4 Ways Companies Can Encourage Employees to Vote
Voting is a vital part of actively participating in a democracy. Organizations – whether they’re nonprofit or for-profit – have a civic responsibility to encourage employees to vote, from making their own voices heard to volunteering to ensuring others have the same opportunity.
A responsible, engaged company will use its power and influence, from a nonpartisan standpoint, to encourage voter engagement, equipping their workforce with the tools and resources they need to get involved.
As the world braces for a year packed with national elections in over 60 countries, it’s crucial for businesses to take a stand in supporting voter participation and civic engagement. Here’s how your organization can make a real impact:
1. Foster a culture of civic responsibility
Encourage your employees to confirm they’re registered to vote. Whether through a company-wide email, a dedicated section in your internal newsletter, or a quick reminder in team meetings, ensuring your team is registered is the first step. Utilize resources like
Vote 411
in the U.S. and the I
FES ElectionGuide
in international markets to simplify the process. You can also draft a sample email to encourage employees to vote and keep it in your files to use in future election seasons.
“Encouraging your employees to be civically engaged is not just about volunteering. Making the space and creating workplace policies that equip all employees to vote is critical – they expect it, and communities depend on it. Voting is a major way we all take action for change.”
— Katie Stearns, chief program and impact officer, Points of Light
2. Provide paid time off to vote or volunteer
Voting is a fundamental right, but the demands of work can sometimes make it difficult. Offering paid time off to vote is a powerful way to remove this barrier. Review your benefits package to confirm that you offer paid time off for voting – or take it a step further by encouraging your employees to serve as poll workers, an essential role that can be supported through organizations like
Power the Polls
.
3. Distribute resources from trusted organizations
Equip your employees with easy access to voting resources. Platforms such as
When We All Vote
offer comprehensive guides and toolkits that can be shared across your organization. Make sure these materials are readily available and accessible, whether through your company’s intranet or as part of a digital resource hub. And if you haven’t yet read our
Civic Life Today issue on Vote
, we encourage you to check it out. It’s packed with information about the voting process, tips to activate around voting and interviews with political leaders.
4. Host voter education sessions
Educating your staff on electoral issues and candidates is key to informed voting. Partner with nonpartisan coalitions like
Civic Alliance
and
Time to Vote
to access valuable resources and educate leadership teams to organize and lead lunch-and-learn sessions or webinars where employees can ask questions and discuss the issues at stake.
By incorporating these strategies, your business can not only support voter engagement but also lead by example in fostering a culture of civic responsibility. The impact of your efforts will resonate far beyond Election Day, contributing to a stronger, more engaged community.
Working with Points of Light can take your employee community engagement to the next level. The Points of Light
Corporate Service Council
is an annual membership program that empowers and equips CSR and corporate social impact leaders and their teams with actionable resources, insights, training and connections needed to advance their social impact goals and be recognized for their success.
Our mission is to support partners with comprehensive, end-to-end management of volunteer experiences and events that are not only well-executed but also deeply rooted in the community and focused on creating a lasting impact. To learn more about how we can support your work, please
complete this form
.
Voter Education: 6 Keys to Understanding the Nuances of Voting
Voting is a cornerstone of a civically engaged life, offering every person a voice in the collective direction of their community and nation. In an era where information – and misinformation – is at our fingertips, it’s both a privilege and a responsibility to be informed, especially when it comes to our democratic processes.
Casting an informed
vote
isn’t just about choosing a preferred candidate; it’s about understanding how that choice will affect our daily lives for the years to come. Voter education is the avenue that leads to such an informed decision. It is the responsibility of both the individual and the larger societal systems to ensure voters understand the candidates and ballot. Here are some tips on how to become more informed and some resources to help you do so.
The Power of Local Elections
While presidential elections often command a lot of attention, it’s local elections that have the most immediate and tangible impact on our daily lives. In most major cities, fewer than
15% of voters
turn out to vote in their mayoral election. And because there are fewer voters in
local elections
, your vote carries tremendous power.
Elected officials at the local level, from school board members to mayors and city council members, shape policies on everything from public transportation to local taxes to educational reforms and more.
