, situated right in downtown Chicago, on June 14-16, 2023. As we gear up for this landmark event, here’s what you can expect – and how you can save your spot to attend.
What Will the Conference Include?
The Points of Light Conference 2023 is a leader among civic engagement conferences. It’s a global gathering for people, like you, who are passionate about civic engagement. It empowers
to make a bold impact in their communities, providing the resources and inspiration to do so.
When you attend the Points of Light Conference, you can expect more than 50 workshops with actionable takeaways led by industry experts, compelling leadership discussions highlighting best practices and connection with fellow changemakers ready to collaborate and amplify your efforts.
The Points of Light Conference 2023 Theme
Every Points of Light Conference features a different theme around which speakers base their topics and facilitators plan their workshops. The Points of Light Conference 2023 Theme is, “Leading Change Together.” Today,
are all rallying toward real, sustainable change. Communities have distinct goals, and together, we can lean on our unique and collective backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to change the world.
to find out when we unveil this year’s powerhouse speakers, who are making big impacts in their communities, companies and beyond, as well as to roll out high-value workshops that will leave you feeling inspired, educated and equipped with new knowledge and ideas to implement in your spheres of influence.
Next Steps to Attend the Points of Light Conference 2023
We’re featuring an early bird special, so mark your calendar now. Early registration runs from March 1 through 31, 2023. These discounted tickets will be priced at $675 for corporate tickets and $575 for government or nonprofit tickets. Make sure you’re on our
so you can reserve your spot as soon as registration opens.
General Registration tickets go on sale from April 1 through May 31, 2023. Corporate spots are $775, while government or nonprofit registration is $675. Need the full cost picture? We even have
available so you can have a full picture of associated expenses.
Call for Proposals Deadlines
If you’re interested in presenting on stage or via a workshop this year, you’ll want to save these in your calendar and be prepared to submit your proposal. From January 3-17, 2023, Points of Light will be accepting presenter proposals. We’re eager to see what stories, wisdom and insights you have to share from your experience with civic engagement in your community, company or nonprofit organization. Past speakers have included best-selling authors, nonprofit and governmental leaders, service members, and even news anchors and entertainers. Make sure to
so you’ll be the first to know when we open our call for proposals.
Don’t wait! Whether you plan to attend this year’s conference or want to submit a proposal to be featured as a presenter, start preparing today. Speak to your management team about securing your spot, and stay tuned for details on our request for proposals.
Can’t Miss Chicago Experiences with the Points of Light Conference 2023 Co-hosts
Whether you’re new to your job or an expert practitioner,
connect with fellow changemakers and drive real and sustained change in your own community and beyond. By connecting, learning from fellow leaders, gathering innovative ideas around
The Points of Light Conference 2023 will be held in Chicago, featuring inspiring speakers from around the globe as well as Points of Light’s own subject matter experts. Plus, our three Chicago-based
affiliates are co-hosting this year’s event. We asked these Chicago locals to tell us about their work and share highlights of the city they call home.
Share one remarkable thing about your community-changing work.
Chicago Cares:
Chicago Cares is inspired every day by what service makes possible! The impact of service experiences that are relational, community-driven and equity centered are richer, more creative and more expansive than we could have imagined. Whether it’s volunteers who go on to deeply invest in small businesses, residents who go on to be employed at a company after a service engagement or collaborative work greater than we could have imagined, like
, service connects, educates and activates us to build the city we all deserve. Through service, Chicago Cares is bridging the divides in our city, building social and civic connections, and weaving our communities together as a stronger whole. A city more deeply bound to one another socially and civically is capable of transformational change.
HandsOn Suburban Chicago:
Each person we connect with has a ripple effect. When we connect a person to a nonprofit
, they become engaged with that nonprofit giving their time, talent, and resources. Through their engagement, they grow in their passion for the work they do, often asking others to volunteer either with the nonprofit or to find a place of their own they are passionate about. They have learned the impact they have made, and that ripple effect continues to grow.
Giving Dupage:
It is remarkable to have a front row seat to generosity in our community. We bear witness to how people devote themselves to a cause and it is humbling to play a small part in connecting individuals to service.
“It is fitting that the 2023 conference will be hosted in Chicago: every day so many Chicagoans serve one another with love for their neighbors and pride for their city. Our residents and leaders demonstrate that service is a powerful way to connect, learn and build the city we all deserve.”– Ellen Ray, chief executive officer at Chicago Cares
Name one “can’t miss” experience in Chicago.
