Points of Light Releases New Report Examining the State of American Civic Engagement and the Path Forward for Businesses and Nonprofits to Inspire Service and Volunteerism
Today, Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world, released a new report on the state of American civic engagement. To best understand current perceptions of civic life and identify a path forward for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, Points of Light, in partnership with AT&T, Hart Research and Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, surveyed adults about their behaviors, attitudes and motivations for civic engagement. This research is a comprehensive look into the current state of civic engagement, a universal desire to do more in the future, and how we can help convert good intentions into positive action.
Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light said, “At a time when companies are committing to fostering service and civic engagement among their workforces, and nonprofits need more support than ever before so they can continue providing critical services to those in need, motivating individuals to take action is imperative. People are looking to businesses and nonprofits to provide leadership and accessible opportunities to give back, and we look forward to helping them do exactly that.”
Uncovering How to Catalyze Civic Engagement
A key component of Points of Light’s civic engagement research report is a better understanding of the American mindset on civic engagement. Points of Light conducted a nationwide survey to explore Americans’ attitudes, behaviors and motivations for civic engagement, and results have implications for civic engagement across the globe.1
The findings from the study revealed the following key themes about Americans today:
COVID-19 and its Anticipated Impact on Civic Life. There is widespread belief that all areas of civic life, such as voting, volunteering and donating to nonprofits, will be more important after COVID-19. Nearly two in five Americans, and more than half of Gen Zers, say they will do more than they did before the pandemic to get involved.
Inspiring Engagement. Americans are most encouraged to participate in civic life for reasons related to personal fulfillment. They want to see their impact on the communities they serve, and they want to address issues of personal interest to improve their local communities.
Issue Priorities for Civic Engagement. At the time of fielding, Americans were most concerned with engaging in civic life to address issues like healthcare and hunger, among some other issues.
The Future Face of Service. Gen Z Americans are leading the future of civic life with new ways of engagement. They use their voice through their purchase power and employment choices, and use social networks to learn and speak about issues they care about.
Volunteering Preferences, Barriers and Incentives. Those most interested in volunteering have a notably strong preference for activities they can do regularly and in person.
The report also supports Points of Light’s Civic Circle. The Civic Circle is a framework to help companies around the world create a variety of workforce service commitments by giving them tools to institute and streamline their volunteer processes – a critical resource now more than ever. This framework, and Point of Light’s Community for Employee Civic Engagement, enables employees to go beyond performative allyship and commit to actions that can truly make a difference in their communities. The Civic Circle also help nonprofits and individuals understand the many ways to do good and actively participate in creating a better world.
“At Points of Light, we are confident this new decade will hold a strong future for social change for a more just and equitable world,” said Jenny Lawson, chief civic innovation officer at Points of Light. “Society expects that CEOs will lead social issues and ignite change when they sense a lack of authenticity and action, so it is our hope this research can effectively help our corporate and nonprofit partners take this charge.”
On Monday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. ET, Points of Light will host a special webinar with Hart Research and Carol Cone ON PURPOSE to discuss the research findings in more detail. Click here to register. You can view the full civic engagement research report here. You can also find more information on Points of Light’s Civic Circle framework here.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.
About Hart Research Associates
Hart Research Associates is one of the leading research firms in the United States and has been at the cutting edge of change in public opinion since its founding in 1971. Its clients include organizations from virtually every major sector of society, including candidates for public office and political parties, labor unions, the nonprofit and policy advocacy sector, business, health and medicine, technology, journalism, law, education, and the arts. For more information, go to www.hartresearch.com.
About Carol Cone ON PURPOSE – CCOP With a team that combines unmatched expertise in the purpose industry and movement-building, as well as hands-on working knowledge of break-through partnership development and civic engagement, CCOP is an agile, innovative consultancy that leads the Purpose industry.
CCOP includes strategists, creators, and communicators who understand how to catalyze change. Whether launching a groundbreaking new campaign or reconceiving well-tested legacy programs, CCOP philosophy is to engage stakeholders, to build loyalty to waves of action to sustain positive change. The firm’s client programs have realized double-digit growth in sales and employee engagement, hundreds of awards, billions of media impressions, and more than $3 billion in social impact. Learn more at CarolConeONPURPOSE.com.
1 Points of Light commissioned Hart Research Associates to conduct an online survey of N=1,441 adults nationwide, including N=1,126 adults age 18+ with oversamples of 204 Gen Z adults and 111 Millennials. The survey was conducted from May 13 to 19, 2020. The confidence interval for proportion estimates is +/- 2.8 percentage points.
A statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg from Natalye Paquin, President & CEO of Points of Light
Points of Light joins millions in grieving the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an iconic leader and dedicated public servant. We are deeply grateful for her life-long commitment to serving others. She lived a civic life to its fullest.
