Volunteering and mental health connect deeply, providing powerful pathways to healing, emotional wellness, and personal growth. Across generations and communities, people have found purpose and belonging through acts of service. Whether it’s helping others after personal loss, rediscovering identity after trauma, or finding joy in civic engagement, these personal reflections convey how volunteering can improve mental and emotional health. Research highlights that civic engagement can boost mental health by reducing isolation and fostering meaningful connections.
In honor of
Volunteering for Mental Health Recovery and Healing
“I want to help people who are struggling with mental health know they’re not alone. Volunteering gave me a way to turn my own pain into purpose.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Volunteer, 2024)
“After losing my brother to suicide, I started a nonprofit to raise awareness and provide peer support. Every time I share his story, I feel like I’m helping someone else find hope.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Mental Health Advocate)
“Volunteering became my therapy. It helped me heal from trauma and gave me the strength to help others do the same.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Veteran Volunteer)
“Helping others helped me find my voice. It’s the most healing thing I’ve ever done.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Survivor Advocate)
“I lost my mom to suicide when I was 15. Volunteering helped me find hope again and gave me a way to honor her memory.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Mental Health Advocate)
“After my diagnosis, I felt lost. Volunteering gave me a way to reclaim my identity and feel useful again.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Mental Health Advocate)
“I started volunteering after my own mental health struggles. It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me reconnect with my community.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Advocate)
Volunteering as Self-Care for Emotional Wellness
“Service is my self-care. It’s how I stay grounded and remind myself that I’m part of something bigger.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Healthcare Worker)
“Volunteering helped me reconnect with myself. It gave me structure, community, and a reason to get out of bed when I was struggling.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Veteran Volunteer)
“Volunteering helped me find peace. It’s how I care for myself while caring for others.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Community Volunteer)
“Volunteering is how I recharge. It’s my way of practicing self-care while making a difference.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Healthcare Worker)
Building Connection and Belonging Through Service
“Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s communal. When we show up for each other, we heal together.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Community Organizer)
“I used to feel invisible. Now, through service, I feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Leader)
“It’s my way of meeting like-minded people and making new friends as an adult!”
— Volunteer
“I was struggling with anxiety and depression. Being part of a volunteer team gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me I’m not alone.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Veteran Volunteer)
“I was burned out and disconnected. Giving back helped me reconnect with myself and others.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Educator Volunteer)
Finding Purpose and Personal Growth Through Volunteering
“Volunteering is important because it allows me to make a positive difference in my community, provides personal growth opportunities, fosters a sense of connection and belonging, and contributes to mental and emotional well-being.”
— Volunteer
“I am 77 years old and I like to volunteer because it gives me a purpose.”
— Volunteer
“Volunteering is my sanctuary. It’s where I go when the world feels heavy.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Youth Leader)
“I believe that taking care of yourself is the first step to being able to care for others. That’s why I advocate for mental health awareness in every community I serve.”
— Daily Point of Light Honoree (Community Organizer)
“The young people in our community are navigating growing mental health challenges. They’re facing increased social isolation and lack of meaningful opportunities to connect with others and contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
— Executive Director, Nonprofit
Ready to start making a positive impact on yourself and your community?
, which actively improves the lives of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) through volunteerism.
We spoke with Patti Colombo, manager of the RISE Program, and Katie Pfeifer, senior director of Programs at Volunteer New York!, to hear their reflections on what has made this initiative such a success.
“When we started the program, we were seeing that many people with and without disabilities were using our site to find meaningful places to volunteer,” Katie said. “What we didn’t want to happen – and what was occasionally happening – was they were being turned away, or not encouraged in a way that created strong volunteer opportunities. We were able to obtain funding for this program, build it out and bring on Patti to help elevate the program.”
“The program has been around for nine years,” shared Patti. “It’s all about community inclusion. These individuals want, need and are actually mandated to be in the community. Forty years ago, individuals were still being housed in institutions without meaningful or productive lives, and that’s no longer the norm. There’s a very strong movement toward inclusion and acceptance in our communities.”
RISE, which stands for ” Readiness thru Integrated Service Engagement,” connects individuals with I/DD to meaningful volunteer opportunities. Volunteer New York! works with over 300 different nonprofits, conducting site visits and talking to nonprofit and corporate teams to identify projects that could be a good fit for a RISE group.
