Agenda
Points of Light Conference
Houston | June 11–14, 2024
Points of Light Conference
Houston | June 11–14, 2024
The Points of Light Conference kicks off the evening of Tuesday, June 11, with our Welcome Reception at 6 p.m CDT.
Engage in compelling leadership discussions highlighting best practices in the social impact space, including topics like:
✓ Trends and best practices in volunteer engagement
✓ Scaling skills-based volunteerism globally
✓ Innovative models for national service programs
✓ The role of civic engagement in democracy
✓ Intersection of well-being, leadership development and employee engagement
✓ Engaging diverse stakeholders
✓ Managing organizational burnout and promoting greater well-being
Attending the 2024 Points of Light Conference can be applied towards professional development requirements for initial CVA Certification or CVA Renewal. CVA certification is the only internationally recognized credential in the field of Volunteer Administration.
The Welcome Reception is an energizing, all-conference event kicking off our time in Houston together, welcoming attendees to the conference and includes networking, and opportunities to explore the rich diversity of Houston, America’s fourth-largest city and home of Points of Light founder, President George H.W. Bush.
Attendees will enjoy music and light refreshments while networking and engaging with exhibitors. To celebrate the diversity of the region and to commemorate what would be President Bush’s 100th birthday, we’re planning two community-designed and driven service projects where every attendee can participate.
✓ Welcome Reception
This year’s all-conference Opening Plenary features global leaders and special guests, including influencers and entertainers. Attendees will gain inspiration and learn from conversations that explore the positive impacts of service and its benefits to mental health and ways to activate our own civic power to solve complex challenges.
Education plays a critical role in developing who we are as human beings and opens opportunities to tap into everyone’s fullest potential. Addressing inequities in education requires collaboration and a comprehensive approach to eliminate barriers to access and increase success for students everywhere. This Civic Talk explores the interconnected relationship and collective impact that education, equity and service have in addressing systemic inequalities and fostering meaningful social change.
Join us at Discovery Green for a taste of Houston’s culinary scene for the Food Truck Festival to indulge in diverse food truck offerings while mingling with fellow attendees. Please note that attendees are responsible for their own food purchases. Enjoy fresh air, flavorful bites and vibrant entertainment at this delicious, can’t-miss networking event.
✓ Opening Plenary
✓ Civic Talk
✓ Food Truck Festival
Against the backdrop of evolving global challenges and increased societal expectations, corporate social impact leaders continue to build trust, empathy, and social bonds that contribute to a more equitable and resilient society. This year’s Business Leader Luncheon offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and reboot your own civic life and sense of purpose. Through stories of purpose-driven leadership, local and global approaches to advancing civic engagement, discover how refueling your ‘why’ can serve as a catalyst for sparking a civic life in others, empowering colleagues to unlock their potential as agents of positive change.
Civic Talk conversations are all-conference sessions that bring inspiring ideas and experiences to the stage and offer deep learning and take-aways from innovative leaders.
The impact of AI is far reaching and is rapidly changing the way that we learn, work and live. From community organizers to corporate citizens, the potential to harness AI for good is exponential. This session will explore AI’s potential to help advance civic engagement while balancing ethical considerations such as privacy, bias and security to ensure responsible use. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on how organizations can harness AI to enable their teams and help them deliver greater impact, faster, while maintaining stakeholder trust.
Belonging is a deeply human experience that speaks to the fundamental need for social connection and acceptance. In faith-based communities, belonging can inspire individuals to volunteer, use their voice and actively participate in activities that align with their values and beliefs. This session explores the dynamic relationship between belonging and faith and the ways that individuals are building bridges by fostering understanding, promoting collaboration and engaging meaningfully in civic life.
✓ Business Leader Luncheon
✓ Civic Talks
Culminating three days of inspiration, education and connection, the all-conference Closing Plenary features a celebration of President George H.W. Bush’s legacy of a thousand points of light and his vision for a society characterized by compassion, volunteerism and civic engagement.
This all-conference session begins with a networking brunch, followed by an inspiring discussion with members of the Bush family about the values and inspiration that has influenced their lives and involvement in service. Attendees will also hear inspirational stories from Daily Point of Light Award honorees from the United States, United Kingdom and Commonwealth on the ways that their actions are changing people’s lives in addition to their own.
✓ Closing Plenary