Given the smaller voter pool in local elections, each ballot cast carries more significant weight, making it an invaluable opportunity for individuals to influence their immediate surroundings and advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
Where to Find Resources
To be an informed voter, a little homework is in order. Start by finding out if your state offers an app for voting. Apps can offer access to the upcoming ballot, tell you where to vote, help you update your registration, vote by absentee ballot and more.
To learn more about who and what is on the ballot, check local newspapers and community websites, which frequently offer insightful profiles of candidates and provide breakdowns of local issues. Nonpartisan websites such as
Vote411
offer a comprehensive look at your ballot, from the top offices to the local issues, and provide insights on measures and candidate stances. This resource was launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and tailors election information to your specific location, ensuring you have all the details you need to cast your vote confidently. Similarly,
Ballotpedia
serves as an objective online encyclopedia of neutral, detailed information about elections at all levels.
Interpreting the Ballot
Ballots can sometimes present a challenge to voters, especially when measures are described in dense legal language. To truly grasp the meaning and implications of these measures, voters should turn to nonpartisan resources like the websites listed above or attend local community forums that offer clear and concise explanations.
When researching candidates, it’s beneficial to peruse candidates’ official websites and social media pages. These platforms often provide a candid view of the candidate’s priorities and standpoints on various issues. But what if a candidate doesn’t necessarily have a robust website that answers your questions?
Engage with Local Officials
The beauty of local governance lies in its accessibility. Local officials, unlike their national counterparts, tend to be more reachable and responsive to their constituents. If there’s ever uncertainty about a candidate’s stance on an issue, or if there’s a desire to voice a concern, you shouldn’t hesitate to
send an email
or make a phone call.
This kind of direct engagement not only provides valuable insights but also informs officials about the issues that matter to their community. Additionally, attending town hall meetings or public forums hosted in local community centers, schools or libraries offers a direct channel to engage with and learn from candidates.
Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote
It may sound like an unnecessary step if you’ve
registered to vote
in the past, but it’s not uncommon for voter registrations to be purged. At least
17 million voters
were purged nationwide between 2016 and 2018.
Purging voter rolls is a necessary and important process. Registered voters can be purged for a number of reasons, including death, moving and committing a felony among others. The reason can
vary by state
, but once your record is purged, you become ineligible to cast your ballot. Before the next election,
check
to see if your registration is active.
Now It’s Time to Vote
A thriving democracy relies on the active and informed participation of its citizens. By dedicating time to understanding the local landscape—both the candidates and the issues—you become an integral part of shaping your community’s future direction.
In the realm of local elections, your vote isn’t just a voice; it’s a call to action. As election day approaches, be prepared to wield that power, knowing fully the impact and influence of your choice.
3 Ways People of All Ages Can Make the Most of International Youth Day
August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change.
No matter your age, it’s likely you’ve questioned your ability to make a difference. Our research shows that 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. Activists on the ground prove otherwise. That’s why we recognize thousands of volunteers for their contributions to their communities through t
he Daily Point of Light Award — because we know that inspiration is contagious.
“Points of Light’s research found that Gen Z is the most civically engaged generation to date. Our youth honorees demonstrate that people of all ages can strengthen communities and solve persistent problems,” says Diane Quest, interim CEO, Points of Light.
To inspire you to action this
International Youth Day
, we are sharing stories of youth honorees, along with three elements from the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework for helping people to become more civically engaged.
Volunteer
Nonprofit organizations and NGOs need volunteer power to deliver support to the communities they collaborate with. If you’re an adult wanting to facilitate youth volunteerism, consider organizing a youth-specific event or helping transport the young people in your life to an event. To find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and availability, check out
Points of Light Engage
, a database with hundreds of thousands of in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.
The power of volunteering shines when considering Daily Point of Light Award honoree Nate Buescher, a high schooler who prepares food for a local food pantry and distributes home-cooked meals to tent cities around Chicago. Buescher began fighting food insecurity at age 7 with the Honeycomb Project. Today, he mentors younger volunteers while maintaining his own service projects.
Voice
The youth voice is vital, pointing us to which concerns are most important to future world leaders and helping broaden perspectives. Use your voice to advocate for causes you care about by posting on social media, attending a rally or contacting a government leader. Adults can amplify youth voices by sharing with their networks, or organizing forums for youth to be seen and heard.