Chicago Cares CEO Ellen Ray
:
One of my favorite Chicago experiences takes me to Garfield Park on Chicago’s West Side to spend time at the
, a social enterprise restaurant with proceeds supporting Inspiration Corporation’s job training program for individuals ready for a new start in life.
HandsOn Suburban Chicago Executive Director Chris Swope Cholewa
is a must-see, offering history, music, art, dance and architecture representing diverse cultures and unique perspectives, and a free showcase to learn and enjoy so much beauty.
Giving Dupage Executive Director Shefali M. Trivedi:
Enjoy the delicious global cuisine in Chicago. If you are a foodie, then Chicago is your international foods test kitchen!
“It is thrilling to co-host the Conference and have the opportunity to motivate people across the globe to expand their knowledge, make new connections, and inspire change while experiencing the diverse cultures and communities of Chicago and the surrounding communities.”– Chris Swope Cholewa, executive director at HandsOn Suburban Chicago
Who’s a famous Chicagoan and notable community steward who you’re eager to meet?
Chicago Cares:
I am still holding out hope that someday I will get to meet Chance the Rapper! He is not only a Grammy-award winning artist, famed Chicagoan and a community steward through Social Works, he also guest appears in one of the most Chicago of shows, which is filmed in Englewood, “South Side” as Herbert.
HandsOn Suburban Chicago:
I would love to meet Michelle Obama as she continues to inspire her hometown and lives her words, “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
“There is a powerful energy created when thousands of minds and hearts converge around the intention of service and doing good. This thought inspires us and is a real signal of hope for all communities. Giving DuPage welcomes our friends and colleagues with open arms to the Chicago region!– Shefali M. Trivedi, executive director at Giving DuPage
Outside of the beloved Deep Dish Pizza, what’s one delicacy credited as a Chicago original?
Chicago Cares:
The Pizza Puff! It is infamous (for scalding your mouth)! If you grew up in Chicago like I did you’ve likely grabbed one of these, and the gooey, cheesy, fatty, salty treat is glorious and painful. It originated here and is tough to find outside of Chicago. Also, the Chicagoan in me has to point out that the most Chicago of the pizzas is actually Tavern Style.
. The original “Dog Shack” opened in 1963 about two miles from my home and has grown to $1.9 billion and spread throughout the country. I would say that it started as one great hot dog.
Giving Dupage:
Saganaki may not officially be a “Chicago original,” but it definitely became a signature dish here. Chicagoans often start Greek restaurant dinners to the sound of ‘Opaa’ when the dish of cheese is set to flame tableside and finished with a squeeze of lemon.
serves the public as the Dupage County volunteer center connecting people with local giving opportunities, mobilizing volunteers, providing capacity-building resources to local nonprofit organizations and striving to inspire their community.
Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Points of Light Conference 2023
, an annual event that draws global nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders from all over the world, is the premier civic engagement, volunteer and CSR conference to keep you educated and inspired. Here are five reasons you should attend the Points of Light Conference in 2023.
What sets this civic engagement conference apart?
There’s no better way to access compelling professional development and CSR networking opportunities. A post-event survey from The Points of Light Conference 2022 showed that 81% of respondents left with new knowledge that they were able to apply in their work. One attendee said the conference “…was terrific – friendly, inspiring and educational!” Another leader reported, “We had team members from several different departments attend and everyone gained something!”
“There was a great diversity of perspectives and strategies about the subject matter, volunteering and the devotion to civic improvement that transcended a variety of international cultural perspectives. Additionally, everyone was very driven and practical in regards to outlining strategies for success that can be applied to a daily lived experience and can be scaled up or down.” — Points of Light Conference Attendee
, “58% of employees feel that their employers should lead in initiating higher standards to address various social justice issues affecting their communities,” while “64% of Millennials are not interested in working in companies that don’t value social responsibility” and “97% of past volunteers are more motivated in their duties” since the COVID-19 pandemic.
There’s no doubt about it: The Points of Light Conference is sure to provide a rich experience to aid you in the important, impactful work you do.
1. Get inspired by top speakers
Each year, Points of Light hosts inspiring speakers and presenters from across the globe who are making massive impacts in their spheres. Whether you’re a
, you will hear from some of the leading voices in the CSR and ESG fields. Past conferences have welcomed news anchors, bestselling authors, actors and entertainers, and leaders of some of the largest organizations in the world to the stage. Expect to hear inspiring stories from this year’s cohort and gain insight into steps you can take to increase and sustain your own impact.
