Change Notes: Points of Light Conference Highlights – My Top 10 List
Education activist and Grammy Award-winner John Legend inspired Conference attendees
Dear friends,
One week ago today, Points of Light’s 2013 Conference on Volunteering and Service convened in Washington, D.C.. Reflecting on an amazing week packed with speakers, workshops and events, I’m having trouble picking just a few high points to share. After a bit of squeezing, here are my top 10:
The heartfelt talks from Special Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and nine-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend.
The nearly 5,000 participants who traveled from almost every state and 47 countries to attend and to lead the volunteer movement.
Our sponsors – title sponsor Chase, along with Target, Capital One, Disney, Gannett and UPS – who made the largest convening of volunteer, national service and civic leaders in the world possible.
Political strategists Karl Rove and Donna Brazile, dancing together to illustrate our theme, Service Unites, and showcased for readers of the Washington Post, BuzzFeed, Politico, TIME magazine and many other outlets.
The launch of One America, a nationwide, yearlong campaign Points of Light is leading, with founding support from Chase, to bring together rivals in politics, entertainment and sports with the goal of inspiring millions to unite in service to their communities.
Democrats and Republicans from both sides of the aisle – Sen. Dan Coats, Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Carl Levin, Rep. Joaquin Castro, Rep. John Lewis, and Rep. Jim McGovern – coming together to support America’s volunteers.
The announcement that more than 500 companies committed to provide more than $2 billion in pro-bono service through Billion + Change.
Wharton professor and New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant challenging nonprofit and business leaders to empower the “givers” among us and thereby unleash the potential of our teams.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey’s powerful call to engage and support more veterans and military families through volunteer service.
The volunteers who came out in force to clean up the National Mall, assemble100,000 mac-and-cheese kits for those in need, and package school readiness kits for D.C. children.
You’ll find more highlights, stories and photos in the Conference wrap-up
. Please visit and tell us who you’d like to see unite in service. Rival college basketball teams? Competing news anchors? Superheroes and villians? We’ll collect the best pairings and let you vote on which ones we’ll ask to come together to serve.
It was a whirlwind few days packed full of inspiration. Thanks so much for all you to every single day of the year to lend a hand and strengthen communities worldwide.
Hope to see you in Atlanta next year!
In service,
Michelle Nunn
CEO, Points of Light
Change Notes: Even in Divisive Times, Service and Volunteering Bring Us Together as One America
Friends,
Donna Brazile and Karl Rove at the
Conference’s opening session
At Points of Light’s Conference on Volunteering and Service in Washington, D.C., yesterday, the crowd of 5,000 saw something you don’t see every day. And it wasn’t just right-leaning strategist Karl Rove dancing on stage with left-leaning strategist Donna Brazile.
In the heart of our nation’s capital, Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, corporate executives and grassroots organizers got together to agree on one thing: Despite our differences, we can make a difference together.
It’s all part of the launch of One America, a nationwide, yearlong campaign Points of Light is leading, with founding support from JPMorgan Chase, to bring together rivals in politics, entertainment and sports with the goal of inspiring millions to unite in service to their communities.
Unlikely allies on stage included conservative talk show host Bill O’Reilly and liberal political strategist Donna Brazile, plus former adviser to President George W. Bush Karl Rove and former adviser to President Obama David Plouffe.
Senior Adviser to the President Valerie Jarrett was on hand to announce that President and Mrs. Obama will host a special White House ceremony in July to honor the 5,000th Daily Point of Light Award — a volunteer recognition program begun by President George H. W. Bush in 1993.
At the close of the session, rival marching bands from D.C.’s Eastern and Duke Ellington high schools led thousands of delegates to a cavernous room where they assembled 100,000 mac-and-cheese kits for those in need in the nation’s capital.
Take a look at the
One America video
At the historic Sewall-Belmont House & Museum on Capitol Hill, 200 volunteer leaders assembled 600 school supply kits for area children. During the service project, sponsored by Altria, volunteers were joined by several members of Congress, including Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI).
Summing up the spirit of One America, Peter Scher, executive vice president and head of corporate social responsibility at Chase, recalled the words of Abraham Lincoln: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” In today’s world, Scher said, “We know that what really matters to our nation’s future is not what divides us, but what brings us together. And what brings us together here today is what brings us together in neighborhoods across the country – service.”
So which unlikely allies would you like to see unite in service? Tom and Jerry?