Seventeen-year-old Daily Point of Light Award honoree
Maanit Goel
used his voice when organizing a rally of fellow activists on the Washington State Capitol steps to support legislation protecting the Chinook salmon and orca populations. He also regularly addresses state legislators and travels statewide to speak to K-12 students about environmental issues.
Listen and Learn
Social justice and environmental issues are nuanced, involving many people with different perspectives shaped by their own experiences. Listening and learning is one way to honor others’ lived experiences and get a fuller scope of an issue.
Young people can commit to thoroughly researching causes they care about, talking to those working toward solutions and holding space for those impacted. Adults can connect with the young people in their lives, inviting dialogue that allows for sharing different perspectives and finding common ground.
These are the driving ideas behind the work of high schooler Kristie To, who became a leading force in Asian American racial justice when she founded
Hearts Against Hate
. Among the initiatives of her nonprofit is distributing Asian history and Asian American Pacific Islander civil rights curriculum to children.
“Cultural sensitivity starts with exposure, and that’s what we’re trying to do with these elementary schoolers,” says To.
To learn about other avenues for social engagement for International Youth Day and all year round, check out the Points of Light Civic Circle by visiting
pointsoflight.org/civic-circle
.
“There are many formal channels for civic engagement, but simple actions make a difference too,” says Quest. “Whether it’s carrying groceries in for a neighbor or donating books to the library, the important thing is to get started when you see a need in your community.”
Amplify Your Social Impact: Combine Elements of Points of Light’s Civic Circle®
If you’re looking to amplify your impact as you contribute to social good, start by considering which activities you’re engaging in. The truth is that civic engagement comes in many forms, and by combining various types of efforts, you can make your impact exponential rather than linear.
Points of Light’s Civic Circle
®
is a framework that helps guide individuals to live full civic lives by demonstrating nine different ways to get involved in causes they care about. Today, we’ll cover three of these avenues so you can consider how you might combine them to magnify your efforts and make your impact stretch that much further.
Volunteering
Of course, when many people think of civic engagement, they think of lending their time and talent through
volunteerism
. And for good reason – nonprofit organizations and NGO’s thrive on the collective power of their volunteers. Volunteers enable these organizations to do the best work they can with the resources they’ve been allotted.
It’s a good idea to think through your volunteer activities to ensure they align with your passions, capabilities and schedule. Whether you volunteer once a month for a few hours, a few times a year with a corporate team or every weekend, you are making a difference in the world!
See how Daily Point of Light Award honoree Dallas Smith lends his time and talents as a volunteer pharmacist in his community.
Donating
When you
donate
to a cause or organization you care about, you allow for your dollars or goods to be put to the best use possible to benefit others. Donating allows organizations to continue their mission and spread awareness about a cause area. Donations can also directly benefit recipients – as in the case of a natural disaster.
Be aware that donating is only helpful if the donations – monetary or in-kind – are truly what the organization needs. Unwanted or unneeded donations are often trashed, contributing to waste. So be sure to do your research and ask for what donations are most helpful before you donate!
See how Daily Point of Light Award honoree Sofia Petito collects and makes use of donations in her community.
Using Your Voice
Everyone has the ability to use their
voice
to elevate the causes they care about. Whether you’re sharing information via social media, talking to friends or family members about a specific issue, or marching in a peaceful protest, you can use your voice – which includes your own opinions, perspectives and concerns – as well as contributing to a collective voice rallying around a cause area.
Combining your voice with other types of civic engagement can be a powerful way to make your mission and message louder, clearer or more accessible to others. That said, be mindful that you don’t use the element of voice for performative activism, but rather that you “walk the walk” along with “talking the talk”!
See how Daily Point of Light Award honoree Tristan Espinoza is amplifying the voices of indigenous peoples.
2023 Global Network Gathering Recap
We’ve spent three and a half amazing days with NGO affiliate members of the
Points of Light Global Network
in São Paulo, Brazil, March 14-17. Our gracious hosts,
Atados
, CEO Daniel Morias and staff were incredible (anfitrioes incriveis!), and of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors at UPS. We were welcomed, introduced to Brazilian social engagement leaders, offered learning opportunities, and given experiences within the Brazilian culture in São Paolo that will stay with us forever. Thank you, Atados team and UPS! Obrigado equipe Atados e UPS!