Often, they identify roles and responsibilities that can be broken up among multiple volunteers. And recurring projects tend to be popular as they are able to be fine-tuned over time. Plus, both the hosting teams and volunteer participants can anticipate what to expect and count on regularly scheduled projects as part of their routine.
“We know exactly how volunteering builds community and builds skills,” Patti said. “A lot of these individuals have goals, like employment. And if they’re not necessarily able to work, they still want to be involved in meaningful community engagement. We’re specifically working with people with intellectual disabilities, people who often have their needs misunderstood or unsupported. We’re able to help with that.”
One of the core goals of the program is to foster community engagement by creating integrated volunteer projects where people with and without disabilities can work side-by-side. This approach has proven to be incredibly successful in breaking down barriers and promoting understanding.
During a recent corporate activation event, 45% of volunteers surveyed shared that they had no prior way to engage with individuals with I/DD. However, after participating in the integrated projects, a remarkable 97.4% of volunteers reported feeling a stronger sense of community with those with I/DD, compared to 71.5% prior to the projects.
“People want to be seen. They want to be able to have a purpose,” reflected Patti. “That’s really what community inclusion is all about. People with I/DD or autism often feel invisible. There are so many wins with this program – there are multiple layers of impact.”
Indeed, the impact of the RISE program is undeniable. In the past year alone, 185 RISE volunteers have dedicated over 3,000 hours of service to 33 community partners. They have supported a wide range of causes, including:
Providing school clothing to 750 students to prevent absenteeism.
Supporting 600 students with educational resources.
Assembling and distributing 1,120 Period Kits to teens.
Creating and mailing 735 birthday cards to Senior Corp volunteers.
Packaging 1,000 feedings of donated breast milk for deliveries to local NICUs.
Caring for 18 horses.
Supporting 175 individuals with disabilities in social and job readiness skills.
Helping 4,500 new immigrants find a clean and safe place to learn.
“We know that everybody has a role to play in our community – people of all ages, stages and ability levels,” Katie expressed. “We want people from all backgrounds to be part of solutions that help solve our community challenges.”
As Volunteer New York! celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the RISE program is proving that inclusive volunteering isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a powerful tool for positive change. When people with and without disabilities work side-by-side, it breaks down stereotypes and builds genuine connections. Volunteers – especially those with diverse experiences and representing a variety of perspectives – can gain valuable skills and confidence, while the wider community benefits from their contributions: a win-win that’s creating a more welcoming and inclusive society for everyone.
Prioritizing Health and Wellbeing: A Rising Trend in Corporate Culture
A fundamental shift is underway in the world of work. While salaries and benefits remain important, employees are increasingly demanding a greater focus on their overall health and wellbeing. This shift is reflected in the rising focus on “Health and Wellbeing” for Points of Light’s
honorees, an annual recognition of the most community-minded companies in the United States.
The Civic 50 2024: A Healthy Trend
For the past four years, the Civic 50 has tracked how companies prioritize health and wellbeing, both within their organizations and in their external CSR efforts. What began as a response to the pandemic has since become a core value. In 2021 and 2022, “Health and Wellbeing” ranked #4 as a cause area by The Civic 50. By 2023, it climbed to #3, and in 2024, it reached #2, signifying a deeper commitment to community health. This increased focus is also demonstrated by a rise in Civic 50 honorees working intentionally with teams responsible for “Employee Health and Wellness”; growing from 80% of honorees integrating with that business function in 2022 to 84% in 2024.
Why the Shift?
This trend is driven by several factors:
Increased Awareness: The pandemic and recent world events have highlighted the importance of physical and mental health.
Employee Expectations: Employees now expect employers to prioritize their wellbeing, both inside and outside the workplace.
Social Responsibility: Companies recognize their role in contributing to a healthier society.
Challenges and Opportunities
The 2024 Civic 50 report reveals a strong focus on addressing critical health challenges. Companies are stepping up to invest in training and development programs to combat the global health worker shortage, ensuring communities have access to qualified healthcare professionals. They’re also supporting initiatives that mitigate the health impacts of climate change, recognizing the growing threat to public health.
Additionally, companies are increasingly providing resources and programs to address mental health concerns, acknowledging the importance of mental wellbeing for both employees and communities. Access to safe water remains a critical issue, and The Civic 50 honorees are partnering with organizations to improve water quality and access in underserved communities.
