Change Notes: National Volunteer Week Showcases Power of Service
Friends,
We have arrived on the doorstep of National Volunteer Week – and we have arrived at a pivotal point in this country’s storied and ardent belief in the power of individuals to impact the world. Service, and the future of service, has been in the spotlight recently – and so National Volunteer Week comes as a powerful reminder that many of this country’s great strides came from people who voluntarily took steps to make a difference.
National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, draws the support and endorsement of President Barack Obama and members of Congress, governors, mayors and municipal leaders, as well as corporate and community groups. It also marks the two-year anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the largest expansion of volunteer service since the 1930s.
During National Volunteer Week, I encourage you to recognize a point of light in your life – someone who has made a meaningful difference – on Points of Light Institute’s Tribute Wall. By joining this online community, you can celebrate those who have taken brave voluntary steps towards change in your neighborhoods.
All across the country, Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network will host special events and mobilize thousands of volunteers. More than 170 HandsOn Network affiliates will be activating and recognizing volunteers with special National Volunteer Week events. Other highlights of the week include:
Make a Difference Day Awards Luncheon on April 14 will honor the 2010 National Make a Difference Day honorees and the role volunteers play in helping us achieve our national priorities through voluntary action. The event is presented by USA WEEKEND Magazine, HandsOn Network and Newman’s Own, Inc. Special guests include Emmy Award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts and Grammy Award-winning musician Darius Rucker.
UPS and Hewlett Packard are teaming up with HandsOn Atlanta to refurbish Hutchison School. Employee volunteers will prepare the outdoor amphitheater-style classroom for use through weeding, planting and painting. Volunteers will also prepare six vegetable garden plots that kindergarten classes will maintain and harvest.
L’Oreal Paris, in partnership with Points of Light Institute, will kick off the sixth annual call for nominations for Women of Worth on April 11. Over the last five years, 50 amazing women have been recognized for their commitment to service and helping others. This year, L’Oreal Paris is increasing its grant to $10,000 for each of the 10 honorees for her most-cherished cause.
In partnership with Scholastic, HandsOn Network is helping bring BE BIG In Your Community Contest Winners’ BIG Ideas to life including projects in Miami for Strong Women, Strong Girls; to incorporate service learning into schools by creating a rain garden at West Geauga High School and engaging teens in service through the St. Louis Youth and Family Volunteer Fair.
HandsOn Network will work with Starbucks to host service activities across the country in April as part of its Global Month of Service dedicated to engaging its partners (employees) and customers in meaningful service opportunities. Events will be held in Los Angeles on April 9, New York City on April 23 and Seattle on April 30.
I hope you’ll join with us in making National Volunteer Week a time to celebrate and honor volunteers, a time to focus attention on the undeniable power of volunteerism and service as a vital part of civic leadership, and a time to reflect back on the important role that volunteeringhas played in our county’s history.
Yours In Service,
CEO, Points of Light Institute
Co-Founder, HandsOn Network
Lidia DeOliveira Recognizes her Family Members as “Points of Light”
we recognize volunteers and “Points of Light” from all over the U.S who are giving back to their communities. Today we highlight a family of “Points of Light.”
Today’s guest post is written by Lidia DeOliveira who attended the Tribute event with her daughter’s Maria, Margie, and Manuela and her husband Francisco. The DeOliveira family is very passionate about volunteering and giving back to others.
“Like President Bush, I envision Points of Light—individuals who make a difference. In my life, I have three shining lights— my daughters: Maria, Manuela and Margaret. In 2004, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer, which has since been in remission. My eldest daughter, Maria, decided to turn her fear into a good cause by volunteering her time as a Committee Member for the Ursinus College Relay For Life. She was on a mission—save a life, raise awareness, and raise donations for the American Cancer Society.
Manuela, my middle daughter, finds her passion in helping children—over the course of the last six years she has volunteered her time in Appalachia, West Virginia eleven different times! From 2006 to 2008 she travelled to Appalachia for the Christmas holiday and Spring Break. During the holiday season Manuela worked tirelessly with the Immaculata High School Campus Ministry to accept donated gifts, wrap them, pack the van and then drive the eight hour trek with her peers. Once in Appalachia, she held a Christmas party for the local children. In the Spring, Manuela travelled to Appalachia to repair houses which included roof tarring, building a porch, and painting. Since she entered Cabrini College in 2008, she has continued travelling to Appalachia to assist the very people whom she assisted on her first trip. Most recently, Manuela expanded her efforts with her travels to Duran, Ecaudor to learn about the impact of poverty on youth in a developing country.