The Points of Light Global Gathering is an annual get together of our affiliate members where we convent with NGOs from small towns in Texas to Hong Kong, China, share around
volunteerism
,
civic engagement
and social impact and the failures we’ve learned from and the successes we’ve seen. We connect with each other to strengthen and uplift the community programs each of us is driving and take those learnings back to our teams. And there’s always a bit — ok, a lot— of fun, laughter and some dancing sprinkled throughout.
“Bringing together Points of Light affiliates from across the globe is an energizing and powerful experience. This gathering gave us the opportunity to learn about civic leadership programs in California and then about innovative corporate volunteer programming in Spain. We also heard from our affiliate in the Ukraine about refugee relief work,” said Vanessa Diamond, SVP civic innovations, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond. “As we learn about new program models, unique ways affiliates are integrating the
Civic Circle
®, we each walk away with insight on how we can make our localized programming more efficient, equitable, and in turn, create more positive change in our communities. As we are catalysts for volunteer action in our own communities, in bringing us together, Points of Light created an opportunity to inspire and educate us so we can do more.”
We kicked off our time together on Tuesday, March 14, with a visit to Atados headquarters in São Paolo, where participants of the Service Project gathered to meet and exchange gifts with their Pen Pals after exchanging letters for weeks leading up to the Global Gathering. We were treated to a delectable dinner Tuesday night with a special welcome dinner at MSTC, The Roofless Movement from the Center, led by Carmen Silva. This activist organization rehomes the city’s unhoused population into previously abandoned buildings. MSTC provides access to healthcare, education, work opportunities and is the model for more than 160 similar sites in the area. It will live with us as a moment of shared understanding of Brazilian culture.
Points of Light Global Network Gathering Photo Gallery
Wednesday, March 15, was the first Social Engagement Summit in São Paolo that brought together Points of Light Global Network affiliates, local São Paolo corporations and leading NGOs in Brazilian social impact work for a day of learning and collaboration. The morning panels delved into current social impact trends featuring our own Interim CEO Diane Quest, Atados Founder Daniel Morias, and Points of Light Board Member and Assembly Chair Vanessa Diamond. I was honored to be invited to speak on the ways data is changing civic engagement, particularly in post-pandemic societies. Points of Light affiliates shared their expertise on panels ranging from disaster recovery and relief to examples of collaboration and innovation in corporate partnerships. Points of Light Board Member Michelle Gavin shared insights on the Civic Circle and its role in societal change.
“Being the host of the global gathering in Brazil proves the power of collaboration. It is an opportunity to bring international knowledge to Brazil and shows the strength of the Points of Light Global Network,” said Daniel Morais, founder and CEO, Atados. “Together with Points of Light, we could bring methodologies and credibility for our work and access to new networks. We hope it was also good for Points of Light to have a Brazilian experience.”
Our affiliates then transitioned into a day-and-a-half of Global Network discussions and learnings where we kept belonging, learning and strategy at the forefront. Vanessa Diamond, SVP of civic innovations for Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, along with Julia Aramendi, project director of Volies and Vice-Chair of the Network Assembly, talked about the catalytic nature of being together. They explored the value proposition of being a member of the Points of Light Global Network – from affiliate to Points of Light, and Points of Light to affiliate – and how the current structure of the network offers opportunities for shared learning through communities of practice, and local regional roundtables.
We then delved into how our world has transitioned to people seeing themselves as “taking action” vs. the historically more traditional role of volunteering. We heard examples from five affiliates around their community projects in alignment with the
Points of Light Civic Circle
® including Rosie Drumgoole with Chicago Cares, Bia Lin with Hands On Hong Kong, Stephen Davalos with LA Works, Leo Petrov with Children for a Better World and Amy Lytle with Hands on NW North Carolina.