The report also highlights a commitment to tackling chronic diseases. Companies are supporting research and programs focused on the prevention and management of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Finally, there’s a growing emphasis on addressing health inequities. By tackling social determinants of health and promoting health equity, these companies are working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.
exemplify this commitment to health and wellbeing. UnitedHealth Group’s Diversity in Health Care Scholarship program, for instance, supports the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals. PDS Health is actively involved in community health initiatives, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts demonstrates its commitment through its annual day of service and ongoing programs.
The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
The Civic 50 also highlights the growing alignment between CSR strategies and employee health and wellness. Companies are increasingly recognizing the link between volunteering and improved mental health.
In today’s world, loneliness and social isolation are significant concerns. The
reports that 50% of adults experience loneliness, with even higher rates of non-belonging in the workplace (64%) and local communities (74%). These feelings can negatively impact mental health, productivity and overall wellbeing.
Volunteering offers a powerful antidote. It provides opportunities for social connection, fosters a sense of purpose and improves mental and social wellbeing. Workplace volunteer programs can strengthen team bonds, combat isolation and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Learn More and Invest in Wellbeing
Prioritizing health and wellbeing is no longer a trend; it’s a necessity. By investing in their employees’ wellbeing and supporting community health initiatives, companies can create a more engaged workforce, improve productivity and contribute to a healthier society.
To learn more about how companies are leading the way in community engagement and social impact,
.
Points of Light can help your company develop and implement impactful employee volunteer programs that promote health, wellbeing and social responsibility.
today to learn more about our corporate consulting and employee activation services.
Top 10 Ways Volunteering Improves Your Mental and Emotional Health
May is Mental Health Month and offers an opportune time to reflect on your mental and emotional health and any ways they can be improved. Dedicating time to volunteering and becoming more involved in your community can have a profound impact, with
showing that civic engagement can be an excellent way to bolster your mental health. In this era of increasing digital isolation and societal stressors, finding meaningful connections and purposes in life is more crucial than ever.
Civic engagement and volunteering not only strengthen communities but also
, increase physical health and happiness, and fortify our mental and emotional resilience. Whether it’s through local community service, national initiatives or even global projects, acts of getting involved have a ripple effect that enhances individual mental health and fosters a more empathetic and connected society.
10 Ways Volunteering Improves Your Mental and Emotional Health
1. Sense of Purpose
Engaging in civic activities instills a sense of purpose, significantly impacting mental wellbeing.
that individuals with a strong sense of purpose have lower levels of stress and depression. Volunteering offers a path to finding that purpose, leading to enhanced mental health.
2. Social Connection
Volunteering fosters social connections, reducing isolation and promoting belonging.
that volunteering has been shown to reduce mortality rates and improve physical functioning. There is also evidence of increased physical activity, strength and self-rated health.
7. Skill Development
Volunteering is a platform for skill development and personal growth. It contributes to a sense of accomplishment and wellbeing – as outlined in
Engaging in civic activities broadens your social network, as both volunteers and community members being served all come from diverse backgrounds. The
emphasizes that civic engagement helps individuals better cope with life’s challenges and setbacks, bolstering mental fortitude.
For organizations and employers, supporting employee volunteering and civic engagement can be extremely beneficial. Companies that encourage volunteering report higher employee satisfaction and better workplace morale. This not only aids in the mental health of employees but also contributes to a more positive and productive work environment.
Volunteering and civic engagement go hand in hand. They’re not just good for the community; they improve your mental and emotional health, too. Whether it’s finding a sense of purpose, building social connections, reducing stress or developing resilience, these activities offer a multitude of benefits that can enhance your overall wellbeing. You can embrace these opportunities, not just during Mental Health Month but throughout the year, for a healthier, happier life.
If you’re looking for in-person or virtual volunteer opportunities, check out Points of Light Engage.
How Civic Engagement Can Boost Your Mental Health
Society has come a long way with regards to mental health awareness and visibility in recent decades, yet it remains a major social issue. Thirty-nine percent of people are especially concerned about mental health when compared to other social issues, according to Points of Light’s
]. Notably, concern tends to slightly skew toward younger generations, with Gen Z coming at 44%, Millennials at 42% and Gen X at 40%, compared to 31% of Baby Boomers. Women were also more concerned at 44%, compared to 33% of men.
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a time to raise awareness about mental health and to mobilize support for those experiencing mental health issues. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) organizes a
show that civic engagement is an excellent way to boost your mental health and wellbeing:
Volunteering results in an increase in psychological wellbeing and a decrease in depressive symptoms.
When older adults volunteer, it allows them to participate in meaningful activities and leads to a sense of greater wellbeing.
