2012 Election: Implications for the Service Sector
Today’s guest post is written by Julie Murphy, vice president of government affairs and public policy at Points of Light.
On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the nation awoke to a familiar political scene: the re-election of the incumbent President and Congress still split between a Democratic Senate and a Republican House of Representatives. Here are some trends and opportunities for the service and volunteerism sector:
Cooperation, Compromise, Common Purpose
“What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth, the belief that our destiny is shared, that this country only works when we except certain obligations to one another… That’s what makes America great.” President Barack Obama on election night
At Points of Light, we share the president’s view that the greatest hope for our country lies in our impulse to honor the obligations of our citizenship through service. In the next four years, we will work with both the White House and Congress to promote policies and programs that advance and integrate volunteer strategies directed toward national needs across the public sector.
Some of these strategies may even be derived from our own in-house initiatives:
How can HandsOn Schools and generationOn inform education reform and resuscitate federal service-learning policies?
How can the work of our disaster team and our affiliates engaged in the response to Hurricane Sandy improve federal disaster response programs?
What are we learning from the Community Blueprint regarding veterans’ and military families’ services?
What does the Civic 50 tell us about the potential for greater coordination between private and public sectors and does this imply changes in such areas as tax policy?
What can the 750,000 alumni of AmeriCorps over the last 20 years tell us not just about national service but also about social policies writ large?
How has volunteering changed employment strategies in this country over the past four years and does that need to be reflected in federal economic policies?
Are there ideas from our thought leadership agenda such as converting federal student work study programs to “serve study” programs or creating a volunteer background check “fast pass” that are ripe for consideration by Congress?
Status Quo
An election that yields no substantial shifts in power means we need to renew our relationship with our bipartisan Congressional and White House allies and introduce ourselves to the newbies — quickly. Given that we have status quo, the time and energy needed to hand over the keys and unpack the boxes can now be spent by the White House and Congress on getting busy, and we need to be ready to be the voice for citizen engagement in Washington.
Fiscal Cliff
The looming budget crisis means that we will need to be aggressive and smarter in our opposition to further cuts to the Corporation for National and Community Service. We will need to gather our best stories about the impact of service and volunteering programs such as the Volunteer Generation Fund and rapid fire these into the inboxes of members of Congress.
Our AmeriCorps alumni, our affiliates and our partners will all be called to become vocal advocates for a resolution to our country’s fiscal problems, a resolution that 1) does not compromise effective volunteer and national service programs; and 2) protects the most vulnerable in our society.
Demographic Shifts
“What the world saw this week was a picture of America at its best: edgy, experimental, open-minded – and brilliantly diverse.” Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, Nov. 9, 2012
Zakaria framed it well and we, as a sector, will need to rise to this same challenge to embrace the changes in our country’s demographics to ensure that all Americans have opportunities to serve.
Limited but Energetic Government
David Brooks said this about the 2012 election: “It’s about leaving behind the stale Big Government versus Small Government framework and figuring out how to use limited but energetic government to help people work harder and strive more.”
We, at Points of Light, believe that an energetic government’s best fuel is its people and our policy agenda for 2013 will include the smartest investment the federal government could make: identifying and replicating volunteer-driven community solutions that show proven results.
Any thoughts/ideas on what the election means to the volunteer and nonprofit sector? Share in comments.
The Story of HandsOn Bogota
Today’s post is written by Marcela Campos, founder of HandsOn Bogota. Marcela is the founding board member of HandsOn Tokyo who is now striving to make a difference in Bogota by establishing HandsOn Bogota, the first HandsOn Action Center in Colombia.
The world is my community. Born in Germany of diplomat Argentine parents, I was raised in the U.S. and Canada, where I was introduced to volunteering at an early age through school and Girl Scouts activities. As a teenager in Argentina, I continued my volunteer work through school and then made sure that my life travels did not stop there. My six-month trip to Asia turned into 11 years in Tokyo, Japan, where I met my Colombian husband and had two daughters. I also met the most amazing group of friends who became the founding board of directors for HandsOn Tokyo.
As an active HandsOn Tokyo board member and executive director, I was fascinated with spreading the word on volunteering at schools, clubs and corporations, recruiting volunteers and planning our annual fundraising gala. I took advantage of every opportunity to raise awareness on the increasing needs in our community, and the ways in which every citizen can put their time, skills and passion to good use as civil acts of kindness.
“There should be a HandsOn office in every city in the world.” I clearly remember thinking this in December 2006 when I learned of the HandsOn Network model. I’ve been doing my best ever since to spread the word.