On the final day of the gathering, four affiliate partners, including Daniel Morais with Atados, Hannah Wojno of Ruach Tova, Monica Gil with Hands on Colombia and Celina Lesta with Volies, shared what makes successful and not-so-successful collaborations both as network members and overall. Afternoon conversations centered around the Civic Circle and how
meaningful community change extends beyond volunteering
. Group discussions explored how the social impact landscape is evolving and the ways the Civic Circle applies to our collective work with various audiences – from nonprofits and NGOs to corporations to individuals, including youth activation. We talked about what we need to extend the reach and understanding of all civic actions with audiences in different parts of the world.
“I have so much gratitude for the expertise, knowledge sharing and commitment of our network. The 2023 Global Gathering in Brazil forged new and strengthened existing connections and grounded us all in the important collective work we’re doing together,” said Diane Quest, interim CEO and president of Points of Light. “We are so grateful for our host team Atados and leave Brazil with a better understanding of the work they are doing to build a social engagement society.”
We ended the day with an invitation and brainstorming around the next time we would be together in Chicago at the annual
Points of Light Conference
.
We’ll leave you with some of our new favorite Portuguese phrases from the group:
- Bom = good
- Xicara de café = cup of coffee
- Obrigado = thank you
Together we inspired each other, we laughed at our shared human fallibilities, we explored Brazilian culture, and we created memories and friendships that are at core of the Points of Light Global Network.
3 Steps to Support Women-Owned Businesses Using Your Purchase Power This Women’s History Month
How can you celebrate
Women’s History Month
in a tangible and impactful way? While posting on social media and discussing women’s rights with your friends and family are great starts, you can use the resources you have to create impact in your own community and support women-owned businesses.
This month we’re focusing on how you can use your
purchase power
, one of the nine elements of
Points of Light’s Civic Circle®
, a framework for civic engagement that involves many avenues, including volunteering, voting, donating and more.
What Is Purchase Power?
Simply put, purchase power represents an individual’s ability to make decisions that reflect their values or advance a social cause or issue by choosing where they do and don’t spend their money. Whether you’re buying from a sustainable company or boycotting a product, how you buy makes a difference, and purchase power has been used over and over in the past to successfully drive change.
Start With Research
So, how can you utilize this knowledge to support women during the month of March? Start by researching
women-owned businesses
in your area and beyond. You can search the U.S. Small Business Administration’s database of registered
women-owned small businesses
to gather together your list.
You might look even further at these businesses to narrow down your list according to the issues and populations you’re most passionate about. Some companies, for instance, are veteran women-owned businesses, while others are both minority-owned and women-owned.
Prioritize Your Purchases to Support Women-Owned Businesses
Next, determine which purchases you need to make now vs. later, and what to prioritize this March. While it may be a bit early in the year to do your holiday shopping, are there any upcoming events you have that you can plan for?
Purchases don’t necessarily need to be consumable goods. Consider services as well – dry cleaning, restaurants and food service, house cleaning or janitorial services, auto repair… the list goes on and on.
Consider Other Ways to Contribute
Finally, if you don’t have the need to make any purchases right now, take into account how else you might be able to
support women-owned organizations
in your area. If you have the means, making a donation to a nonprofit that is advancing women’s issues can help immensely.
Not only can you uplift the female business owners in your community, but you can contribute to boosting your local economy by spending your dollars in your own backyard.
For more ideas on how you can get involved with social impact and lend your time, talents and resources to any cause area, including championing women, check out
Points of Light’s Civic Circle
.
Want to explore more? Check out these additional resources:
- Women’s History Month: 170+ Women-owned Brands to Support: this comprehensive list includes many women-owned brands and businesses you can support with your dollar.
- Resources for Women-Owned Businesses: if you’re interested in founding your own women-owned business, check out these government and private programs to help support your journey.
- Women-Owned Businesses: In this webinar, dive into statistics available from the Census Bureau on women-owned businesses. Learn about the different dimensions of business and demographic data from multiple programs and how to access the information.
The Urgency of Now
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
While the new year is a marker for a fresh start, it’s also a time to reflect on where we need to double down on the tough work that’s already underway. The “fierce urgency of now” that Dr. King talks about is precisely why, at Points of Light, we know that’s what we must do.
The world faces continued rapid change and challenges. According to the
Global State of Democracy
, a publication by International IDEA, half the world’s democracies are in retreat, and the number of democracies has stagnated. Even in solidly democratic countries, there’s been little innovation in systems or structure.
