The Call of a Global Movement on International Volunteer Day
This post is by Gared Jones, senior vice president of global at Points of Light.
In the American South in the summer, right around sundown, there is an awakening of fireflies that fills our neighborhoods with light. You can look across yards, soupy with humidity, and witness an asynchronous cacophony of flashing lights.
As the temperatures now drop, I am reminded of these fireflies … and how easy it can be to forget them. Even in summer, you actually have to go outside. And you have to look.
On
, Points of Light is recognizing volunteers in communities around the world who answer the call to serve, every day and especially in times of need. However, for most of us this is a day like any other. I would like to invite you to go outside and take a look!
What you’ll see, and what we at Points of Light are seeing in neighborhoods across the 35 countries where our
. Hundreds of thousands of individuals doing something to brighten their communities.
This video shares some of our story:
However, it may not be what you think. It is not big and flashy. It is not of the world’s grand achievers or most important names (though they play a part).
It is ordinary, everyday Joes and Janes, Joses and Juanitas, Sumitas and Sanjays. It is folks coming from places of humility – young people, mothers and fathers, programmers and back of the house hotel staff, small business owners and micro-entrepreneurs – humility cauterized by empathy.
It is folks stripping away all the things they’ve got (or think they are) in order to do something good for someone else. It is folks taking the smallest steps to act, to risk doing something different – just once – that can unhook a lifetime of inertia.
I recently had the privilege to serve as a jurist for the
, recognition for extraordinary individual, nonprofit and corporate volunteering, given by Points of Light’s affiliate in India. What I saw in their finalists is the same inspiration that we are seeing around the world: a shift from volunteering toward
. We’re seeing that volunteers are increasingly understanding that they are solving social problems. And they are bringing their passion and creativity fully to bear in tackling them.
The Volunteer Hero Award winner was a young woman named Krupali Bidaye, who organized India’s first-ever Hijra Empowerment Mela. She and her group brought together members of the often ostracized transgender community from across India to participate in entrepreneurial activities, livelihood skills training and community building. The Mela included 30 stalls (the salon and food stalls nearly sold out) and more than 1,500 participants. In an innovative twist, Krupali and her team introduced “family meets,” through which they connected groups of transgender individuals to 70-80 families across five states to participate in sharing sessions in people’s homes, designed to breakdown biases and build understanding. Crazy. Revolutionary!
So where is all of this headed?
How about this – imagine the most challenging place you can think of. Perhaps it’s a low-income neighborhood, a slum, a refugee camp. Perhaps it’s a poorly resourced elder-care center, hospital or orphanage. Those pockets of darkness illumined by the United Nations’
.
Now imagine, just for a moment, that you’re on the outset of life, the eve of life, and you’re about to show up “next time” around. Just imagine that life works that way.
The opportunity for us in this life – on International Volunteer Day and the days to follow – is to create the window for ourselves in the next one. So that should you show up in one of these places next time around, you can find your way back here …
On International Volunteer Day. Stepping outside to take a look. Witnessing the light of thousands of fireflies … of thousands of points of light. Considering your next small step to act. For one of us in the elder-care center, the hospital, the orphanage; the struggling neighborhood, the slum, the refugee camp.
Stripping away a few more layers in the process.
I invite you to join us.
On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the power of volunteers to tackle tough challenges, create change, and build stronger, more vibrant communities. Take the first step to becoming a changemaker in the world around you –
. And, take the opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire you to serve – share the story of volunteers who have found their passion and turned it into meaningful change, using
Call of A Global Movement: Tapping Into the Spirit of Service in the Volunteer State
Across the globe, volunteers use their time, talent and resources to tackle tough challenges and build stronger, more vibrant communities. With our global network of more than 200 affiliates, Points of Light will celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5, recognizing volunteers in communities around the world who answer the call to serve, every day and especially in times of need.
As part of this celebration, we are spotlighting a few of our affiliate leaders to share the story of their work and how their volunteers are making a difference locally. In Memphis, Tennessee, Andrea Hill – director of our affiliate Volunteer Memphis – prepares and mobilizes leaders to work together for the good of the whole community, with an emphasis on volunteerism and an understanding of the differences and similarities between volunteer and community leadership. Andrea has 16 years of experience in youth development and community engagement, including volunteer management and resource development.
We spoke with Andrea to learn more about what inspires her, and how Volunteer Memphis taps into the service spirit of the Tennesseans in “Volunteer State.”
As the director of Volunteer Memphis, an action initiative of Leadership Memphis, what inspires and drives you?