There are so many ways to get involved and be an active citizen. With HandsOn Tokyo, it was with Special Olympics, Second Harvest food bank, Wakabaryo Children’s Home and Tsukuba School for the blind. I was so happy to bring my husband and daughters along; helping the community through volunteer work became a family affair.
In June 2010, our family decided it was time to leave our beloved Tokyo and settle down in Colombia, offering our daughters a chance to absorb some of their Latin heritage. Of course the HandsOn Tokyo board members were quick to suggest I start up HandsOn Bogota. Settling into our new home has taken a while, and although I was an active volunteer at the Hogar Nueva Granada library, I found myself imagining the impact HandsOn Bogota and promoting civic engagement could have on this community. So, HandsOn Bogota was born.
Civic involvement is a must, and I just can’t wait to demonstrate this with successful programs, attracting one corporate partner after another and getting employees engaged. The corporate sector is fully aware of the need to incorporate employee volunteer programs, but as in many other cities, Bogota does not have a support system for these organizations. I am confident the HandsOn model will provide critical services for companies to coordinate well-managed, impactful EVPs and make a much-needed, significant difference in our local nonprofit partners and the communities they serve.
HandsOn Bogota is just getting off the ground, but initial feedback from all sectors has been overwhelming. If you’re ever in town, email us to get involved.
On Labor Day and throughout the year, we celebrate our Nation’s workers, and we commit to supporting their efforts in moving our economy forward. Labor Day has always been a time to remember and celebrate achievement. The United States Department of Labor describes Labor Day’s founding as “a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” However for a lot of Americans, there isn’t labor to celebrate.
A large group of citizens who are facing employment challenges are our nation’s veterans. The HandsOn Network Community Blueprint is set up to help communities help veterans. Though veterans often acquire unique and valuable skills during their military service, they are disproportionately unemployed when compared to comparably qualified civilians. According to the most recent statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate of post 9-11 veterans is 13.3 percent, compared to a non-veteran rate of 9 percent. Read more about veteran employment statistics.
Here are community solutions for military and non-military unemployed:
1. Give Job Seekers Opportunity by facilitating introductions. Help people network.
2. Help Job Seekers Market themselves by improving their online presence through Social Profiles.
3. Give Resume, Cover Letter, or Interview Counseling. Hold resume or mock interview workshops in your community.
Find more tools and resources for you community on the Community Blueprint page.
The “Give Labor Day” Initiative from Smart Recruiter urges everyone to take tangible, specific actions to help the unemployed and underemployed. Urge your community to combat unemployment, a challenge facing many of our nation’s citizens.
News Flash: Buy a Tumbler, Help HandsOn Network
When you pick up your morning coffee this week, keep an eye out for a flashy Starbucks tumbler that does more than just keep your favorite beverage hot. This specially designed, limited edition tumbler provides a unique connection to community involvement.
For every tumbler purchased, Starbucks is donating $5 to HandsOn Network, an enterprise of Points of Light, to support those working to create positive change in neighborhoods across the country.
This new dimension of the Starbucks-Points of Light partnership was announced last Thursday in Seattle at a meeting of Points of Light’s Corporate Service Council, the premier national platform for advancing corporate volunteerism. Cliff Burrows, president, U.S. & Americas for Starbucks Coffee Company and chairman of the Council, presented the tumbler to Points of Light CEO Michelle Nunn.
Nunn said the promotion creates new awareness of how people can connect to volunteer opportunities in their neighborhoods and is an innovative example of Starbucks’s commitment to inspiring change, making a difference in people’s lives and using their size to bring about positive change.
Get one while supplies last and help us inspire, equip and mobile people to take action that changes the world.
Change Notes: Resolve to Serve in 2012
Friends,
The New Year is always a great time for clean slates, aggressive goals and personal resolutions to be good and do good in the world. Our Points of Light goals for 2012 are ambitious. This year, Points of Light and its enterprises – HandsOn Network, generationOn, AmeriCorps Alums and the Corporate Institute – plan to:
Provide people with access to 500,000 projects and other opportunities to learn new skills and engage in work to improve their communities
Mobilize 3.5 million people to use their time, talent, voice and money to create community change
Play a significant role in improving the civic health of the communities we serve with projects like the Community Blueprint Network for military, veterans and their families; generationOn service clubs providing kids and teens a way to begin a lifetime of service; and opportunities for AmeriCorps Alums to create transformational change and serve as advocates for the power of service
Contribute to a measurable change in education and student performance, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and emergency preparedness and recovery in communities we serve by connecting people to their power to make a meaningful difference by providing access to tools, resources and opportunities
I hope you will share your resolutions with us on the Points of Light Facebook page. As a community, we can support one another as we strive to meet our individual goals. We’ll keep you posted on our progress and hope you’ll do the same.