2. Grow your network
One of the top reasons to attend this civic engagement conference is for the networking opportunities. Not only will you have the chance to meet inspiring leaders working toward the common good, but you get to rub elbows with like-minded people doing similar work. Want to exchange successful marketing strategies you’ve been using? Catch up on new initiatives your colleagues have implemented this past year? Have lunch with a friend from last year’s conference? Now’s your chance to build and sustain your own professional network.
3. Get equipped with the latest research and tools
Attending this CSR conference can open the door to ideas and resources that will transform the way you work. Explore the
shaping the social sector and deepen your impact with new tools and solutions to current problems. As the landscape has shift due to COVID-19, you can’t rely on pandemic-era methods of volunteer or employee engagement. At the Points of Light Conference, you will dive into the topics and tools most relevant to where you are now.
“The Points of Light Conference is a place for both bold civic engagement strategy conversations and re-energizing reflection to fuel your day-to-day work. It’s an investment of time and budget that pays off tenfold in new ideas, fresh inspiration, and relevant connections” — Katie Stearns, Chief Global Corporate Solutions Officer, Points of Light
4. Revitalize your passion and commitment
Keep burnout at bay by stoking your passion for civic engagement. When times get tough, how do other leaders and their teams handle the hurdles? What are the key moments that keep them engaged and committed to the work over the course of decades? Reconnect to the reasons you started on your civic engagement journey in the first place. From Main Stage moments to workshops and presentations, you’ll experience moving stories of both successes and failures. You’re sure to find a story you can personally relate to and draw on later through good times and challenges.
5. Make the most of your time in Chicago
This year’s conference provides a brand-new opportunity to explore a major metropolitan area: Chicago! We’re hosting the Points of Light Conference in the middle of June, which is the perfect time to explore the beautiful weather of the Midwest. Snap a selfie at Cloud Gate, (aka “The Bean”) at Millennium Park. Grab your group and head to The Garfield Park Conservatory or the Art Institute of Chicago, cultural staples of this bustling city. History buff? Take a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River to hear about the origins behind the stunning Chicago architecture.
“We are thrilled to welcome the global Points of Light community to Chicago!” said Points of Light Conference Co-host Ellen Ray, CEO of Chicago Cares. “We look forward to the Points of Light conference serving as an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the ways our beautiful and complicated city brings the power of people to the work of change.”
Register for the Points of Light Conference 2023
Whether you’re in the corporate world or the social sector, leading teams or new to your organization, don’t miss this powerful conference. The Points of Light Conference is your chance to refine your skills, revitalize your passion and network with other people making waves in the world of civic engagement. Head over to our
yields a wealth of unique opportunities, and a big one is hearing from experts in the nonprofit sector on current issues, innovative ideas and best practices. The 2022 conference hosted a variety of inspiring speakers from nonprofit organizations from around the world offering insightful and educational messages. Here are a few key takeaways for nonprofit leaders that emerged from this year’s stage:
People will engage with what they’re most passionate about.
, but it isn’t always easy. Knowing how to keep the flame alight among your team, your volunteers and your stakeholders is crucial to avoiding fatigue and burnout. This year’s conference theme was “Revitalize. Reimagine. Recommit.” and we featured speakers and sessions that spoke directly to this mission… like Jennifer Taylor, who shared on the topic of “rage giving.” With increasing polarization on the political and social landscapes, now is the time for nonprofits to develop specific strategies that allow people to act on the very causes they feel most strongly about. How can you leverage what you and your stakeholders are most excited, hopeful, frustrated or angry about to sustain your impact?
Listen to the communities you serve to learn what they need.
Intentional listening and learning in the communities you serve allows you to find solutions to the
true
unmet needs of that community, rather than the issues you might
assume
to be the most pressing. In the Opening Plenary, Points of Light CEO Natalye Paquin shared a story about
, an Orlando native. When she chose to voluntarily live alongside the people she was working with who were unhoused, she found that food insecurity was not their greatest unmet need, but hygiene was. This knowledge led her to create Street Team Movement, a nonprofit providing laundry services, haircuts and hygiene products to people experiencing homelessness, offering solutions to the exact needs the community expressed were most urgent.
PEOPLE FEEL significant positive impact from VOLUNTEERING.
Several conference sessions discussed the immense benefits that come from volunteer work – not just to communities, but also to the volunteers themselves. Points of Light
one in four people said a reason they took action was, “I believe it supports my own personal well-being.”
As you engage volunteers in your efforts, keep in mind that they are likely benefitting from this work as much as the communities they serve. Volunteering can
Volunteers are as healthy as non-volunteers who are five years younger.