I am inspired by the spirit of service exhibited by my mid-South community. In Memphis, we call this service spirit our “grit and grind” spirit! On a daily basis, I see members of our community working together in their organically and intentionally created impact networks to make the greater Memphis community a better place. When you come to visit the mid-South, you will see the strong spirit of service interwoven amongst our corporate, nonprofit and grassroots community leaders.
How did you get started in the volunteer space, and what brought you to Leadership Memphis?
I truly found my passion for volunteering while attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I majored in human services. In college, I volunteered with numerous groups like Circle K and the Black Student Association, and eventually I was promoted to a volunteer leader. Through this process, I began thinking of ways to recruit, engage and retain volunteers. All of these lessons learned spurred my desire to connect volunteers to organizations to meet their capacity gaps and maximize impact.
In my role as a Volunteer Tennessee board member, I actively participate in the commissions’ mission. Volunteer Tennessee is a 25-member bipartisan board appointed by Gov. Haslam to oversee AmeriCorps and service-learning programs, advancing volunteerism and citizen service to solve community problems in the Volunteer State. This role continues to motivate me to educate myself on trends and best practices in the volunteerism space and encourage others to take on more active leadership roles.
In my professional role as the director of Volunteer Memphis, I have the opportunity to provide project management, training and support to organizations. It is a dream come true to work at Volunteer Memphis, which is at the heart of volunteering. We build capacity for effective volunteering and connect people with opportunities to serve throughout Memphis and the mid-South. We work with nonprofits, churches, schools, corporations and other groups that engage volunteers to make community programs stronger.
An example of this is our Volunteer Memphis MLK Days of Service weekend. In our first year, we facilitated 72 service projects that engaged more than 2,000 volunteers. In 2018, our second year, the goal is to facilitate 500 service projects in nine counties that will engage 5,000+ volunteers.
These community-wide projects energize me to continue my work in the volunteerism space. I also love the fact that the field of volunteerism is constantly evolving. There is never a dull day and there is always someone who is being helped through the support of Volunteer Memphis, our partner organizations, and volunteers.
The theme of International Volunteer Day this year is “Volunteers Act First. Here. Everywhere.” In your community, how do volunteers act first?
Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State; it is simply in our DNA to volunteer. We have seen this spirit in full effect in the aftermath of the Sevier County fires to the recent storm that brought down trees here in Memphis. Most recently, Memphis had the opportunity to mobilize with the hurricane relief efforts for Harvey, Irma and Maria. Memphis leaped into action in a number of ways to collect and distribute items to those in need. “Volunteers Act First. Here. Everywhere.” means more than the tangible action of cleaning, collecting or hands-on work. The phase also means that volunteers have the ability, the skills, and the heart to serve others whenever and wherever needed before thinking of themselves.
How do you draw volunteers’ attention to real problems in their communities and equip them to be changemakers themselves?
Volunteer Memphis provides resources to our local community in a number of ways. We provide capacity building support to corporate groups, nonprofit groups and volunteers. We provide trainings to help organizations and individual volunteers become a better resource to their community. Volunteer Memphis hosts a volunteer management website that provides nonprofits the platform to promote their opportunities, recruit, track and communicate with their volunteer base. This system also gives individual volunteers and teams of volunteers the opportunity to browse interesting opportunities, and to track their service. Volunteers come to Volunteer Memphis to begin and end their forever volunteer opportunity search!
What advice do you give to individuals who want to get involved, but don’t think they can make a difference?
I tell people that there is a volunteer opportunity for you. You have the skills, the passion, and the network to make a difference and fill a gap! Whether it is folding letters for a mailing, mentoring youth at a local community center, or leading a community clean-up project, you are needed. In addition, volunteering can be fun, eye opening and a transformative experience. Volunteering is one of the purest opportunities to make friends, discover a new city or community, learn a new skill or enhance current skills.
What has been the biggest benefit of being part of Points of Light’s affiliate network?
I love attending the Points of Light conference, having the opportunity to network with nonprofit professionals and hear from subject-matter experts. Having such a powerfully impactful network of professionals to brainstorm ideas, to glean best practices, is the biggest benefit to being a part of a national and regional network.
In addition, at the 2017 conference I was able to see in person a childhood hero, Dr. Mae Jemison. It was amazing to see and hear a true icon of service and academics. Dr. Jemison’s words were an inspiration and continue to spur my desire to make as big of an impact as I can make in my local community. At the same conference, I was able to attend the American Express Leadership Academy as well. It was an awesome experience to share with fellow nonprofit professionals and to goal set with a mentor. Overall, the 2017 Points of Light conference was one of the best professional development opportunities I have ever attended.