By engaging in service work, many were able to find and create pockets of connection for themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mental health improvement and civic engagement often go hand in hand,” said Dena Rodriguez-Leach, mental wellness supervision & workforce development program manager of Spark the Change Colorado. “There is evidence showing a strong correlation between volunteering and wellbeing. The benefits include a sense of purpose, social connection, reduced stress and improved self-esteem.”
Take Action for Others, Improve Your Own Wellbeing
When we take action for causes we care about, we don’t just act in service of others, we also receive benefits ourselves – including to our own mental health and wellbeing.
“In engaging with communities through volunteering and other ways, individuals feel a sense of purpose and gratitude, both of which have been scientifically proven to impact the release of oxytocin, which results in feelings of wellbeing, said iVolunteer principal consultant Aarti Madhusudan. “Civic engagement enables the individual to focus externally, [with] energies being invested in the problems of others. Being part of the solution for a problem [affecting] a community that perhaps has less privilege creates greater confidence in one’s own capabilities and resilience. All of these are extremely valuable for positive mental health.”
Interested in volunteering for mental health or other causes? Check out POINTS OF LIGHT ENGAGE® — The World’s Largest Digital Volunteer Network.
Rodriguez-Leach agreed: “Civic engagement provides a sense of purpose for individuals who volunteer and advocate for a particular cause. Research shows that contributing to society’s betterment can
. Being involved in a cause provides a sense of empowerment, improving self-worth and increasing emotional fulfillment and happiness as it allows for personal growth, social connection and a sense of purpose.”
Be a Point of Light for Mental Health
Each of us, regardless of our own mental health status or experiences, can be part of the movement to promote access to quality mental health care for all and to end discrimination based on mental health conditions.
Our
found that 83% of people felt that some of the most influential actions to support mental health are volunteering with a cause or organization in-person or online, and 80% leaned into making a charitable donation to a cause or organization.
“Civic engagement is one way of engaging in those things that are bigger than yourself.”
– Dena Rodriguez-Leach, mental wellness supervision & workforce development program manager, Spark the Change Colorado
Ready to get started on your civic engagement journey? Find opportunities, no matter your age, availability, location or interests.
Civic Engagement Opportunities to Boost Your Mental Health
Points of Light Engage®: The World’s Largest Digital Volunteer Network: Points of Light pulls volunteer opportunities from sites across the web to provide the most comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities around the world. Individuals can search for volunteer projects, nonprofits can post and manage event sign-ups and visitors are invited to start projects of their own – all in one place.
Points of Light Global Network: The Points of Light Global Network accelerates people-driven social impact across 38 countries. Find your local Points of Light affiliate to learn what your community needs.
DIY Volunteer Projects: Access easy DIY volunteer projects that families and individuals of all ages can complete in their spare time such as donating food to essential workers on the job, assembling comfort bags for youth experiencing hardships and building composting bins for greener communities.
Volunteer Advice & Resources: Explore more ways to access service opportunities, support specific causes you care about and strategically amplify your impact.
Leverage These 10 Research-based Facts and Stories of Inspiration to Drive Change
Content Warning: Points of Light is proud to share the following information; however, we acknowledge that these issues may be difficult for some readers. We encourage you to please care for your own well-being above all.
Mental health, COVID-19, gun safety and domestic violence have all come to the forefront of
about overall health. These cause areas affect everyone, from students and employees in workplaces to professional athletes and entertainers to healthcare workers themselves.
When cause areas like these come into focus, equipping social impact professionals and everyday people with research is one impactful way Points of Light can honor our commitment to civic engagement. Research can help you understand the current needs and concerns of people in your community so you can develop an action plan to meet those needs.
Here are 10 research-based facts about mental health, safety and issues related to both, along with stories of everyday people driving change in their communities around these causes. With this compelling research and these inspiring stories, we hope you’ll feel equipped to drive real and sustained change in your own community.
10 Research-Based Facts about Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Gun Safety, and COVID-19
1. Thirty-nine percent of people are concerned about MENTAL HEALTH when compared to other issue areas.
Of the respondents, Gen Z showed the highest concern about mental health issues at 44%, with Millennials following closely at 42%, Gen X at 40% and Baby Boomers at 31%. This generational breakdown may reflect the increase in conversation and education around mental health over the past few decades, becoming a less taboo topic for younger generations.