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson? Kanye West and Taylor Swift? Visit www.one-america.org and let us know. We’ll collect the best pairings and let you vote on which ones we’ll ask to come together to serve.
We may live in divisive times, but service unites.
All best,
Michelle Nunn
CEO, Points of Light
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How will Conference be a Change Point for you?
Today’s post is written by Amy Lytle from HandsOn Northwest North Carolina. Amy attended her first Conference in New Orleans at the tender age of 24. She has leveraged her conference experiences in building a 15+ career in the field of volunteer engagement, and was hired as the first-ever Executive Director of HandsOn Northwest NC in 2007. Attending conference is part of her 2013 resolution to practice “radical self-care” in hopes of being the best leader she can be. And she’s serious about the cool beverages.
By now, I hope you all have heard about the upcoming Conference on Volunteering and Service set for June 19-22nd in Washington, DC. You may be thinking, DC in JUNE? Are you nuts? 90 degrees and 100% humidity? Why would I want to do that?
You want to do it because attending conference can be transformational, especially if you work for or with a HandsOn affiliate. I would especially encourage all affiliates to attend the Affiliate-Only Sessions, scheduled for the Friday afternoon and Saturday after conference. I’ve attended all but two conferences since I started my career in volunteer engagement in 1998. (Yes, I entered the field at a ridiculously young age, why do you ask?) I make this investment in time and money–and for me now, as the ED of a relatively small and relatively new affiliate, it’s a significant investment–because I know that my ROI will be great. At each conference, I’ve built and nurtured relationships that have sustained me throughout my career in the field. I’ve honed my skills in numerous areas, and learned best practices that have brought immediate value when taken home.
Conference is more than just the sessions you attend, it’s about the people you’ll meet and the conversations you’ll have. There are some colleagues that I see only at conference, but I know that I can pick up the phone any time and get advice and support from them. I’ve picked their brains, “borrowed” their ideas, and learned from their experience. None of this knowledge would have been available to me had I decided to sit in my office alone. As an affiliate leader, I’ve learned that creating and strengthening my peer network has been crucial to my success, both personally and organizationally.
My goal for each conference is always the same: at least one new idea I can instantly implement when I get back home and one new colleague who I feel I can count on in the future. I really should create stronger “stretch” goals, because, in reality, both of these are easy to fulfill. In past conferences, I’ve gotten key advice about implementing HandsOn Connect, learned how to build a managed projects program, and I gained confidence in working with corporate partners. As a member of the “Dream Team,” (hey, I didn’t name it that–HandsOn Network staff did!) I’m proud that the affiliate-oriented sessions have been created by and for affiliate leaders. The partnership between the HandsOn Network/ Points of Light staff and us affiliates is strengthened by the conference experience, building a stronger network for service and engagement that benefits us all.
So, yes–it’s DC in June. The hotels won’t be cheap, but the registration is reasonable. I’m thinking of bringing my spouse and my six-year-old daughter, so I can hear the stories of their adventures while I’m in sessions. (In NYC, during conference in 2010, they explored the High Line, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center, among other things.) Sure I’ll be jealous of their explorations, but I know that what I’ll bring home from my conference adventure will be just as compelling. I hope I’ll be able to see you there. The cool beverages will be on me!
Make sure you visit the Washington Mall! The National Mall is the first stop on most sightseeing tours of Washington DC and most of the attractions are free.10 Things to Know About the Mall in Washington DC
Destination DC’s “Show Your Badge” program is designed for you to enjoy world-class restaurants, attractions and performing arts while you are in D.C. To participate, simply show your Conference/convention badge to any of the participating partners and receive exclusive discounts.
Visit our FAQ page for more information about to secure a “family badge” and how your family can take advantage of the discounts offered by the “Show Your Badge” program. Make sure to reserve your family badges through Conference registration. Did we mention there are 100 free (or almost free) things to do in DC? Visit our Explore Washington, DC. page for more information.
Utilize the Metro
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, also known as the Metro, serves 86 stations and 106 miles of track in the Washington, D.C. area. Taking the Metro is a cheaper solution to getting around in DC. Visit the Metro’s website to plan your trip.
Take Advantage of the Conference Travel Discounts
The Conference on Volunteering and Service has secured several travel discounts for our attendees:
United Airlines is pleased to offer discounts of 2% to 10% off published fares. Save an additional 3% off by booking your own reservations at www.united.com. Choose your flight times, and access your meeting discounts by inserting ZPRV460636 in the Offer Code box. Or Call your travel professional or United Meetings at 800-426-1122 for reservations. Refer to Z Code ZPRV and Agreement Code: 460636.