What emerging trend in volunteerism are you most excited about?
I am excited that volunteers see that they can use their talents, skills and networks to make a difference. Volunteers of all ages are coming together to help those around them in need. I hear the common phase, “music is the universal language.” I don’t disagree, but I believe volunteerism is a universal language as well. All over the world, you see people of different races, ages, faiths coming together to help each other. Ultimately, volunteering makes an impact in local neighborhoods, cities, states and the world!
Call of a Global Movement: Empowering Volunteers to Solve Social Challenges in Brazil
Across the globe, volunteers use their time, talent and resources to tackle tough challenges and build stronger, more vibrant communities. With our global network of more than 200 affiliates, Points of Light will celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5, recognizing volunteers in communities around the world who answer the call to serve, every day and especially in times of need.
As part of this celebration, we are spotlighting a few of our affiliate leaders to share the story of their work and how their volunteers are making a difference locally. In São Paulo, Brazil, André Cervi – cofounder of our affiliate Atados – is inspired by individuals and nonprofits that continually innovate to achieve greater impact in their communities. Atados connects people who want to volunteer in social and environmental causes to nonprofits who need their help. The organization is particularly well known for developing innovative projects such as Abraço Cultural, a language center designed to create jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for refugees, and to encourage cross-cultural sharing and learning.
We spoke with André to learn more about what drives him, and how Atados is helping volunteers and nonprofit partners address social and institutional challenges.
As the cofounder of Atados, what inspires and drives you?
The work of the nonprofits we partner with inspires me a lot. They usually face several constraints, but they are always innovating in their approach to achieve more impact.
How did you get started in the volunteer space, and what led you to create Atados?
We started Atados because we discovered that many friends and colleagues wanted to volunteer, but did not know an easy and trustful way to connect with NGOs and volunteer opportunities. In the beginning, we visited almost 70 NGOs to understand their needs and how Atados could help them.
The theme of International Volunteer Day this year is “Volunteers Act First. Here. Everywhere.” In your community, how do volunteers act first?
Many times, volunteers are part of informal groups that are directly involved with causes. For example, many people in Brazil organize in groups to help refugees in legal issues, to donate health kits, or to teach Portuguese and help refugees integrate into the Brazilian culture. Their approach is usually faster than the work of nonprofits and, sometimes, these groups evolve into formal NGOs or partner with already established NGOs. To conclude, the work of volunteers, whether in informal groups or with NGOs, is fundamental for social development.
How do you draw volunteers’ attention to real problems in their communities and equip them to be changemakers themselves?
We believe that the volunteer activity has to be more than just a work. When we organize these activities, we always separate some time for volunteers to feel the experience and interact with the public, so they can be more empathic and understand better the reality they are entering.
What advice do you give to individuals who want to get involved, but don’t think they can make a difference?
My advice is to believe in the power of a network. Maybe one person can´t make a huge difference, but a small group of engaged people that can mobilize others has the opportunity and the power to create a real change. It´s also important to remember that all leaders also have many supporters for their cause.
What has been the biggest benefit of being part of Points of Light’s affiliate network?
The biggest benefit is the possibility to exchange knowledge and volunteering practices with organizations around the world. The practice of sharing is crucial for the development of the social sector, and we brought many innovations to Brazil by learning with other global partners.
What emerging trend in volunteerism are you most excited about?
In Brazil, I see two trends that excite me:
First, many volunteers are working in political education with youth. Brazil is facing a political crisis due to corruption, and many youth don’t have any hope in politicians. Volunteers are teaching them how the political system works, and how it´s possible to “hack” the system to fight for citizens’ rights.
Second, I also see a trend of volunteering empowerment, where volunteers take a more active approach to social problems. NGOs are giving more space for volunteers to innovate inside the organization and develop specific solutions to social and institutional challenges. Also, many volunteers are creating new projects and becoming social entrepreneurs.
Call of a Global Movement: Helping Millennials Build Community Through Volunteerism
Across the globe, volunteers use their time, talent and resources to tackle tough challenges and build stronger, more vibrant communities. With our global network of more than 200 affiliates, Points of Light will celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5, recognizing volunteers in communities around the world who answer the call to serve, every day and especially in times of need.
As part of this celebration, we are spotlighting a few of our affiliate leaders to share the story of their work and how their volunteers are making a difference locally. In Seattle, Ben Reuler – executive director of our affiliate Seattle Works – is committed to helping millennials who are new to the city build community through volunteering. After nearly a decade as a direct service provider at a teen shelter and as a home visitor, Ben returned to school to earn his graduate degree in social work. He became a licensed social worker and moved into nonprofit management, serving six years as executive director of LIFT-Chicago, an innovative organization helping families lift themselves out of poverty, before joining Seattle Works in 2015.