My baby, Margie, life’s goal is to become a doctor. She has a profound understanding and recognition of people whom are in need and how to help them. Determined to change her community every week, in between her hectic class schedule at Moravian College, she volunteers her time at the local hospital, food kitchen and emergency homeless shelter. Often times, I’ll receive a phone call as she’s running, literally, from the bus stop to her dorm to the hospital and back. Margie donates so much of her time to the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania community. Margie also developed a plan in which unused cafeteria meal dollars are donated to purchase foods for the food kitchen in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Recently, Margie returned from a weeklong trip with Habitat for Humanity where she constructed homes. She is also a part time AmeriCorp volunteer.
Travelling to Washington, DC for the Points of Light Tribute was an honorable, once in a lifetime experience. My daughters, husband, Francisco, and I were delighted to be part of such a historic event. Maria, Manuela and Margaret are an example of ordinary individuals having an extraordinary impact. They will always be my shining points of light; now their communities and the nation can see them the way I see them—brilliant shining points of light.”
Lynette McIntire of UPS Reflects upon the Tribute Event
Today’s blog post comes from the upside blog, written by Lynnette McIntire with UPS, published on March 30, 2011.
“Two years ago, Transportation Manager Chip Chappelle volunteered to help The UPS Foundation coordinate an ocean shipment of emergency tents from Indiana to Honduras. Since then, he has managed the logistics of humanitarian aid from every corner of the world to help the victims of floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and cyclones.
On March 21, Chip was recognized by President George W. Bush at a gala event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which aired March 28 on NBC. The event celebrated President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara for their achievements in encouraging volunteerism. A video shown at the event showcased how UPSers and UNICEF worked together around the clock to rapidly respond to the needs of Haiti earthquake victims.
President George H.W. Bush is the founder of the Points of Light Institute, an organization that supports the role of volunteers in American communities. Chip said, “I remember President Bush when he announced the Points of Light organization. It touched me then. But I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be honored by him as a single point of light.” He continued, “I am just a small example of how UPSers contribute every day to their communities through volunteer work. Literally hundreds of UPSers in New Jersey, Miami, Louisville, Europe, and other locations worked to serve the Haitian people in the aftermath of the earthquake.”
Chip’s acceptance speech followed a performance by Darius Rucker and was just ahead of singer Carrie Underwood. On stage, Chip identified himself as “just a logistics guy” who had special skills to help others. He encouraged others to volunteer their skills as well as their time.
Four presidents were in the audience, just a few rows ahead of Chip’s three youngest children. Backstage, Chip got to thank the President George H.W. Bush for the honor; he also got to chat about foreign policy with President George W. Bush.
His children were still in the auditorium, Chip said regretfully. “They were too shy to come to the Green Room.””
The Extra Mile- Points of Light Volunteer Pathway
President George H. W. Bush with Linda and Millard Fuller at unveiling of Points of Light “Extra Mile” bronze medallion in 2001
The Tribute event on March 21st showcased President George H. W. Bush’s commitment to volunteering service and civic engagement. Those who attended the Tribute in Washington or watched the broadcast on NBC could see President George H. W. Bush is truly dedicated to volunteerism and civic engagement as displayed through the famous “1,000 Points of Light” speech and the creation of the Daily Point of Light Award to recognize individuals who are making a difference. The Tribute was a great moment to highlight not only President George H. W. Bush, but also the volunteer movement as a whole and the power that individuals can have in making massive changes in their communities.
Next time you are in Washington, D.C. you can visit the national monument dedicated to civic service and recognizing individual contributions to the nation.
President George H. W. Bush speaks at the Extra Mile unveiling in 2005
The Extra Mile- Points of Light Volunteer Pathway was created in honor of George H. W. Bush on October 14th, 2005 dedicated to the spirit of service in America. President George H. W. Bush was in attendance at the opening dedication ceremony.
The Extra Mile is a national monument dedicated to America’s belief in the power of individuals to make a difference in the world. It embodies the spirit of service in America and reflects our democratic ideals, values and traditions around social change and citizen participation. And it is the only monument in the nation that has been created to honor regular citizens for the work that they’ve done for their country.
The monument is just blocks from the White House and begins at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street and continues north on 15th Street to G street, NW. Formed by a series of bronze medallions creating the one-mile historic walking path the monument honors individuals whose actions and commitment to service have transformed our nation. Their legacies are enduring social movements that continue to engage and inspire us today. Thirty-three honorees have been inducted and a total of 29 medallions have been installed into the monument – 5 of which were installed this year with 4 more that will be installed by the end of this year.
“Your life and mine should be valued not by what we take… but by what we give.” Edgar F. Allen
Daily Point of Light #4476 Gianni Lopergolo
Turning common objects into magic – that was Gianni Lopergolo’s gift. Using only a bit of grass, a piece of broken asphalt, or a trinket from his desk, Gianni could transform a simple photo of a toy into a Hollywood shot worthy of an action thriller. All his colleagues at Hasbro looked forward to what he and his camera would create next.