Just last week, the United States House of Representatives was unable to function, as politics took precedence and held up the selection of a majority leader and, therefore, all of the important work of that chamber. Abroad, we see threats against free speech and democracy, like the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor and the refusal to concede elections in Brazil and Fiji.
It’s no wonder that a growing distrust remains the trend. The
Edelman Trust Barometer
shows governments are one of the least trusted institutions, with only 42% of people saying they trust government leaders.
At Points of Light, we’ve been thinking about our role in democracy. Last fall, at a
gathering on the subject
, one of our guests, Eric Liu, CEO of Citizen University, said, “Democracy is a game of infinite, repeat play.” Which means no one is ever “winning” democracy. It’s ongoing, living in all of us – the power of people.
Democracy is a system, and like any system, it can be improved upon to ensure we’re meeting everyone’s needs. The
Points of Light Civic Circle
® is a framework that can help change a system for the better. It’s an onramp to engage people who aren’t quite sure how to get involved, and a way to deepen engagement for those who are purposefully engaged.
Just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led Black Americans and others advocating for equality to use their power in multiple ways – through their purchase power during the bus boycotts, using their voices in peaceful protest, registering voters despite being met with challenges, disputes and loopholes – we need to combine our actions to accelerate the change we want to see.
It’s a strategy that is sticky as evidenced in Points of Light’s
2022
Global Civic Engagement Research
that showed that on the issue of civil rights, racial discrimination and social justice, people are still using their power through multiple actions. Of those who said they took action in this issue area, 77% said they took the time to listen and learn about the issues, 68% used their voice to share information about the issues; and 66% volunteered.
This year, Points of Light is looking at how we can combine and maximize the Civic Circle actions and work with our stakeholders to create change. What would it look like to use the Civic Circle to create a more equitable society?
Derrick Feldmann, founder of the Millennial Impact Project and researcher at Cause & Social Influence, recently shared that people must feel secure about their basic needs – defined as health, transportation and employment – to then move beyond survival mode and care about a social issue outside themselves.
While these are deeply complex issues, we cannot have a strong democracy without a healthy, equitable society. Could we use the Civic Circle to address health equity, as a means of strengthening democracy? These are questions we’re exploring. There is an urgency to answer them, and the moment is now.
What is your urgent question and how is it connected to a strong, vibrant democracy? Are you leveraging your power by combining multiple actions to make progress toward an answer and a solution?
Because that is what democracy is about – the power of people working together to create the change we want to see.
Diane Quest is the interim president and CEO of Points of Light. She has served as an executive leader at the organization since 2016, and brings 20 years experience in nonprofit and social impact organizations leading strategy, external affairs, partnerships, events and crisis communications.
9 Gifts That Keep on Giving This Holiday Season
The
Points of Light Civic Circle
®
offers nine different ways to get involved and build a more civically engaged life. From
donating
goods and money to
voting
in local and national elections to
volunteering
your time and talent, there are plenty of ways you can give gifts that don’t cost you anything but kindness and a little time.
This holiday season, we’re offering ideas for nine “gifts” that keep on giving in your community and around the globe, based on the elements of the Civic Circle. Pick one or two, and watch as your contributions start a ripple effect of change.
Donate:
Donate to a cause close to your heart. You can start by looking for organizations that are already doing good work in your community. Or choose an organization like
Points of Light
that makes a global impact with a mission centered on mobilizing social good by working with a
Global Network
of affiliates from around the world.
No one is too young to start learning about social justice. Inspire the pint-sized activists in your life by giving them this valuable resource to learn about social justice movements and define commonly used terms. The book features a variety of young advocates across movements – from Ruby Bridges to Malala Yousafzai.
Purchase Power: Small Business Gifts & Gift Cards
Supporting small businesses is a fantastic way to make a difference in your community while giving thoughtful gifts. Make a list of several small, local stores in your region and browse their shops to find items for your loved ones. Not sure what to purchase? You can still use your dollar to support small business owners and leave the choosing up to the recipient – purchase a gift card instead.