We spoke with Ben to learn more about what inspires him, how Seattle Works is shaping the future of volunteering locally, and why he is excited about “trust-based volunteerism.”
As the executive director of Seattle Works, what inspires and drives you?
I am inspired by the potential of our city. Seattle has a rich culture of philanthropy, volunteerism and compassion. At the same time, Seattle is changing very, very rapidly and I am driven by the role that Seattle Works is playing in helping to shape the future of this region. Seattle Works is in the business of creating love matches between people, companies, causes and organizations; Sitting at the center of this Venn diagram and helping to mold our city drives me every day.
How did you get started in the volunteer space, and what brought you to Seattle Works?
My parents indoctrinated in me that volunteerism is a responsibility. In high school, I was the “volunteer guy.” In college, I was the “volunteer guy.” All of these experiences drew me to the field of social work and imbedded in me a desire to serve my community in a professional capacity. Seattle Works drew me in because of its mission to connect volunteers, develop leaders and build community. But it was really the people at this organization who sealed the deal for me – a truly remarkable staff and board of directors. For example, after bearing witness to how the board led such a thoughtful executive director hiring process, I was like “I want to work with these peeps!”
The theme of International Volunteer Day this year is “Volunteers Act First. Here. Everywhere.” In your community, how do volunteers act first?
We often talk about volunteerism as project based. What I want to highlight is the role that nonprofit boards play in acting first. Board members are the unsung heroes of our communities. Every nonprofit in our region has a board of directors; it is these dedicated volunteer leaders who are helping act first by strategizing, fundraising, approving budgets, advocating and advancing each of our organizations’ missions in so many ways. Board members enable the rest of us to act.
How do you draw volunteers’ attention to real problems in their communities and equip them to be changemakers themselves?
Seattle is booming with millennials; they are flocking here in droves. They often come to Seattle with no networks, no roots, and end up fighting the Seattle Freeze (look it up!). They crave connection, and have an unwavering motivation to do good – yet they need help plugging in. That’s where Seattle Works comes in. One of our core values is that we have fun, and we focus on community-building amongst volunteers. Whether people connect with us via their employer for a volunteer project, or through an 8-hour leadership training about nonprofit board service, we meet volunteers where they are and provide an opportunity to connect. And at every volunteer project, the volunteers get to hear from the experts at the nonprofits, parks, and schools about why this work matters, and how it connects to larger issues facing our community. This context is crucial.
What advice do you give to individuals who want to get involved, but don’t think they can make a difference?
It’s a privilege to think that we can’t make a difference. There is simply too much need and inequity in our communities for anyone to have the luxury of letting themselves off the hook by thinking they cannot make a difference – we all have a responsibility to at least try. My advice is to do something, anything. Take a step, any step, have an open mind, get after it, and be okay with failure, just learn from it.
What has been the biggest benefit of being part of Points of Light’s affiliate network?
To know that Seattle Works is a point of light in an international movement to connect volunteers and unlock the potential of individuals and communities.
What emerging trend in volunteerism are you most excited about?
“Trust-based volunteerism.” Just like there’s a trend toward trust-based philanthropy, I am very excited by the trend of trust-based volunteerism. This means that we must trust local communities and local nonprofit organizations to identify what their needs are, and to inform how the rest of us can help. This should always be a non-negotiable when volunteering – listen, listen, listen to the experts on the front lines, and follow their lead.
Call of a Global Movement: Engaging Citizens as Changemakers in France
Across the globe, volunteers use their time, talent and resources to tackle tough challenges and build stronger, more vibrant communities. With our global network of more than 200 affiliates, Points of Light will celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5, recognizing volunteers in communities around the world who answer the call to serve, every day and especially in times of need.
As part of this celebration, we are spotlighting a few of our affiliate leaders to share the story of their work and how their volunteers are making a difference locally. In Paris, France, Stéphanie Andrieux – founder and president of our affiliate Benenova – is motivated by people. Inspired by her experience as a volunteer and board member of HandsOn Bay Area, our affiliate in San Francisco, Stéphanie launched Benenova in 2013 with a mission to make it easier for citizens to take action to change the world around them. The organization, which derives its name from the French words bénévolat (volunteering) and nouveau (new), offers innovative and flexible ways to be engaged. Benenova currently mobilizes a growing community of 6,000 volunteers and hundreds of community and corporate partners in three major French cities: Paris, Nantes and Lille.