Save 10% when you book your travel with Amtrak — To use the discount you must make your reservation by phone at 1-800- 872-7245. Amtrak Convention Fare Code number is X97M-964. Travel must be made to Washington, D.C. between June 16 and June 25, 2013.
Save 5% – 40% when you book your rental car with Avis — visit the website Avis created for our Conference to make your reservation and use the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number D028440. Or, call 1-800-525-7537 ext. 35003 to reserve your rental car.
Save 5% when you book your air travel with American Airlines — visit www.aa.com/group and enter promotion code: 5763DU.
, Aaron Frumin, Brendan Gordon, and Michael Ward who are hoping to make a reality TV show (think somewhere between Anthony Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’ and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition). Their show would follow the trio across the country meeting the individuals that are getting things done through volunteering/service and exploring the cities they live in. For example, a New Orleans episode might start with volunteering with
in Chicago. It’s a little raw (PG-13 for language) but you can’t help but be excited by the way American Volunteers present volunteering and service. The video features nice cameos from the AmeriCorps Alums team, a great introduction to the diversity of individuals who serve, and
fully-covered-in-sweat from serving at the Seed for Change project!
The American Volunteers guys have been working hard pitching their show to network executives and are hoping to bring the story of volunteerism to national TV in the near future. These Alums want to showcase the opportunity and excitement young people have around service and how it can enrich one’s lifestyle and travels. Many of those featured in the video are young adults who are passionate about making a difference and bust the stereotype that the Millennial generation are lazy, self-centered, and disengaged with their community.
Marketing: It’s Easy When You’ve Got Cool Stuff to Say
Today’s guest post is written by Meredith McPherson, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at Points of Light.
I don’t know about you, but I love seeing my little Skype icon blinking on my computer screen. To me, it says, “Somebody needs me for something.” It’s kind of like the Bat Signal for Gotham, except my weapon is my pen (or keyboard) and I don’t have nearly as cool a car as Batman does.
So, a few weeks ago, when Skype pulled me out of the depths of invoices and other boring but necessary tasks, I selflessly answered the call. It was my colleague (and friend) Lori Jean, who manages all of the content, workshops and programming for our annual Conference, letting me know that she needed my marketing skills to launch the Call for Presenters (CFP) process for our 2013 Conference. Unbelievingly, I blinked at the screen for a beat and the following conversation ensued:
Me: U r funny LJ. Cuz I’m still trying 2 get vendors paid 4 ‘12 and I haven’t even finished my thank u notes. Where r we going 4 lunch 2day?
LJ: How about Firehouse? And, no, it’s August, so it’s time. <smiley face>
Author’s Note: Lori Jean was an English major and is fastidious about punctuation, spelling and grammar, even over Skype. And she’s addicted to emoticons.
Me: I was thinking Mexican. How does this happen? Every year I feel like the CFP sneaks up on me!
LJ: Mexican sounds good. I know! The CFP is like a <ninja emoticon>. I am excited about it, though! We are making a few changes to the tracks for D.C. … <thumbs up emoticon>
Me: K. I got skillz 4 what u need. Talk about it over lunch
And here we are a few lunches and weeks later, launching the CFP. There are many things that I love about Points of Light’s behind-the-scenes work on Conference, and this is one of them. Everyone’s still high from the last Conference; rejuvenated, feeling creative and full of possibilities. And that goes doubly for the extremely smart and talented people who want to be part of the teaching and sharing. From the hundreds of practitioners, thought leaders and innovators who want to share their experience and expertise, we get the most interesting, thoughtful and fun proposals. And what’s even better is that I get to dream up ways to tell everyone about all of awesome things happening at Conference.
So, to all of you, the 2013 Call for Presenters is here. Tell your mama, tell your friends. But, most of all, tell us and be part of the best Conference on volunteering and service out there.
Schools Stop Idling to Save the Earth
Today’s Turning Point comes from guest writer, Clay McMullen, a senior at West Geauga High School in Munson Township, Ohio where he is president and founder of the Wetlands Education Team.
A car that idles for 10 minutes uses as much fuel as it takes to travel five miles and burns more than 27 gallons of fuel annually. For every gallon of gas a car consumes, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. These emissions account for one-third of all greenhouse gases. Do you need more reasons to turn off your car while you are waiting?