2. Thirty-five percent of respondents said they have been personally impacted by mental health issues.
Typically, people are most moved to action when they experience the impacts of a specific issue. While this might mean a personal lived experience, often people can access empathy when a loved one has been impacted.
3. Eighty-three percent of people chose to respond to this issue through VOLUNTEERING.
and represents one of the most powerful ways to lend hands-on support for a cause. Nonprofit organizations rely on their volunteers to help drive their missions forward and stretch donor funds as far as possible. When it comes to mental health, respondents said they volunteered their time and talent either by intentionally helping someone else or volunteering with an organization, whether in-person or online.
See how servicewoman Michaela White is advocating for mental health in the military.
4. Fifteen percent of people are concerned about GUN SAFETY when compared to other issue areas.
This statistic reflects a drastically lower level of interest when compared to the broader topic of mental health. This could reflect the fact that fewer people are personally impacted by gun violence when compared to mental health, but it could also reflect the charged political nature of conversations around gun safety. Interestingly, men and women showed equal concern about this issue at 15%.
5. Sixty percent of respondents took the time to learn about gun safety.
is another element of the Civic Circle and, for gun safety, is perhaps the most critical. Learning about a social issue can help educate you about the many nuances rather than having a “blanket” perspective on it. It can also help you make more thoughtful and informed decisions about how to approach solutions. People believe that some of the most helpful actions related to gun safety involve individual effort, like personal education on the issue and
Read about high school student Yating “Tina” Tang who is lifting up the marginalized and combating gun violence through activism and art.
6. Thirty-two percent of women said DOMESTIC VIOLENCE was one of their top areas of concern, compared to 22% of men.
Domestic violence is another cause area with interest being driven by those most commonly affected by the issue – in this case, women. While men are certainly not exempt from domestic violence, women are considerably more likely to experience it. Thirty-four percent of respondents reported that a close friend or family member had been impacted by domestic violence, a statistic that could lend itself to increasing empathy and concern among all people, regardless of gender.
7. Sixty-eight percent of individuals took time to post and share content on their social media channels around the issue of domestic violence, while 63% intentionally helped someone affected by domestic violence.
See how Air Force member Matthew Storer is helping families escaping domestic violence to start anew.
8. Fifty-five percent of people are concerned about COVID-19 when compared to other issue areas.
Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 was one of the top-ranked issue areas in terms of concern. Since the COVID-19 virus, and the ensuing pandemic, affected every single person across the globe, it’s no wonder that many people showed the most interest in this issue.
9. Sixty-three percent of Baby Boomers cited COVID-19 as a top concern.
Since people over the age of 65 are more at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, it is clear why Baby Boomers, among all the generations, would be the most concerned about this issue. In contrast, 49% of Gen Z cited COVID-19 as a top concern, while Millennials and Gen X showed interest at 51% and 58%, respectively.
10. Seventy-nine percent of respondents made a donation to a COVID-related cause or organization.
is another element of the Civic Circle, and encompasses contributions of money, services or goods to a cause. Since the landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic has largely moved from disaster response to recovery, it makes sense that individuals are choosing to donate to organizations responding to the crisis.
Read about public health employee Alyssa Antczak’s efforts to set up mass vaccination clinics and organize COVID-19 testing sites during the pandemic.
Want to keep diving? Take a look at these topics to find out how you can leverage our research to take civic action in your own community:
To Increase Civic Engagement, We Must Improve Health Equity
For more than a decade, the conversation of health care access has happened at both our highest levels of government and in small conversations with friends and family at home. These important conversations drove some change, but the pandemic highlighted the deep inequities in health care globally. There is still much to be done.
Points of Light’s Global Civic Engagement Research found that healthcare was the top issue area people said “my country must address.” It was also in the top five issue areas when people were asked what cause they were most personally interested in, with 48% of people saying healthcare was an important cause to them.
In the U.S., health care legislation has been ongoing for years. In the past year in particular, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly capped the cost of insulin, states have limited female reproductive health access and an aging population faces challenges to Medicare and rising health costs.
We know it takes every person becoming civically engaged to create a thriving society. One reason health equity work is critical is because people must feel their basic needs are met before they’re able to further their civic engagement. Research Derrick Feldman refers to it as THE List: transportation, health, employment. “Health insecurity inhibits our ability to remain active and engaged,” said Feldman in the Philanthropy News Digest.