Volunteering activities on a resume can yield higher employment opportunities.
You can begin to see that this benefit goes beyond the altruistic feelings of spending worthy time in support of social impact. Often, volunteers walk away with new skill sets, relationships and perspectives they may not have the opportunity to gain anywhere else. Framing volunteer work in this way can help organizations to promote greater equity and remember that they are providing mutually-beneficial resources rather than just rescue.
of affiliates from around the world is that the nonprofit sector is teeming with innovative thinkers and creative problem solvers. Nonprofit leaders, what are some insights you’d add to this list?
We’re already gearing up for the 2023 Points of Light Conference in Chicago on June 14-16, 2023, with a special pre-conference day for nonprofit professionals. Sign up to receive updates, and join us next year for another powerful conference.
Changemaking in Action: Highlights From The 2022 Youth Summit
was filled with memorable moments, but one that stood out in particular was this year’s Youth Summit. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of what went down… Don’t forget to mark your calendar for June 14-16, 2023 so you can be in attendance at next year’s Conference.
with the day’s Daily Point of Light Award for her efforts in environmental conservation.
“With the right support, young people, you are changing the world,” Natalye said, before handing things off to President and Board Chair of KPMG Foundation Anita Whitehead. Anita introduced the various ways the KPMG Foundation has revitalized its mission and poured funding into equity and diversity efforts, committing millions of dollars to this focus.
, 2021 Time Kid of the Year and Ambassador for Kindness, who spoke about his personal journey and gave helpful advice to any young person looking to make a change.
“Sometimes, I have to admit, it’s not easy seeing a problem so large and figuring out how to go out there and make a big impact on that problem,” shared Orion. “But I think that with a little determination, perseverance, courage and compassion, you can really do anything.”
He encouraged young people who see problems they want to fix to be proactive, reaching out to adults who can help them secure the resources they need to contribute their talents and energy to that issue. He also encouraged adults with resources to support kids with a vision, as the power to change the world lies in this type of collaboration.
Following Orion’s chat with Anita, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council—
—and Generation Amazing Youth Advocate Sayed Alam—joined a moderated panel discussion. Each spoke about their individual civic journeys and shared touching moments from their experiences.
From fostering hope in communities through uplifting words and gestures… to reinforcing the message that we are never alone, but supported… to releasing one’s ego in volunteering and learning to be a team player… these five leaders passed on a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for all the civically engaged youth in attendance. “Embrace the vulnerability of not knowing what you’re doing,” shared Adom Appiah.
One theme highlighted again and again was the importance of listening and learning before acting. Several Points of Light Youth Council members spoke about how their nonprofits or initiatives had changed as the leaders themselves continued to learn and grow.
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun talked about “allowing the experience to evolve” with her – changing what she was doing as she continued to learn more and more, and honoring the people sitting across the table from her, even if she disagreed with them.
Hearing from community members about what would help them most, instead of assuming that they already knew what was most supportive, was illuminating for these leaders. Many times, they made strategic decisions for their volunteer projects or even revamped the structure of their nonprofits based on the feedback they heard from those they were directly working with.
While this year’s Youth Summit featured a powerful group of young leaders, Points of Light is committed to uplifting youth voices every single year at the
. So don’t miss next year’s conference in Chicago June 14-16, 2023—save the date now so you can join us in person.
The 2022 Points of Light Conference Offers Education, Inspiration and Connection
In a world of conferences, webinars and workshops, Points of Light works hard to ensure that our events are more than relevant. They’re designed to empower and instill a sense of purpose. You’ll leave with a sense of determination and tools to help turn your vision into reality.
The Points of Light Conference is an annual gathering that many in the sector eagerly await. That’s no accident. Each year, we reflect on our history, turn to former attendees and a host committee made up of local leaders to help shape the content and experience
for feedback, examine what worked and what didn’t, and put together a fresh agenda that speaks to the current state of the world. We work to ensure our conference is always a high-value proposition to companies and organizations that are leaders in corporate social responsibility.
Get ready to reimagine, revitalize and recommit as the 2022 Points of Light Conference begins. Here are a few of the benefits you can look forward to.
Content Tailored to Your Needs
While there’s no shortage of divisive topics in our world today, the Points of Light Conference is centered on creating meaningful dialogue and respectful conversation. We value authentic and dignified approaches to listening and learning, and we’re eager to hear from experts in the field about recognizing, addressing and removing bias.