Here’s to a transformational 2012.
Yours in service,
Michelle Nunn
CEO, Points of Light
Support Military Families this Veterans Day With Community Blueprint
Today’s guest post is written by Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder & President of Give an Hour.
Approximately 2 years ago, I joined a handful of my colleagues to begin work on a national initiative now known as the Community Blueprint Network. Originally a jointly crafted project that was neither owned nor controlled by any one entity, the Community Blueprint Network now has a permanent home with Points of Light.
As the initial set of architects for the Blueprint, we set out to create an initiative that would add structure and consistency where little existed. We sought the advice and wisdom of representatives from over 75 public, private, and nonprofit organizations. We took the knowledge gained and shaped it into a tool that provides community leaders interested in supporting military families with specific guidance regarding precise areas of focus (employment, education, behavioral health, homelessness, financial/legal issues, family strength, reintegration, and volunteerism). Within each area of focus, several concrete suggestions for action are offered and examples of promising practices are provided. Our expectation has always been that each community will implement the Blueprint in its own unique way.
I am so proud that several organizations are now leading the implementation of the Blueprint in a handful of demonstration sites in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia. Surveys conducted in two of these demonstration sites (Fayetteville, N.C., and Norfolk, Va.) have provided valuable information about the opportunities and challenges ahead as we move forward with this mission.
Specifically, these surveys indicate that Admiral Mullen was right: there is tremendous good will in communities and a powerful desire to support those who serve and their families. Community members in Fayetteville and Norfolk—and the leaders of organizations in both communities—believe they understand the issues their military families face. And yet these community members and leaders acknowledge that the needs of those in the military community are not being met. When asked about the obstacles that prevent effective coordination and collaboration, an overwhelming majority of leaders indicated that little or no communication currently exists among the organizations tasked with providing services and care. The leaders also cited lack of time, lack of resources, and turf issues as primary obstacles.
In addition to providing concrete suggestions and recommendations for community leaders regarding areas of focus and actions to be undertaken, partner organizations working to implement the Blueprint in demonstration sites are exploring strategies and techniques to overcome the obstacles that prevent communities from effectively caring for their service members. Partner organizations and the talented and dedicated citizens in the various communities are learning that the answer to the problem lies in our ability to connect the dots between and among organizations and in our ability develop consistency in our efforts. By crafting a ”blueprint” designed to guide leaders in these efforts, we are laying the foundation for the development of a comprehensive integrated system of care that emphasizes coordination and collaboration.
The volunteer sector is evolving rapidly with dramatic changes in how and why people engage.
To keep up with these changes, HandsOn Network, the volunteer activation arm of Points of Light Institute, has launched a focused investment strategy called the Innovation Hubs initiative.
The goal of the initiative is to help HandsOn Network affiliates stay on the cutting edge of innovation, creating new ways to connect with individuals and create change.
The first 10 Innovation Hubs are: Boston Cares, Chicago Cares, HandsOn Central Ohio, HandsOn Greater Portland, HandsOn Twin Cities, New York Cares, Seattle Works, Volunteer Center of Bergen County, Inc., Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and Volunteer Marin/Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership.
Innovation Hubs will be learning labs for community engagement.
They will be predisposed to innovation and have strong leadership ready to advance the mission of HandsOn Network through newly acquired skills and knowledge.
The initiative will provide 30 Innovation Hubs (10 per year for three years) with grant funding and executive leadership focused on innovation.
This innovation framework will incorporate the five elements of the David LaPiana’s “new social sector” including:
▪▪ Redefining participation due to demographic shifts
▪▪ Abounding technological advances
▪▪ Organizing of work in new ways through networks
▪▪ Rising interest in civic engagement and volunteerism
▪▪ Blurring of sector boundaries
At the end of three years, the practices and learning emerging from the Innovation Hubs will form the blueprint for evolving the model of engagement across our network to meet 21st century needs of both volunteers and the communities in which they engage.
HandOn Action Centers at NCVS!
This year at NCVS, session content is organized across a series of issue areas so that attendees can tailor their schedules to meet their learning and networking needs.
Check out all of the pre-conference sessions associated with…
HandsOn Action Centers
!
HandsOn Network’s Affiliate Pre-Conference Day 1
Sunday, June 5, 2011 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Session ID: 5705
Speaker(s): Paul Pendergrass
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVSHON
The HandsOn Network Pre-Con is designed specifically for HandsOn Action Center professionals, leaders and invited guests. The HandsOn Network Pre Conference is the perfect opportunity to network with your colleagues, interact with staff and learn from experts in the field. To meet your needs and the needs of our evolving and powerful Network, we’ve created 3 Affiliate ONLY Pre-Conference tracks that are aligned with the mission of HandsOn Network: Inspire, Equip and Mobilize. You will have the opportunity to choose the sessions that are interesting and applicable as a HandsOn Network executive director, program manager, board member and/or volunteer leader. Also FOR HANDSON AFFILIATES ONLY! Join us Sunday, June 5, for The Affiliate Awards Luncheon that promises to inspire and invigorate.