We spoke with Stéphanie to learn more about what drives her, how Benenova inspires and mobilized volunteers locally, and what she envisions for the future of global volunteerism.
As the president of Benenova, what inspires and drives you?
People. The amazing people I meet every day. And the deep belief that we (as humans) are the ones who can make the world better – and that we’d better get to work!
How did you get started in the volunteer space, and what led you to create Benenova?
I have been a volunteer since I was a teenager, initially helping kids with school work. I met such wonderful people and saw so much great and essential work done by volunteers that it became obvious to me that I should support the development of engagement. As to what led me to create Benenova, it is a mix of the incredible experience I had with HandsOn Bay Area when I lived in San Francisco, and the realization that a more practical and flexible approach of volunteering was needed in France.
How do you draw volunteers’ attention to real problems in their communities and equip them to be changemakers themselves?
We led an impact study last year, which showed that 83 percent of volunteers who have participated in at least one of our calendar projects view issues in a different way after they have met nonprofits, beneficiaries and citizens who deal with these issues directly. I believe that getting people out in the field and having them “get their hands dirty” is a very effective way to draw people’s attention to real problems. Equipping people is both a matter of logistics (bringing people to take on tasks that fit their expectations and skills while answering real needs) and inspiration (helping citizen realize they CAN be changemakers and inspire them to DREAM about being changemakers).
What advice do you give to individuals who want to get involved, but don’t think they can make a difference?
TRY!! Give it a try, sign up for a project and you’ll be amazed about how you will feel and how much you will have helped … and there is a good chance you’ll get addicted.
The amazing and inspiring changemakers in the network, the common passion we share, and our openness and desire to support each other in bringing more people out to volunteer.
What emerging trend in volunteerism are you most excited about?
I really love the fact that citizens are realizing they can make a difference every day, in many different ways, by choosing what food they eat, what products they buy, whether they bike or drive, etc. I am hoping this will continue to evolve and that volunteering – as in sharing some of your time to help further an initiative for the greater good – will simply become an obvious part of daily life.
7 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference on Family Volunteer Day
Volunteering with your family can seem like another task to add to your to do list, but it’s easier than you think to fit it into your schedule. More important is the benefit of volunteering together, deepening your bonds with your community and with each other.
Family Volunteer Day is this Saturday, Nov. 18, and it’s a perfect reason to get involved. Now in its 27th year, this global day of service, powered by generationOn, the youth division of Points of Light, and sponsored by The Walt Disney Company, celebrates the power of families who work together to strengthen their communities and build a brighter tomorrow!
If you want to volunteer with your family, but you don’t know where to start, we have 7 ideas that are short on time but make a huge difference:
1. Assemble “Birthday-in-a-Box” kits.
Fill a box with party supplies (think plates, balloons, candles, etc.) for homeless children in domestic violence shelters, motels and other locations that may not have the capacity to put on parties for children in their facilities.
2. Write cards to raise spirits.
Bring a smile to someone’s face by making cards with encouraging messages to patients residing in children’s hospitals, seniors in a nursing home or veterans who have recently returned home.
3. Collect board games for a nursing home.
Playing board games is a great way to stay mentally active. Collect board games and puzzles to donate to a local nursing home. Even better, visit the nursing home and play the games with seniors living there!
Help a food bank sort food donations or a soup kitchen prepare and serve meals. Either way, you can help provide someone in need a healthy meal. You can find different opportunities at www.generationOn.org/fvd.
There is a steady drumbeat of stories that focus on our differences. No matter how you consume your news, you’ll see or hear stories about intolerance in our daily lives and political stalemates at every level of government. At the beginning of the year, the Pew Research Center released a poll and said that Americans predicted the country’s deep political divisions to persist – with 86 percent saying the country is more politically divided than ever.
Shortly before that poll was released, however, Points of Light affiliate New York Cares reported that, just a week after one of the most divisive national elections in our country’s history, there was a 137 percent increase in people who came to them with an interest in volunteering.
As we approach the end of 2017, the two sides of this story continue to play out. Yes, we are still seeing rallies of hate and intolerance and our elected officials still don’t agree on solutions to some of the toughest challenges we face. But on the other hand, people are seeking out ways to do something that makes their community better or helps an individual in need. It’s the inclination to help in times of need. It’s what Americans do. And it binds us together as a nation.
Photo Credit: Paul Morse
Daily Point of Light honorees Derek Auguste, Zachary Dearing, Leah Halbina, Murad Ajani and Kat Creech are recognized on stage at the “Deep From the Heart: One America Appeal” hurricane relief benefit concert.