When Gianni was diagnosed at the age of 37 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) his Hasbro colleagues set out to make a meaningful difference for his family and for other sufferers of this incurable disease.
With the support of Hasbro, they have created a foundation in his name, hosted a fundraising concert that raised more than $15,000, created a fundraising walk that raised $10,000 in 2010, and published a collection of his photography. The proceeds from the book help support the Rhode Island chapter of the National ALS Association and the Lopergolo Foundation, which benefits Gianni’s two young sons.
Unfortunately Gianni lost his battle to ALS in January 2011. This passionate and dedicated group of friends and colleagues has created significant lasting impact for the ALS association and for the family of a treasured colleague.
Celebrating Volunteers
This post comes from Lori Jean Mantooth, Director of Training Programs at HandsOn Network
National Volunteer Week begins on April 10th, and it’s a good time for all of us to stop and think about how we show appreciation to others. Maybe your local Starbucks barista made you the best chai latte known to man. Maybe your sister let you have the last slice of carrot cake. Maybe you know some volunteers who gave their time and their hearts to change lives.
You can thank someone with a smile and a few words, a formal banquet, or anything in between. It’s the meaning behind it that makes the impact. It’s the effort you put into showing that person how much you appreciate his or her act of kindness.
Think about the last time someone thanked you. What was your reaction? For most of us, a simple expression of gratitude can make us feel appreciated and cared about. It encourages us to repeat whatever it was that generated that reaction.
It’s the same with volunteers. Recognition is how we show volunteers that we value their contributions and the things they do to make a difference in the community. It’s so important that recognition is a staple of every volunteer management book, training, blog, article, discussion, or website.
That’s why, for a few days each April, we celebrate the power of service during National Volunteer Week. We focus our collective energy on recognizing those who serve. It’s a powerful testament to the impact that millions of volunteers have on our lives.
Voltaire said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” And isn’t that what volunteering is all about – building community, coming together to do something good? So take time this April to say thanks to all those around you who serve.
Also check out these cool thank you e-cards from our friends at Volunteer Canada!
AJC features Michelle Nunn’s op-ed “America Is Rising to the Service Challenge”
This morning the AJC featured an op-ed written by Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute. The piece highlighted the Points of Light Institute Tribute event that occurred last night at the Kennedy Center where Presidents and citizens came together to honor President George H. W. Bush and celebrate the modern day service movement and resurgence of volunteerism since President George H. W. Bush’s term in office…
“Last night something rare occurred. Four presidents were scheduled to come together and not for an inauguration or a funeral. They joined together for a celebration of the unique spirit of volunteer service. At a time when our public discourse seems to feature nothing but animus, Monday night’s event at the Kennedy Center highlighted the ties that bind. “All Together Now, a Celebration of Service” cast a light on the shared belief in the power of individuals to create change.”
To read Michelle Nunn’s full op-ed highlighting the four President’s commitment to service since President George H. W. Bush click here.
We have seen a resurgence in volunteerism as the number of individuals volunteering annually have grown by 25 million in the past 20 years and the long-held, bipartisan heritage of service and volunteerism remains strong throughout Democratic and Republican Leaders in office.
“This continued commitment gives us hope for a better world — every person discovering their power to make a difference and to create healthy, engaged communities.”
Congressman Todd Platts Honors President George H. W. Bush in a Tribute
Today’s guest post is written by Congressman Todd Platts, who represents the 19th District of Pennsylvania. Sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives in January 2001, Congressman Platts serves the residents of Adams, Cumberland, and York Counties. He has written a Tribute to President George H. W. Bush leading into our Points of Light Institute Tribute event on March 21st in D.C. celebrating his extraordinary life of service.
I am delighted to join with many of my fellow Americans to honor a true leader in national service – President George Herbert Walker Bush. As many of us may remember, on January 20, 1989, President Bush gave his Inaugural Address on the steps of the United States Capitol and pledged to lead America in a way that was a “force for good.”
Long before he addressed the nation that day, President Bush was living out those words. He exemplified bravery as a young pilot in the Navy – a service that nearly cost him his life during World War II. He continued his commitment to service, first as a member of the House of Representatives and later in positions including Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison’s Office in the People’s Republic of China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President and – ultimately – President of the United States of America. In each of these capacities, President Bush epitomized what it means to be an American by contributing his strengths where and when his nation needed it the most. President Bush continues to lead America in service through his humanitarian efforts in partnership with President Clinton.
President Bush’s service has impacted generations of people worldwide. His spirit of national service continues to inspire our nation not only through the lives he has touched, but through the example he has lived. As America continues to address challenges both domestically and abroad, it is with sincere gratitude and admiration that we honor President Bush’s historic leadership and outstanding record of selfless service to others.
Captain Chip Miller of The USS George H. W. Bush Honors President George H. W. Bush
Today’s guest post is written by Captain Chip Miller, Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) as a Tribute to President George H. W. Bush and to honor him for the upcoming Points of Light Institute Tribute event celebrating his extraordinary life of service.