For instance, the Civic Talk entitled “Bold Moves” will address head-on racial equity, hate and barriers to the complex issues that communities face. Our conference speakers will share their methods for championing social change and spreading solutions using popular platforms.
There’s also the Service Summit, which will explore models of national service. From the AmeriCorps shared agenda to creating pathways to employment in the public sector, our speakers—including Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, and Dalila Wilson-Scott of Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation—will dive into the countless shapes and forms that national service takes throughout the world.
Concrete Strategies and Inspirational Stories
We know that hearing stories of both successes and failures from top leaders can help inspire other leaders. There are those “aha” moments that conference attendees experience simply by listening to speakers share their experiences. Don’t miss the “Nailed It” Stage and Luncheon, where a few brave individuals will share their remarkable results… and big mistakes!
We also believe that people are most empowered when they’re given specific strategies they can implement in their spheres of influence. That’s why our speakers are preparing presentations with tangible takeaways for you to actually use in your day-to-day life.
Speakers like Glennon Doyle and Tara Schuster will not only acknowledge the landscape of activist burnout, but present ideas for deep self-care. In the “Oxygen Masks On! Caring for Ourselves and our Communities” they’ll be talking through small, practical actions you can take in your ongoing efforts to care for yourself and your community.
Key Connections Build Your Network
As we resume an in-person conference format, you’ll have many opportunities to network with others in and outside your field. You’ll mingle with others who are passionate about the causes you’re championing and find mutually beneficial connections.
We’re hosting a variety of workshops with topics like “Antiracism 101,” “Leveraging Trust in Communications” and “Economic Mobility and Equitable Policy and Practice.” Here, you’ll have the ability to share ideas, ask questions, talk through hindrances in your work and get valuable insights to help you break through them.
We encourage you to forge connections with other conference attendees, exchange contact information and find ways you can collaborate with complementary efforts and resources.
Welcome to the 2022 Points of Light Conference
We’re thrilled to kick off this year’s Conference and honored that you’ll be joining us. These three days are bursting with inspiring speakers, creative solutions, rich conversations and powerful opportunities for the future of our collective impact.
To the global leaders across the nonprofit, corporate and government sectors… to those new to their careers in the social sector… to the seasoned C-level executives… and to everyone in between: welcome to the 2022 Points of Light Conference. Let’s get started.
Points of Light Conference Teams Up with Bestselling Authors for Talk on Wellness
Anyone engaged in civic life — especially those who are employed in the nonprofit sector — face the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. That’s why it’s so critical to consistently and intentionally take care of oneself while helping others. The 2022 Points of Light Conference will explore wellness through an array of featured speakers and special workshops.
Two of our most notable offerings include bestselling author, activist and podcast host Glennon Doyle and bestselling author and television executive Tara Schuster. The duo will be hosting a special Civic Talk titled “Oxygen Masks On! Caring for Ourselves and our Communities.” This session will explore the ways we can care for our mental health and wellness while continuing to lead courageously. We offer inspiration for those driving transformative change who have served on the front lines of social good for the last two years of this global pandemic.
Glennon Doyle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Untamed,” a Reese’s Book Club selection, which has sold over 2 million copies. She is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Love Warrior,” an Oprah’s Book Club selection, and “Carry On, Warrior.” In her “Untamed Journal,” published November 2021, Glennon helps us each discover our own voice of longing and allows us to reclaim our true, untamed selves. An activist and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People), Glennon is the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit organization that has revolutionized grassroots philanthropy, having raised over $30 million for women, families and children in crisis. She hosts the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast, which debuted as #1 on Apple Podcasts.
Tara Schuster was once best known as the executive in charge of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning show, Key & Peele. Tara turned her struggle with chronic anxiety and depression into a best-selling book and a mission to help others. Her humorous takes on taking charge of one’s mental health, always backed by empowering action steps, have won praise from readers ranging from Wharton professor Adam Grant to Academy Award-winner Anjelica Huston and best-selling author Glennon Doyle. InStyle, People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Goodreads, BuzzFeed, Goop and many others have chosen her memoir as one of the best books of 2020.
Check our agenda for other workshops with sector experts that address specific issues and strategies around wellness. These conversations will bring inspiring ideas and experiences to the stage and offer deep learning and takeaways from innovative leaders. Join us for these powerful discussions on how to nurture your health and wellness so you can sustain your long-term work that’s making an impact in the sector. If you’re not yet registered, head over to our Points of Light Conference page. We’ll see you July 13-15, 2022!
Following Orion’s chat with Anita, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council—