The recent series of natural disasters has offered a striking visual – a national story about the power and impact of volunteers. Communities darkened by flood damage ultimately shine with the bright light of neighbors helping neighbors.
Some people walk out of their front doors to help others in their community. Some drive across the country to volunteer. And those who aren’t able to deploy, organize relief efforts from home.
The truth is, people committed to serving others unite around our common humanity.
When it comes to helping – whether it’s rescuing people from flooded homes or pulling up damaged floors after a storm – it doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat or Republican; rich or poor; black or white; religious or not. Volunteers unite in service. And, strength, resiliency and generosity flow from those simple acts of service.
This ability of service to others to unite us was most visible on stage at the recent “Deep From the Heart: One America Appeal” concert to support hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. How often do you see pop icon Lady Gaga share a stage with the legendary country band Alabama, R&B “Soul Man” Sam Moore and gospel sensation Yolanda Adams? How about President Barack Obama sharing a stage with President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, President George H. W. Bush and President Jimmy Carter?
This group of musicians gave their time and talent, and this bipartisan group of former U.S. presidents stood together to recognize volunteers with Daily Point of Light Awards for their efforts to help their neighbors and fellow Americans in the wake of these devastating storms.
What may seem like fleeting moments of unity in response to major disasters, actually take place all the time. Just this past weekend, thousands of people created or joined volunteer projects in communities across the country for Make A Difference Day – one of the largest single days of service in the United States.
During Hands On Atlanta Day in October, organized by Points of Light affiliate Hands On Atlanta, more than 3,000 people rolled up their sleeves to participate in 64 volunteer projects across the city. Members of one community spent the day building a playground for children in their neighborhood. In another community, they planted trees. Parents of students at a downtown Atlanta school came together for a school revitalization project. And in the 48in48 hack-a-thon, skills-based volunteers gave their time and talent to build 48 customized websites for local nonprofits, in 48 hours.
In the collage of photos from these days of service you will see hackers, neighbors, parents and strangers – each freely giving of their time, talent and light. They represent a rich diversity of humanity where service really does unite.
Building a Stronger Community by Connecting Residents with Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities
Organizations around the country do incredible work. They focus on a variety of causes and important mission work. And while they use volunteers to achieve their mission, the mission is the main focus. Hands On Orlando, a Points of Light affiliate, does incredible work in their community, but they have an additional goal – to provide the highest quality volunteer experience possible.
The organization’s founder, Executive Director Chris Allen, was a TV news journalist covering human interest stories when he realized that while he got the inside access to the events, people in the community weren’t able to connect and take part in these wonderful opportunities. He founded Hands On Orlando as a way to engage local people in volunteer service.
“We started from nothing and now we are one of the leaders in the community for volunteer engagement,” said Kyle Trager, corporate citizenship manager. “We are just constantly figuring out how we can help the community and find opportunities to make it easier for people to find meaningful work.”
In the past few years, Hands On Orlando has activated volunteers in the face of both natural and man-made disasters. In preparing for Hurricane Irma, they drew on past experiences to make sure their volunteers were ready and informed.
“Preparation and communication is key,” Kyle said. “We work with the three lead agencies for hurricane response in a support function, pre-registering and managing unskilled volunteers who want to assist. We send an email blast in advance of the storm, and then stay in regular communication with volunteers throughout the immediate aftermath and weeks to come. Nothing turns a volunteer off more than an organization going silent, so we just keep sharing updates.”
While Hurricane Irma’s path shifted and the Orlando area received less impact than anticipated, Hands On Orlando still worked around the clock. Setting up an emergency operation center in Kyle’s kitchen, they did critical outreach to local nonprofits to see what was needed, and called upon volunteers to fill spots.
“We found out there was a lack of doctors and nurses at special-needs shelters during the storm,” said Kyle. “Hands On Orlando contacted the volunteers we knew of, as well as state government, to help coordinate response and support at these shelters.”
They’re also now focusing on helping people affected by Hurricane Maria, especially because central Florida has the second largest population of Puerto Ricans on the main land United States, and it’s growing every day.
“There are a lot of middle class people coming to the main land, and we’re trying to figure out how to best support those communities, both in terms of rebuilding their lives and helping to integrate them and introduce the idea of volunteering,” said Kyle. “We’re also trying to figure out how we can work with them to support their families back in Puerto Rico. It’s definitely going to be a mid-to-long-term recovery.”