Last week, at the Lake Nona Health Impact Forum, health care industry leaders, scientists, innovators and advocates gathered to talk about ground breaking technology and treatments. But they also acknowledged that, despite the progress, in the U.S. we have taken three steps forward and one step back. Life expectancy for Americans has declined for the last two years. This fact is just one among many other health challenges that we face that highlight how we must find better treatments and cures and open up access.
If we know health impacts civic engagement, how can civic engagement impact health equity? I was struck by the very first panel at the forum – Global Pacesetters for Change – which featured Chelsea Clinton, Lauren Bush Lauren and venture capitalist Noor Sweid. They spoke about using your voice, your vote and your purchase power to create a more just and equitable health care system.
We see people taking actions every day. This year we released our first Daily Point of Light Award annual report and found the issue areas most addressed by our honorees were health, hunger and well-being. This realization led us to explore how Points of Light’s Civic Circle® can play a role in addressing health equity. Our theory of change is that if we take one issue and combine actions on the Civic Circle®, we’ll accelerate change.
Let’s start with listening and learning. In a recent webinar with Tiffany Benjamin, CEO, Humana Foundation, she shared that listening and learning is critical to get into equity work, and you must dive in to meeting the needs of sub-groups in a population. For example, you can’t just address the health needs of the BIPOC community. The needs of a 6-year-old in an urban low-income community and the health needs of a 65-year-old man in a rural town are extremely different. You need to listen to the specific group you’re looking to support.
After listening and learning, realizing specific needs will lead to focused action, and the Civic Circle provides plenty of opportunities to act. You can use your voice to advocate for long-term change while activating volunteers to address short-term needs.
This hyper focus is critical – but so is sharing the learnings. Hearing from others doing the work allows a larger feedback loop of learning, so we can bring ideas to communities and ideate and iterate on solutions.
This year, at the 2023 Points of Light Conference, we’ll have a focus on health equity and have experts and practitioners share what they’re doing in communities around the world. We’ll have speakers on our main stage, including our Civic Talk, “Perspectives on Health Equity: How Hyper-local and Global Strategies Align,” with experts from KPMG, the Metropolitan Planning Council and West Side United, plus many more who are doing the work.
Convenings like our conference create space to listen, learn and take information back to communities we work in. Improving people’s health and access to health care increases their ability to turn their attention to other challenges, which we can increase the power of people to make our communities stronger, more just and equitable places.
Join us at the 2023 Points of Light Conference to learn more about how health equity can take a center role and advance our long-term social impact, and hear from leading experts in volunteer management, civic engagement and more. It will be a robust three days of learning where we can lead change, together.
Points of Light Conference Teams Up with Bestselling Authors for Talk on Wellness
Anyone engaged in civic life — especially those who are employed in the nonprofit sector — face the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. That’s why it’s so critical to consistently and intentionally take care of oneself while helping others. The 2022 Points of Light Conference will explore wellness through an array of featured speakers and special workshops.
Two of our most notable offerings include bestselling author, activist and podcast host Glennon Doyle and bestselling author and television executive Tara Schuster. The duo will be hosting a special Civic Talk titled “Oxygen Masks On! Caring for Ourselves and our Communities.” This session will explore the ways we can care for our mental health and wellness while continuing to lead courageously. We offer inspiration for those driving transformative change who have served on the front lines of social good for the last two years of this global pandemic.
Glennon Doyle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Untamed,” a Reese’s Book Club selection, which has sold over 2 million copies. She is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Love Warrior,” an Oprah’s Book Club selection, and “Carry On, Warrior.” In her “Untamed Journal,” published November 2021, Glennon helps us each discover our own voice of longing and allows us to reclaim our true, untamed selves. An activist and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People), Glennon is the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit organization that has revolutionized grassroots philanthropy, having raised over $30 million for women, families and children in crisis. She hosts the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast, which debuted as #1 on Apple Podcasts.
Tara Schuster was once best known as the executive in charge of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning show, Key & Peele. Tara turned her struggle with chronic anxiety and depression into a best-selling book and a mission to help others. Her humorous takes on taking charge of one’s mental health, always backed by empowering action steps, have won praise from readers ranging from Wharton professor Adam Grant to Academy Award-winner Anjelica Huston and best-selling author Glennon Doyle. InStyle, People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Goodreads, BuzzFeed, Goop and many others have chosen her memoir as one of the best books of 2020.