Idling for longer than 10 seconds wastes fuel and is no more effective than turning an engine that is warm off and then on again. Internal combustion engines in cars are not the only threat to the environment. Diesel engines, such as those found in school buses, are also a problem. A school bus that idles for one hour per day for the entire school year will have 1,260 miles of additional engine wear just from idling, or as many miles as it would travel on a trip from Cleveland to the Everglades. Idling not only causes excessive engine wear, but it also dirties the engine causing the injectors and oil to become fouled. This too causes an engine to die faster, thus costing the school more money from typically paper-thin budget.
In addition, idling needlessly releases more than 40 different pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, benzene and formaldehyde into the environment. Many of these pollutants are carcinogens and the particulates are detrimental to people’s lungs. The pollutants released by idling cycle back into the vehicles, causing potential harm to anyone inside including the 9 percent of all school-age children who have asthma, who are especially vulnerable to poor air quality.
I take the bus to school most days. One day, my friends and I could smell the bus exhaust inside of the school. We realized that the air intake for the school was right next to the bus waiting area. Something had to be done! This was my turning point. The school board already had a no-idling policy in place, but it had fallen into disuse, so I fought to bring it back. I consulted with the superintendent and we not only restored the no bus idling policy, but we also added a no-idle policy for cars. By doing this, we ensured that my school would be a much cleaner, healthier place. I designed “Idle Free” signs for the schools, sent flyers home to parents and stenciled parking lots with no idling reminders.
I worked with a local university to successfully win the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Diesel School Bus Retrofit Grant, which provides funds for filters to be installed on the transportation fleet to clean the air inside the buses and trap the emissions in the environment. DMF filters can reduce emissions by up to 60 percent. I tested the air quality before the “Idle Free” program was implemented and we have seen substantial benefits with the new filters.
If others want to improve air quality at their schools, I highly recommend talking to school board members and superintendents. In my experience, I found unanimous support for my ideas because they saved money and equipment, and they improved the air quality at the school and on the buses. In addition, voluntary compliance with no idling policies is a no-cost solution to air pollution. Most school districts can apply for funding to purchase particulate filters for their fleet. Many states have grant programs like Ohio’s to provide money for bus retrofits. Idling is an unnecessary action that wastes money and fuel while hurting the environment and our lungs. Fight to improve air quality and save your wallets, your environment and yourselves.
Clay is a member of the of the 2011 PARADE All-America High School Service Team, an award recognizing outstanding young service leaders presented by PARADE Magazine in partnership with generationOn, the global youth enterprise of Points of Light.
2012 National Conference on Volunteering and Service Reflections
Our time at the Conference was very inspiring. There remains a powerful and effective group of professionals working on volunteerism across the country and locally. The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership is excited and motivated to help in the following ways:
We’ll be working with CaliforniaVolunteers to design and implement the Service Enterprise Initiative. Upon completion of this three-year program, we will have resources and data available to share with organizations across the country to help them better utilize skilled volunteers.
As one of 10 HandsOn Network affiliates selected to design and implement an Innovation Hub, we’ll be developing new strategies to engage volunteers and create cutting-edge community engagement models that can be replicated across the network.
The Center is piloting a new model for building leadership among volunteer managers. The Community of Practice for Volunteer Managers of Older Adults will be meeting and working throughout the year.
The present landscape of volunteering is evolving, as the Conference highlighted through its various sessions. Volunteer management practices have changed dramatically across both the social and private sectors, and representatives from both spheres interested in changing their approach to volunteer engagement have more options and support than ever. However, more work needs to be done, and the Conference played a huge role in challenging us to think differently not just about how the future landscape of volunteer management might look but more importantly why it’s important at all. Thank you Points of Light and all who participated for an illuminating, challenging and creative five days!
Today’s Turning Point comes from guest writer, Clay McMullen, a senior at West Geauga High School in Munson Township, Ohio where he is president and founder of the Wetlands Education Team. 
Today’s post is written by Julie Burk, director of Volunteer Services at the 
The present landscape of volunteering is evolving, as the Conference highlighted through its various sessions. Volunteer management practices have changed dramatically across both the social and private sectors, and representatives from both spheres interested in changing their approach to volunteer engagement have more options and support than ever. However, more work needs to be done, and the Conference played a huge role in challenging us to think differently not just about how the future landscape of volunteer management might look but more importantly why it’s important at all. Thank you Points of Light and all who participated for an illuminating, challenging and creative five days!