And while Hands On Orlando works year round to prepare for natural events like hurricanes, there are unanticipated events they can never account for. When the mass shooting occurred at PULSE night club in June 2016, Hands On Orlando had to figure out how to take action under unprecedented circumstances.
“We learned that the difference between a natural disaster and a manmade disaster is that the manmade footprint is much smaller, but the emotional footprint is huge,” Kyle said. “It’s frustrating because people want to do something, but there’s often nothing to do. We wanted to create an outlet for people’s feelings and have some sort of an impact and community therapy through service.”
Hands On Orlando first created a large scroll of paper near the memorial for people to sign, share memories and write messages. They also did 49 service projects in memory of the 49 people who lost their lives, starting each project with a moment of silent for the victim. Since then, Hands On Orlando has reached out to Points of Light affiliates in London and Las Vegas, sharing the idea as a way of healing as each community dealt with their own respective tragedies.
Kyle says they pride themselves on being innovative, especially in the face of the unknown and great challenges. “I say we’re like a startup that just turned 18 years old. You just have to learn from everything and move on.”
Their constant growth and learning are evident. As one of the network leaders in corporate engagement, they are constantly working on projects that both benefit the community and provide amazing volunteer experiences.
One project that is special to the area is STEM Park – a 13.5-acre area of lake-front property owned by Hands On Orlando that is a perfect spot for team building. Since purchasing this land, volunteers have removed 22,000 pounds of debris, removed invasive species, planted natural plants, and worked to return the land to its natural state. The goal is to turn it into a learning space, so people can take part in STEM classes and understand the natural Floridian landscape.
“STEM Park provides us amazing opportunities to engage volunteers,” Kyle said. “It’s so unique, and really helps build community.”
At the end of the day, that’s Hands On Orlando’s goal – to build community.
“Every day is a new challenge, but it’s so rewarding when someone calls and I’m able to help them get involved,” Kyle said. “We don’t know who is going to call us. We don’t know what door is going to open. We are just always trying to figure out how we can best help the community.”
Points of Light Tribute: Honoring Extraordinary Individuals Who Take Action to Improve the World
“Any definition of a successful life must include service to others.”
– President George H. W. Bush
From the White House more than 25 years ago, President George H. W. Bush gave voice and direction to a movement that’s steadily grown ever since — changing countless lives in communities across the country and around the world. No president in American history has advanced with greater clarity and consistency this belief: that voluntary action to help others is inseparable from human freedom and America’s pursuit of what is right and good.
Each year, Points of Light honors individuals who embody the vision of “a thousand points of light” that President Bush first invoked during his acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention. Their extraordinary contributions to volunteering and service have made their communities, and the world, a better place.
The 2017 Points of Light Tribute Awards will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, where 300 corporate, nonprofit, and community leaders will gather to recognize and celebrate the power of the individual to spark change and improve the world.
“Strength, resilience and kindness flow from simple acts of service,” said Natalye Paquin, CEO of Points of Light. “The individuals honored tonight are shining examples of what it means to be a point of light. They represent the great humanitarian spirit that binds us together.”
Wildlife advocates Jack and Suzi Hanna, co-hosts of the Emmy-award winning TV series “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild,” and ambassador for the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. Passion for animals, dedication to teaching, and a great sense of humor – that’s the recipe that made Jack and Suzi Hanna two of the most well-known, well-respected and well-loved conservationists ever to grace the national stage. Jack and Suzi have had the privilege to travel to Africa more than forty times and have visited each continent at least twice. They are proud to support a number of Rwandan wildlife and humanitarian organizations, including the Gorilla Doctors and Partners In Conservation. The Hannas’ unique and moving experiences led them to initiate the Columbus Zoo’s strong commitment to wildlife conservation efforts in 40 countries worldwide.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, founding chair of R20: Regions of Climate Action, and founder of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy. This world-famous athlete and actor was born in Austria, and became the youngest person ever to win the Mr. Universe title. Later, he would go on to earn a college degree from the University of Wisconsin and proudly became a U.S. citizen. As the 38th governor of California, Schwarzenegger ushered in an era of innovative leadership and extraordinary public service. But it is his commitment to giving something back to his state and to his country through public service that gives him the most satisfaction; donating his time, energy, and personal finances to serving others all over the world.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Coty Sensabaugh and his wife Dominique Sensabaugh, founders of Sensabaugh Mission Moon. In lieu of wedding gifts, the Sensabaughs asked guests to donate shoes or money to Soles4Souls. Accompanied by friends and family, the newlyweds traveled to the Dominican Republic and distributed more than 500 pairs of shoes to impoverished adults and children. Through the Soles4Souls partnership, the Sensabaughs have helped collect more than 11,000 pairs of shoes. Coty has also partnered with Food for the Hungry to help provide fresh water systems to communities in Haiti. He also runs an annual free youth football camp, now in its fifth year, which has served more than 2,000 children in his home community of Kingsport, Tennessee. He is also a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Daily Point of Light Award.