Check our agenda for other workshops with sector experts that address specific issues and strategies around wellness. These conversations will bring inspiring ideas and experiences to the stage and offer deep learning and takeaways from innovative leaders. Join us for these powerful discussions on how to nurture your health and wellness so you can sustain your long-term work that’s making an impact in the sector. If you’re not yet registered, head over to our Points of Light Conference page. We’ll see you July 13-15, 2022!
Ellie LeBlond Sosa Shares How Mental Health Builds Better Communities
To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Points of Light connected with Ellie LeBlond Sosa, granddaughter of President George H.W. Bush and Executive Director of Events at BB&R Wellness, to discuss our recent global civic engagement research and the lasting impact the global pandemic has had on the mental health of respondents around the world.
Question:
Why is the area of mental health and well-being a personal and professional passion area for you?
Ellie:
Recently, I have entered a new chapter of life: motherhood. I know I’m not alone when I say that I struggled during pregnancy and postpartum with anxiety and depression. There are so many things to worry about. Add in a complete lack of sleep, and I was left feeling completely drained and not myself. I knew I needed help, so I started therapy for the first time in my life. I was able to work through some of my fears as a new mom and learned the coping mechanisms to use when I felt anxious or sad.
I am also lucky to work for a company, co-founded by my mom Doro Bush Koch, called
. BB&R educates and inspires people to take better care of themselves: mind, body and spirit. Through my work, I have learned the powers of mindfulness and meditation in our overall health and well-being.
asked respondents to share the ways the global pandemic impacted them individually and their community collectively. Globally, “my mental health” and “the mental health of my family” were the third- and fourth-largest impacts. As we head into the third year of this pandemic, how do we support our own mental health and well-being and the well-being of those in our circle for what has been an extended period of stress, isolation and tension?
Ellie:
If you suspect that someone you know is suffering, start by observing behaviors and moods that have changed. Initiate a non-judgmental conversation in a place where they are safe and comfortable. If they are open to talking, do not diagnose anything since you aren’t a doctor. Suggest ways to de-stress, practice self-care and offer to accompany them to the doctor or join them for a conversation with a family member or friend. Of course, if you feel like they are in immediate danger, you should take urgent action to make sure they are safe. If you are experiencing difficulties, talk to someone, and be honest with how you are feeling. Your loved ones want the best for you and will help you if you ask.
Question:
Points of Light’s research on the Millennial generation showed just how personal social issues have become by identifying mental health and wellness as one of their top priorities. This trend diverges from previous generations who don’t identify this as a top area of societal concern. Which role do you think the next generations, both Millennials and Gen Z, can play in moving mental health and wellness from an individual and personal priority to one that society as a whole prioritizes?
Ellie:
The Millennial and Gen Z generations understand that health and wellness are incredibly important for communities to thrive. The first step in making this a top priority for all is de-stigmatization. One in five Americans suffer from some form of mental health issue every day, so why does it still feel taboo to talk about? Although it may be difficult, have an open and honest conversation with your supervisor about mental health and how the company can support their employees. Outside of the workplace, you can start a book club and include books that touch on important mental health topics. Every little bit helps and the more we talk about it, the more we will erase the terrible stigma around mental health.
Question:
At Points of Light, we have observed, and research supports that there is a strong correlation between individuals who engage civically and those with strong physical and mental well-being. From his words and actions, we know that your grandfather, and Points of Light’s founder President George H.W Bush, really believed that compassion, empathy and connectedness were fostered in those who participated in their communities and reached out in support of others. What have you learned from your family and your work that highlights this connection between civic action and overall well-being?
Ellie:
My grandfather taught all of us the importance of serving others. It does not matter whether that’s on a big scale or small scale. What matters is that you do it with love and compassion. There is a phenomenon called, “Helper’s High,” which refers to that feeling you get after helping someone. Endorphins are released into our brain that can decrease pain and increase our mood. Overall, serving others is a win-win.
Question:
At Points of Light, we talk about “listening and learning” being among the most important civic actions someone can take. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, do you have any favorite thought leaders, books, resources and podcasts that you would recommend that may help to deepen our understanding of mental health and well-being?
Ellie:
In my unbiased opinion, the podcast Health Gig co-hosted by Doro Bush Koch and Tricia Reilly Koch is one of the best resources out there. They have had some incredible guests and offer fantastic weekly guided meditations. For books, “
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World”
by Dr. Vivek Murthy is fantastic. Dr. Murthy traveled the United States and found loneliness is an underlying cause for many issues: alcohol and drug addiction, violence, anxiety and depression. He offers some thoughtful solutions to help ourselves and those we love create more connected lives. I also recommend “
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World”
by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams, which shares how they find joy in the face of suffering.