“No doubt, President Bush is an inspiration to all. His Points of Light “challenge” has been answered by thousands and the impact both he and Mrs. Bush have had on our country has been profound.
My name is Captain Chip Miller and I have been blessed for the past two years to be the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier that bears his name. A ship that will serve our country honorably for the next 50 years. Every day onboard CVN 77 begins with 3,000 Sailors reciting: “Like our namesake, I am a professional who will serve my country with integrity.” Powerful words that motivate, and will continue to motivate and inspire every Sailor attached to this ship for the next 50 years.
I’d like to describe two programs that flourish onboard CVN 77 because of the profound positive impact of both President and Mrs. Bush:
– Thousand Points of Light across Tidewater: For the last two years on the President’s birth month, we sent 2,000 Sailors to various sites in and around our home port of Norfolk, VA to perform community service. The effort takes months to organize and is coordinated by our Command Religious Ministries Department. In one day, we perform 16,000 Community Service hours. This program is augmented by smaller community service projects conducted every weekend in port. Over a two year period, CVN 77 performed almost 30,000 hours of service to our surrounding communities. We wear the points of light on our command patch and take seriously our namesake’s “challenge” make a difference.
– United Through Reading (UTR) meets The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: More than one million American children are separated from one or both parents due to military deployment. UTR is a National program designed to unite families facing physical separation due to military deployments and does so on board CVN 77 where deployed Sailors record themselves reading books to their children on board the ship. These recordings are mailed home where their children watch and share an intimate reading experience with their deployed parent. This program holds extra meaning onboard CVN 77 because of Mrs. Barbara Bush’s passion for family literacy. Her motto: “The home is the child’s first school, the parent is the child’s first teacher, and reading is the child’s first subject.” Again, this program holds extra meaning on board the ship that bears the Bush name.
Clearly all who serve in our armed services take great pride in serving our country, but for those of us defending freedom onboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77), that service has extra meaning because we also represent our namesake, his family and their legacy.”
Captain Chip Miller
Commanding Officer
USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77)
Congratulations to Karen and Ray Stark, Winner of Our Facebook Tribute Contest
As the date for “All Together Now – A Celebration of Service” approaches, we are thrilled to announce the winner of our Facebook contest, Karen and Ray Stark of Edmond, Okla.
Looking for a way to support U.S. troops and improve their quality of life as they complete their important mission of freedom, Karen and Ray found their own mission when they created The HUGS Project in May 2004. This nationwide troop support group creates cooling neckties, nicknamed “hugs” since they go around the neck. These neckties can reduce body temperature by five degrees or more, effectively saving many of our troops from heat stroke deaths. As a bonus, they can also be heated in winter to make reusable hand/pocket warmers.
In the winter, The HUGS Project volunteers crochet, knit, loom and sew warm wool hats, neck warmers and fingerless gloves for the troops. They also make and send colorful hats, small stuffed bears and bags filled with school supplies that service members can share with Iraqi and Afghani children. To date, the HUGS Project and its dedicated members have sent more than 818,000 “hugs,” more than 175,000 “kisses” (helmet coolers) and more than 346 tons of care package items.
Today, The HUGS Project is in every state of our nation and more than 49 other countries, with 2,700 online members and thousands more who do the project either individually at home or through 4-H Clubs, home school groups, quilting circles, Sunday school classes, etc., as well as “group hugs” held nationwide.
The Starks and members of the Oklahoma City group have donated 20 sewing machines to a prison outreach program so that the inmates can help by making items such as neck pillows and Christmas stockings. The HUGS Project even manages to serve as a lifeline for military families who report that sewing cooling neckties or knitting warm items make their loved ones’ deployment a little more bearable.
Karen said that by being involved with The HUGS Project, many military families are able to focus their energy on creating something tangible to help the troops and, in the process, help themselves.
National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, draws the support and endorsement of President Barack Obama and members of Congress, governors, mayors and municipal leaders, as well as corporate and community groups. It also marks the two-year anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the largest expansion of volunteer service since the 1930s.
Today’s blog post comes from the 
Turning common objects into magic – that was Gianni Lopergolo’s gift. Using only a bit of grass, a piece of broken asphalt, or a trinket from his desk, Gianni could transform a simple photo of a toy into a Hollywood shot worthy of an action thriller. All his colleagues at 
This morning the 
Today’s guest post is written by Captain Chip Miller, Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) as a Tribute to President George H. W. Bush and to honor him for the upcoming Points of Light Institute Tribute event celebrating his extraordinary life of service.
As the date for “All Together Now – A Celebration of Service” approaches, we are thrilled to announce the winner of our Facebook contest, Karen and Ray Stark of Edmond, Okla.