A special Points of Light Lifetime Service Award will be presented to Ambassador C. Boyden Gray for his public service, volunteer leadership on the boards of numerous charitable, educational, and professional organizations, and his longtime support of the Points of Light vision and mission as established by President Bush. Ambassador Gray has held several diplomatic appointments, and served as White House counsel during the Bush Administration, 1989-1993. During his time in the White House, Ambassador Gray took a special interest in clean air issues; he became one of the principal architects of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and was also involved in the creation of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
“Points of Light continues to lift up one of the legacies that is most important to my dad, and one that continues to have enormous ripples and impact in communities around the world,” said Neil Bush, chairman of Points of Light’s board of directors and son of President George H. W. Bush. “These extraordinary individuals bring leadership, innovation, and energy to bear on some of the toughest challenges we face as a nation. It is our privilege to recognize them.”
The 2017 Tribute Award honorees are representative of the more than 62 million Americans who volunteer their time, talent and resources every year in service to others. The value and impact of volunteering is particularly relevant today, on the heels of numerous natural disasters, including three catastrophic hurricanes. In the coming weeks, months and years, the people of Houston, the Gulf Coast region, Florida, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will continue to recover and rebuild from the devastation caused by these storms – and these efforts will be most effective and successful with the
” concert benefitting communities hit by recent natural disasters; they will receive their awards from Points of Light Chairman Neil Bush and be recognized on stage with the five living former U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.
Do you know a volunteer who is lighting the way for good, creating meaningful change in their community, or taking action that improves the world?
How Will You Make A Difference on Make a Difference Day?
Coming together to make a difference is a great way to not only improve your community, but deepen ties to your neighbors and have fun working together to do good! Join tens of thousands of volunteers across the country on Saturday, Oct. 28, to unite with common mission – to improve the lives of others through community-driven service projects.
Now in its 26th year, Make A Difference Day shows that anyone, no matter their age or background, can take action that improves their community. Big or small, every project makes a difference.
Plan a Project
Have a great idea for making a difference in your community? Planning a service project for Make A Difference Day gives you the chance to be a leader in your community, and bring others together to do good. All the tools you need to plan a perfect project are available on the Make A Difference Day website, including a marketing guide with project planning tips, volunteer leader guide, a volunteer social media toolkit, tips for working with youth, and much more!
And, project leaders who register a project will be eligible for the Make A Difference Day Awards – 14 winners each receive a $10,000 grant to donate to the charity served by their Make A Difference Day project! All submitted projects will be reviewed after Make A Difference Day, with awards given in the spring of 2018.
Not ready to start your own project? Use the ZIP code search on the Make A Difference Day website to find thousands of projects, and choose one that inspires you!
Need Inspiration?
Each year, TEGNA recognizes 14 outstanding leaders of Make A Difference Day projects, awarding $140,000 in grants to be donated to the charities served by the winning projects. Here are a few of last year’s honorees:
12-year-old Maggie Leach started “Operation Share the Load” to lighten the load for families who can’t afford to regularly clean their clothes. On Make A Difference Day 2016, she collected 81 rolls of quarters, a total of $810, and 21 baskets of laundry supplies for families served by a local shelter for women and families fleeing domestic violence. Read her story >>
In Opportunity Village, rebuilding lives starts with a safe and comfortable home. On Make A Difference Day 2016, 500 volunteers came together to begin construction of the tiny house community that would become home to some of the homeless residents of Pickens County, South Carolina – constructing 13 houses in just 14 hours. Read their story >>
Nearly 3,000 Mesa, Arizona, residents of all ages came together on Make A Difference Day 2016 to improve their community – and make a difference they did! Volunteers participated in in 36 different projects across the city, helping 2,650 members of the Mesa community. Read their story >>
Whether you plan a project or join an existing one, coming together on Make A Difference Day increases the strength of our communities and helps make the world a better place. Start planning how you’ll make a difference this year!
Made possible by TEGNA, with support from Points of Light and the Arby’s Foundation, Make A Difference Day is one of the largest annual single-days of service nationwide. On the fourth Saturday of October, volunteers across the nation come together to improve their communities through service. Project organizers are encouraged to register at www.makeadifferenceday.com to be eligible to be awarded a $10,000 grant for their Make A Difference Day charity.