Welcome to New Orleans! HandsOn Action Center Reception (members only)
Sunday, June 5, 2011 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Session ID: 5630
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVSHON
“Bienvenue a Nouvelle Orleans!” Welcome to New Orleans! HandsOn Network’s Sunday evening reception offers Affiliates the opportunity to network while enjoying the highlights of New Orleans! Join us for New Orleans fare and festivities at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel and Casino. This event is for the staff and leadership of HandsOn Network Action Centers only.
HandsOn Network’s Affiliate Pre-Conference Day 2
Monday, June 6, 2011 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Session ID: 5706
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVSHON
The HandsOn Network Pre-Conference is designed specifically for HandsOn Action Center professionals, leaders and invited guests. Day Two of Pre Conference continues to Inspire, Equip and Mobilize by providing Affiliates with Open Space opportunities to meet with HandsOn Network Staff, choose and discuss topics of choice along with Nuts and Bolts learning activities. Again, you will have the opportunity to choose the sessions that are interesting and applicable as a HandsOn Network executive director, program manager, board member and/or volunteer leader.
HandsOn Network Excitement at NCVS!
by Gary Renville, Vice President for Affiliate Advancement, HandsOn Network
Connecting to HandsOn Action Centers from throughout the Network; connecting to service in the community; and connecting to opportunities for professional development, inspiration and fun will all be made possible through my attendance at the upcoming National Conference on Volunteering and Service.
Just thinking about it has kept a smile on my face for months – and I can hardly wait for the time to finally arrive.
I’m really looking forward this year to speaking at, learning from and observing our Affiliate-only pre-conference track (Sessions 5705, 5706 and 5630) which runs from Sunday June 5 to Monday June 6.
I’m thrilled that our Affiliates participating in
Equip
track have the opportunity for an off-site training entitled:
Learn It! Do It! Lead It!
(Session 5736).
These participants will spend time at stations learning the trade and tips of basic volunteer project elements and then join other volunteers on site to refurbish one of many parks throughout the New Orleans area.
This year’s Affiliate experience at the NCVS really will be like no other.
For the first time there are 3 separate learning tracks – developed by and for Affiliate leaders from a wide cross section of Affiliates from around the world.
Together this amazing team supported by the HandsOn Network staff of Candi Williams, Zack Brown and Alison Doerfler are ensuring that there really is “something for everyone” from the most experienced HandsOn Affiliate Executive Director to the newest of Affiliate program staff.
Michelle Nunn, David Ray and Peter York are just a few of our featured speakers that Affiliates will have the pleasure to hear from in our “
Inspire
” track.
Participants here will discuss topics such as strategic planning and capacity building.
Larry Deckel, Matt Cavell, Jamie Denniston-Merced and others headline our “
Equip
” track where Affiliates will learn about HandsOn Connect, use of social media, how to plan and lead basic volunteer projects and much more.
Our “
Moblize
” track participants will benefit from a grant writing workshop led by Khyati Desai, Kris Tecce and Zack Brown; explore the very best of corporate project execution with Curtis Cannon, Katie Stearns and Sherrie Fazio; and further explore the many tools and resources available to Affiliates throughout the Network.
For all of those who have attended conference – we all know how busy the time can be.
From rushing to sessions to ensure a front-row seat, to exploring the exhibit hall area to tasting all of the delicious food a new city has to offer – there never seems to be enough time to do it all.
So I’m particularly pleased – that in the hustle and bustle of all that is about to come – our Affiliate Only Lounge will provide a more quite space for Affiliates who want to “just get away” or to engage in 1:1 or small group discussions.
This room will also be visited by most if not all of the
, to public policy and advocacy, to technology, September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and more!
Connecting to HandsOn Action Centers from throughout the Network; Connecting to service in the community and Connecting to opportunities for professional development, inspiration and fun – I CAN’T WAIT and I hope to see you in New Orleans!
Three simple ways to be a social affiliate at #NCVS 2011
If you’re a HandsOn Network Affiliate staff member attending The National Conference on Volunteering and Service, here are 3 simple ways you can use social media to enhance your conference experience.
1. Be part of the group
We made a list on twitter – A list that follows everyone who is at conference.
For every tumbler purchased, Starbucks is donating $5 to 
Today’s guest post is written by Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder & President of 
