy.
A Paradigm Shift for Volunteer Organizations
Through a diagnostic, training, coaching and certification model, certified Service Enterprises have seen real impact. Asheville Humane Society in North Carolina has seen the number of animals they care for increase by more than 25 percent because of how they partner with volunteers. Thanks to Service Enterprise, they can also demonstrate that for every $1 they invest in volunteer engagement, they see a return of $18.24. The humane society is part of the national Best Friends Animal Society, which has taken on a leadership role by joining Service Enterprise as a Hub to certify its network of rescue organizations to operationalize its mission to “save them all” and end the killing of homeless pets. It’s working.
“Service Enterprise is changing our paradigm regarding volunteers and their role,” said Tracy Elliott, executive director of Asheville Humane Society. “They have always been important to us, but we are beginning to see and experience vastly expanded roles and responsibilities for volunteers, in turn increasing our ability to achieve our mission.”
Leaders like Elliott are committed to the future of nonprofit capacity building, and see the Service Enterprise model as the way forward in changing the way organizations can achieve their missions by harnessing the power of volunteers.
A growing number of organizations, including food banks, animal shelters, mentoring organizations, and agencies providing affordable housing and community services, are getting certified. Even cities like Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado, and NYC Service in New York, are joining the ranks of more than 400 certified Service Enterprises across the country as they seek to bridge the gap between local government and residents.
Points of Light founder President George H.W. Bush likened community organizations like these to a thousand points of light, “spread like stars throughout the nation, doing good.” By helping organizations create a sustainable environment for volunteering as part of their culture, the Service Enterprise Initiative enables these points of light to shine even brighter.
To learn more, including how your organization can become a Hub to lead Service Enterprise transformations in your community, visit www.pointsoflight.org/SEI.
CSAA Insurance Group: Supporting Community Safety During Disaster
By Roger Hancock, Manager of Community Affairs, CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer.
This year’s Northern California wildfires burned more than 600,000 acres – the largest wildfire in California history. The fires were devastating, resulting in the destruction of numerous structures, the displacement of thousands of residents, and several fatalities. While first responders met the wildfires head-on, volunteers also played an important role, providing comfort and counsel for those at risk of losing everything.
CSAA Insurance Group’s award-winning corporate volunteer program, AAA Volunteers, empowers and motivates employees to address diverse community needs through volunteer service. In response to the wildfires, employees volunteered to take time from their normal job duties and daily routines to contact impacted customers. These calls helped confirm that those who were forced to evacuate or prepare for displacement were safe and had the information they needed to provide for themselves and their families. Within a single week, more than 4,000 calls were made to individuals impacted by the fires.
While our employees are always looking for ways to give back, it is in times of urgent need that we often receive an overwhelming number of requests from our staff to help out. Any one of us could need help in an emergency, so we all want to be there for those who do.
In addition to the phone bank, employees volunteered to provide on-the-ground assistance at evacuation shelters and local assistance centers. While customers await news about their home and family members, AAA Volunteers are often there to provide a cup of coffee, share a stuffed animal for a child, or offer a sympathetic ear. These simple gestures of kindness can have a profound effect.
In anticipation of catastrophe-related needs, employees who deploy for emergencies receive up to 80 hours of paid time off to volunteer, and help position skilled labor, supplies and other critical resources before disaster strikes. In addition, training on personal preparedness, including courses in First Aid and CPR, is also available.
As demonstrated during the recent wildfires, as well as during other natural disasters, anyone can be impacted by catastrophic events. AAA Volunteers play a critical role in response and recovery, and provide for the safety and stability of our communities.
Last year, 99 percent of the employees at CSAA Insurance Group volunteered, largely because service is the cornerstone of the company’s community involvement efforts, and all of the company’s outreach programs are built around employee volunteerism.
Our employees tell us they choose to give back because they find the experience meaningful and rewarding. AAA Volunteers provides each of them with the opportunity to find ways to make a lasting difference, and know that they are contributing to something important.
Roger Hancock is a volunteer manager with more than 30 years of leadership experience creating and managing award-winning national corporate volunteer programs. He has managed the “AAA Volunteers” program since 2003, is a past-president of the Volunteer Centers of California, and has served under two governors on California’s Volunteer Service Commission.
Committed to serving AAA members for more than 100 years, CSAA Insurance Group offers AAA-branded automobile and homeowners insurance in 23 states and the District of Columbia
Volunteers Help Make the American Dream Possible for New York City Youth
New York Cares is giving life to the concept of the American Dream. These words are not new; they symbolize a dream where hope and opportunity come together in a whimsical, yet transformational way. But this goal, often the driving force behind the paths we take in life, sometimes doesn’t feel attainable. That is where New York Cares steps in, especially when it comes to education.
Since its founding in 1987, New York Cares has focused on three key issue areas for volunteers to get involved in: education, immediate community needs, and public spaces, with programming focused on all types of schools, hunger initiatives and sustainable environments.
The College Access program includes SAT preparation, “sophomore skills” academic tutoring, college preparation and FAFSA preparation. The organization and the volunteers it mobilizes are there from beginning to end to walk alongside the future leaders of our country. They are heroes without the capes, giving teens the chance at a bright future.