Service: Send Holidays Cards Military Service Members
Choosing to live a life of service comes with sacrifice, which can often mean being separated from family for long periods. You show your gratitude by sending personalized cards and letters to military heroes who serve in the U.S. and abroad. The Holiday Card Challenge and #cards2connect programs let them know that they are not alone during the winter holiday season and throughout the year.
When 4Ocean was founded, they started by making bracelets out of plastic collected from the ocean. Today, the organization has pulled 26,335,566 pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers and coastlines, offering bracelets of all varieties plus footwear, water bottles and other apparel. Make an impact by choosing sustainable fashion that is simultaneously solving a global issue.
For the passionate participant in every election – encourage voting with trendy tees, mugs, bags and more from Rock the Vote. This nonprofit organization has registered and turned out millions of young voters on campuses, in communities and online for 25 years. Their online store has a variety of gifts made for everyone from babies to seniors.
Voice: Raise Awareness and End Stereotypes
Use your voice to erase racism, hunger, homelessness or climate change. Be a part of ending harmful stereotypes and raising awareness for these causes by having authentic conversations with friends and family or posting on social media. For example, the United Nations makes it easy to leverage their
social media tools
to reach your social network and #FightRacism. Start your own conversation and be the change you want to see in the world.
Volunteer: A Volunteering Event or Day of Service
What better way to get the whole family or group of friends involved than to encourage volunteering through a day of service? Make a list of some local nonprofit organizations and call around to find out what their needs are, or check out
Points of Light Engage
to find local or virtual volunteer opportunities. From coat drives to toy drives to food drives, many nonprofits are in need of volunteers around the holiday season.
Work: Benefits for Your Employees
If you own a business or manage a team of employees, you have a unique opportunity to provide them with beneficial gifts this holiday season. While you’ll need to keep in mind what you can legally gift your employees, you might consider giving them a holiday bonus, throwing in an extra day off or starting an
employee engagement program
with volunteer time off in 2023. Look at your team’s needs and your business’ budget to determine the best course of action, then extend your gratitude to your hard-working team. They’ll appreciate the recognition.
Are you inspired to give gifts that keep on giving? Once you decide on a gift or two to give this holiday season,
tag us on social media
to share your experience with us. We can’t wait to see all the good you do this year.
3 Ways to Prep for Global Volunteer Month
Global Volunteer Month
is an annual event to encourage volunteerism and civic action. Learn how to recognize volunteers who are actively participating in bettering their communities for this monthlong event, including National Volunteer Week and year-round. Nonprofits get the opportunity to raise awareness for their organization’s current needs and funding opportunities, businesses have a way to engage every employee in spring volunteer initiatives, and individuals are able to give back to their local communities.
The celebration happens in April of 2023, but now is the time to begin to mobilize your community, employees, family and friends, or your volunteers to participate. Here are three ways to get the ball rolling on your Global Volunteer Month efforts early, so you can maximize turnout.
Plan Your Participation in Global Volunteer Month Starting Now
Contribute your time and talents personally:
So you want to volunteer, but you’re not sure where to get started. Find local nonprofits in your area by searching online, and reach out to them directly to see what their needs are. Maybe there’s a donations drive you can support by donating gently used clothing or canned goods. You can also search for in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities on
Points of Light Engage
, the world’s largest digital volunteer network featuring hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the world. You can even check out these
DIY projects
that are easy to do from home.
Motivate your volunteers or employees
:
Nonprofit organizations will want to consider which programs to elevate during Global Volunteer Month. Invite supporters to make a difference by participating.
Companies looking to engage employees in volunteerism and civic action in the spring might consider partnering with a
Corporate Services & Solutions
partner. Working with a knowledgeable partner in the nonprofit space can help connect you with valuable volunteer opportunities, create strategic plans for employee engagement, increase volunteer turnout across your organization, measure your success and celebrate your employees accordingly.
Share Your Message
Get your stakeholders on board. Points of Light’s
Global Volunteer Month toolkits
include logos, social media graphics and sample messages to easily share your participation with your audiences. It’s critical for nonprofit organizations to communicate consistently throughout April through donor and volunteer outreach. It’s not unusual for people to need to hear about events up to ten times before the message “sticks,” so don’t hesitate to promote your programs, needs and fundraising opportunities for this month early and often.