Question:
If you could give just one actionable step someone could take to advance mental health and well-being in their community, what would it be?
Ellie:
Reach out to someone who you’ve been thinking about. Ask if they want to talk or need help with anything. Maybe they haven’t had the courage to ask and this simple question from you will make all the difference for them.
Looking for more mental health resources available online or in your community? Visit
for their library of reputable, free or low-cost options that span a wide variety of needs.
Creating Connection With Spark the Change Colorado and Samen voor Eindoven
A global movement for good requires the power of volunteerism, service and civic engagement. And that’s exactly what Points of Light Global Network affiliate
is on a mission to do: spark change and inspire a movement of good, leading to a world with stronger, more resilient, equitable and connected communities through the power of volunteerism.
Spark the Change provides direct services and volunteer programs, as well as resources, training and support for organizations and community leaders. Kelly Groen, director of Spark the Change’s Mental Wellness Program, talked to us about their unique mental health initiative.
Spark the Change Colorado volunteers put in the work needed to convert the Denver Coliseum into a women’s shelter at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our mission for the Mental Wellness Program is to connect licensed and insured mental health professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to low-income Coloradans in need of counseling,” she said. “First, we connect volunteer private practitioners to pro bono clients through our private practice referral line. Second, we operate a host site model, where we place a volunteer professional at an established host site, such as a school, shelter or nonprofit, to provide mental health support to clients and staff at the site.”
Most often, barriers to mental health are financial or related to accessibility within traditional avenues. Spark the Change’s clients are often unable to afford treatment due to being uninsured or being unable to afford deductibles or copays. Many clients are also unable to find an appropriate or available clinician through other avenues of care.
“Through our host site model, we’re also able to lend support to the clients being served by other leaders of service in our communities,” says Kelly. “We form partnerships with schools, shelters and service nonprofits across the state, working in tandem to find a volunteer who can meet the unique needs of their population. Volunteers are placed within these organizations free of charge, to better support the mental health needs of clients and staff. We provide services to individuals, couples, families and groups, and our volunteers serve clients of all ages.”
From helping with issues like anxiety and depression to stress management, grief, loss, family issues and coping with life changes, Spark the Change’s Mental Wellness Program is making mental health a priority — in a time when these types of issues are front and center.
Spark the Change Colorado partners with Harvest Pack to provide days of service, packing hundreds of meals for those in need. Events have been transformed to accommodate social distancing, PPE and all health and safety protocols so volunteers can feel safe while giving back.
in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is the bridge between companies, social organizations and the local government to work toward a more cohesive and inclusive society. Samen voor Eindoven means “Together for Eindhoven” and the organization works to design and implement corporate volunteer programs.
“Corporate volunteers embrace our values and are committed to making a vital contribution to our local community. By using their professional skills and talents for community organizations, corporate volunteers themselves experience more meaning and job satisfaction,” says Esther Hofstede, founder and director of Samen voor Eindoven.
Through the use of smart technology, Samen voor Eindoven is able to mobilize corporate volunteers through a digital platform, maximizing efficiency, impact and flexibility. Social volunteers can enroll in recurring calendar programs and skill-based programs.
Corporate volunteers engage with initiatives like donating “wishtrees” to almost all 23 nursing homes in Eindhoven, creating a website for Eindhoven residents with foreign roots, making video calls to people who are currently unable to go outside and publishing a “feel good newsletter” with only positive news, sent to elderly residents of nursing homes.
More than 10,000 vulnerable people in Eindhoven were provided with vitamin A during the pandemic, which included providing company over a socially distanced meal.
“It turns out that when you really put corporate volunteers in touch with groups in need, there is more understanding and the gap between the groups is reduced,” Esther says. She encourages increased corporate volunteering, which she calls “a win-win: impact for the beneficiaries and volunteers, substance for the Corporate Social Responsibility policy of companies, and a more attractive workplace for involved employees.”
Kelly Groen at Spark the Change Colorado encourages volunteers to get involved: “While there are countless ways to make an impact, including mindful recognition of your individual purchase power and using your voice and vote to make a difference, volunteerism will always be a necessary cornerstone of civic engagement. There are a multitude of benefits to volunteerism, both to the community being served and the individual serving. There is no comparison to the feeling you get from giving your time and talents to improve the lives of other members in your community.”