“Many public high schools in New York City don’t have existing resources to prepare their students for college. New York Care’s College Access programs work with partners to provide free resources that support students as they navigate what might otherwise be an intimidating process, by preparing them with academic enrichment, aspiration, knowledge and planning so that they have the foundational skills needed to begin their college journey,” said Darline Lalanne, director of education and family programs. “Volunteers who give their time to help young adults prepare in the classroom, navigate the financial aid system or find the right college fit, can do wonders for a students’ college success.”
New York Cares is currently recruiting for college prep volunteers, but their largest volunteer need remains in the SAT prep sector. Approximately 400 volunteers are needed to assist students from low-income families – a demographic that tested 166 points below the average on last year’s SAT and 396 points behind their wealthiest peers, according to NationSwell.
The unique part about New York Cares is that its college access programs match a volunteer with the same student for the duration of the student’s yearly involvement. Students are able to develop trusting relationships with their volunteers, and the results of their test scores and confidence prove that the key to success doesn’t always lie in expensive test prep classes.
“Without New York Cares, I wouldn’t be the person I am sitting here today. New York Cares gave me the confidence and helped with the entire college application process,” said York, a student who moved to New York from China just three years ago. He participated in the sophomore skills, college prep and SAT prep programs, and moved forward to have an incredible score increase that resulted in being Hunter College bound.
New York Cares has countless stories of College Access program successes, but teens’ capacity of care doesn’t just stop at the numbers; the students participating in the program authentically appreciate their volunteers as individuals. “Even though he has a working job, like 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., he still values us as students and his volunteering job as a whole,” said Lemali, a participating student, about one of the program volunteers. “Some Saturdays we would come in and just talk about life, and volunteers would share their own personal stories, which helped us all.”
New York Cares realizes that it’s all about the students. From York to Lemali, and the other 20,000 students they have engaged, the true American Dream is becoming a reality. The idea may take different shapes and forms depending on who the dreamer is, but for those students who are looking for a path to college and a brighter future, their dreams are coming true.
How DTE Energy is Reviving the Skilled Trades in Detroit
By Bill Blaul, Writer, Corporate Communications, DTE Energy
Generations of skilled tradespeople built the Motor City, put the world on wheels, and created the American middle class. In recent decades though, interest in skilled trades careers has diminished among youth and young adults nationwide along with vocational education options.
Investment has returned to Detroit and skilled trades jobs are in high demand. But, more than half of Detroit’s youth and adults are unemployed and outside the workforce while the Detroit Free Press reports redevelopment projects are hindered by a shortage of skilled trades workers.
Leaders at Detroit-based DTE Energy saw these challenges unfolding. DTE, Michigan’s largest energy company, is also experiencing a workforce changeover with 50 percent of its 10,000 employees eligible to retire over the next five years. So the company joined public and private partners, including the Detroit Mayor’s Workforce Development Board and the Detroit Public Schools Community District, to tackle the related challenges of unfilled skilled trades jobs and gaps in education and training. At DTE, our focus is on helping revive Detroit’s trade schools, placing high school students in paid summer work experiences and launching a skilled trades program at Henry Ford College in nearby Dearborn.
In 2016, the Randolph Career Technical Center, a city high school, had only 100 students. Closure was looming. “The building was in rough shape, equipment was outdated and there was inadequate funding,” said David Meador, vice chairman and chief administrative officer of DTE Energy. “In carpentry classes, students built projects then disassembled them because there wasn’t money for new nails and wood. We saw the potential of the students. We met dedicated instructors and staff. It was clear Randolph was worth saving.”
The DTE Energy Foundation provided $500,000 to refurbish Randolph and relaunch its skilled trades curriculum. The seed funding spurred community partner contributions totaling $10 million. Enrollment at Randolph tripled in 2017 to more than 300 students. An additional 250 adults began taking evening classes. Admissions are increasing again this fall.
Ronald Wood recently graduated from Randolph, earning certificates in Masonry and Marketing & Entrepreneurship. “After the renovations, it was a much more comfortable and better work environment,” he said. “We need a lot of young talent to work in the trades, and Randolph is key to making that happen.” Ronald was among 14 Randolph students participating in paid internships at DTE this summer.
Roger Bonds graduated from Randolph in Computer Aided Drafting and Design. “Randolph is very important for those looking to start a career right away,” he said. “I am very grateful for such a great opportunity.”
Building on the Randolph success, DTE joined a similar effort a few miles away at the Breithaupt Career Technical Center. The DTE Energy Foundation provided $500,000 to help update Breithaupt with workplace-modeled classrooms. Painting, flooring, and lighting work followed. DTE is also providing full-time construction and curriculum project management at Breithaupt. Our employee volunteers have helped with demolition, construction and landscaping, and DTE is donating equipment and supplies to create an industry-recognized instruction and learning environment.
DTE strengthened the training pipeline through $600,000 from the DTE Energy Foundation to establish the Henry Ford College Power and Trades Pathways Program. The first students in the program started classes and training a year ago and 12 are pursuing energy careers or additional studies.
DuJuan Stewart is entering his senior year at Randolph’s HVAC program. “The teachers push you to do your best. Randolph is important among Detroit schools because the trades they teach are in high demand,” he said. “I want to get my HVAC certificate, go to Henry Ford College and become an overhead line worker at DTE.”
“There are more career opportunities available to Detroiters than there have been in decades, so it’s important to ensure the next generation has the skills they need to get good, quality jobs,” said David Meador, who also co-chairs the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board. “We are honored to help bring new life to Breithaupt through private and public partnerships, as we did for Randolph.”