Companies seeking optimal turnout among employee volunteers will need to do the same. Promote the employee volunteering activities your company is offering, and be clear about how employees can participate. Send out information in your employee newsletters, email blasts or other internal communications, and promote events on social media as well.
Tell Amazing Stories
Finally, you’ll want to make a plan to recognize and celebrate all of the ways your volunteers are contributing to their communities! For individual volunteers, this could mean posting on social media to share the civic actions you took during the month. For nonprofits and companies, you might consider collecting and sharing volunteer stories, videos and photos for publishing throughout the remainder of the year. You might throw a month-end luncheon or other event to celebrate your work.
Recognition and celebration takes careful planning and preparation, so as you’re laying out your plan for the month, make this the final phase and figure out how you will reward your volunteers throughout the month and year round. Two ongoing opportunities for volunteer recognition include
The Daily Point of Light Award
program, which rewards and lifts up individual stories every day, as well as the
President’s Volunteer Service Award
, which recognizes the important role of exceptional volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. Your nonprofit can even
become a certifying organization
so you’re able to offer this prestigious award to your own volunteers.
Download the
Global Volunteer Month toolkit
that’s tailored specifically to you, whether you’re an individual, nonprofit, company or government official. However you choose to get involved in Global Volunteer Month, we can’t wait to hear about the social impact you make in 2023.
Find Your Nonprofit Voice: Build a Bridge Between Donors and Trust
Using your voice to advocate for the causes you care about is a critical part of civic engagement. At the individual level, people use their voices through the conversations they have with friends and family members or what they post on social media. But what does an organizational voice look like – specifically for nonprofits looking to build a bridge between donors and trust? Below are four tips for finding your nonprofit voice.
Learn More About Advocacy
A critical step to unleashing your voice is to be clear that advocacy and lobbying are two different things. Broadly speaking,
advocacy
is defined as “public support for or a recommendation of a particular cause or policy,” whereas
lobbying
is urging “…the public to contact members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of accepting, rejecting, proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation,” according to the United States Internal Revenue Service. Most nonprofits heavily lean into advocacy to advance their missions and individuals impacted by their work. In fact, advocacy is the backbone of many nonprofit efforts. As an organization, you can add your voice to the public square and join the chorus of individuals seeking to effect positive change.
One useful resource is
Bolder Advocacy
, an organization consisting of lawyers, coaches and nonprofit experts who provide educational resources for nonprofit and foundation leaders on advocacy. They offer a wide range of information, tools and training to help organizations navigate advocacy rules and regulations.
Find Your Voice
When you represent a nonprofit organization, you may feel hesitant to engage your voice in some of these movements or policies that might drive or impact them. You might avoid using your platform in new or bolder ways out of fear of putting off volunteers, funders or other stakeholders. You may be concerned about appearing “too political” or “too controversial” by speaking up about current social or political issues. But in doing so you miss opportunities. You miss advancing your mission, as well as building deeper connections with donors and the very people we serve.
Your staff and Board of Directors should decide on your advocacy strategy. Identify the issue(s) that are connected to your mission and your organizational values. Where it makes sense, engage other constituents such as volunteers or members of your community. Use
this checklist
from the Council of Nonprofits to help you plan effectively.
Listen and Learn
Educate yourself more deeply on current social movements that relate to the issue(s) your organization has identified. From Black Lives Matter to #MeToo to the LGBTQIA+ rights movement to campaigns like the Ice Bucket Challenge, there has been a range of social movements that inspired, motivated and empowered our society in recent history alone.
Evaluate which tools, resources and strategies already exist and which organizations might already be engaged in advocacy related to those issues. Take note of how nonprofits use social media to engage with their communities on these topics, then mimic these strategies on your own social media channels.
Inform Your Network
Finally, spread awareness and share resources, like the “Civic Life Today” issue about
Voice
, offering educational resources help to deepen everyone’s understanding of the issue(s).
Distribute information and answer questions about your new strategies. Help to inform your network about your nonprofit’s current or planned advocacy efforts and why they matter to your organization and the people you serve. Leveraging learning and advocating together strengthens your organization’s connection with your constituencies as you work toward systemic change.