Her service on our nation’s highest court underscores the profound and lasting imprint supreme court justices leave on our day to day lives.
As a former civil rights attorney, I have long been inspired by her. The way she used her position and her voice to fight for equality for women and people of color, the thoughtfulness she put into her work, inspired me and a generation of female lawyers.
The big cases she took on represented issues she cared deeply about and advocated tirelessly to improve the lives of so many.
She was a bright light in our world. Let her legacy serve to inspire us all to use our time, talent and treasure to create a more just, equitable world.
Points of Light Announces Final Program Details for Annual Celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced today new details around this year’s celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. Country artist Reba McEntire will be featured at this year’s virtual celebration in addition to performances from Capitol CMG/Bowyers & Bow recording artist Blessing Offor and Hamilton star Ari Afsar. The livestream event, co-hosted and co-chaired by Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager and cousin Wendy Stapleton, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at 8 p.m. ET.
The celebration honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and acknowledges the selfless efforts of everyday heroes and distinguished leaders committed to serving their community and promoting social good, especially as the world grapples with the combined effects of a global pandemic, an economic recession and a growing movement for social justice. Reba will present the Inspiration Spotlights – heartening and uplifting stories of people making an impact in their communities.
In addition to performances from Blessing Offor and Ari Afsar, the celebration will also feature a message from former presidents and event honorary chairs, Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, segments on each of the honorees and their acceptance speeches, and remarks from co-hosts and co-chairs Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager and cousin Wendy Stapleton. Two-time Olympic medalists and authors, siblings Alex and Maia Shibutani, will also provide a video message on the power of being civically engaged and contributing to causes you care about.
“Today’s program announcement about this year’s honorees and those who join us to celebrate their incredible work amplifies the positive impact people are making in their communities,” said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO, Points of Light. “We’re excited that The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration virtual event on Sept. 26 is designed to uplift humanity and may also inspire and motivate audiences to find their own light within.”
Points of Light will continue to share updates on the program and details of the celebration as they become available. Today’s announcement builds on previous updates, which include:
Recipients of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, including Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani founder and CEO and founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees, Marc and Lynne Benioff, co-founder, chair & CEO, Salesforce and co-chairs, TIME, Shreyaa and Esha Venkat, founders, NEST4US, and Captain Sir Thomas Moore, The Captain Tom Foundation.
Honorary chairs, former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Co-hosts and co-chairs, Barbara Bush and Craig Coyne, Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager, and Wendy Stapleton.
Join the Celebration from Home
SAVE THE LINK: Save the link and click “Watch Now” to join the livestream on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.
DONATE: Honor a point of light in your community by making a donation to Points of Light in their honor. Click the link and make a donation today.
JOIN: Receive a complimentary Celebration Viewing Guide that includes special messages from our co-chairs, a shareable digital invitation, social media toolkit, a family-friendly volunteer activity and an event program. Click the link to sign up.
For more information on The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration and to stay up-to-date on future developments, please visit www.pointsoflight.org/bushawardscelebration.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.
Points of Light to honor sisters Shreyaa and Esha Venkat with highest service award, announces Bush family members as hosts
Today, global nonprofit Points of Light announced additional details for The George H. W. Bush Points of Light Awards – most notably the addition of sisters Shreyaa and Esha Venkat as recipients of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award to honor their selfless commitment to driving sustained change in their communities. The organization also announced this year’s celebration will be co-hosted by Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager and Wendy Stapleton, who are also co-chairs for the celebration. The livestream event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at 8 p.m. ET.
The honorees will be recognized in the hour-long livestream event, named in tribute to the co-hosts’ grandfather and cousin, President George H.W. Bush. The celebration will also feature celebrity presenters, stories of people making an impact in their local community, musical performances and speeches by this year’s honorees.
Shreyaa and Esha Venkat are best known for inspiring and mobilizing members of their community to give back, like providing food and shelter services and community building. At a time when the world is grappling with the combined effects of a global pandemic, economic recession and a renewed call for social justice, the Venkat sisters are an example of how everyday heroes serve their communities.
Points of Light will continue to share updates on the program and details of the celebration as they become available. Today’s announcement builds on previous updates, which include:
• Additional recipients of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, including Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani founder and CEO and founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees, and Marc and Lynne Benioff, co-founder, chair & CEO, Salesforce and co-chairs, TIME, and Captain Sir Thomas Moore, The Captain Tom Foundation. • Honorary Chairs are former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. • Co-chairs are Barbara Bush and Craig Coyne, Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager, and Wendy Stapleton.
The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards identify and uplift outstanding examples of individuals advancing solutions to societal problems around the globe while exemplifying the President’s legacy of integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, conviction in the face of opposition and belief in the power of the human spirit.
“As we continue to navigate through one of the world’s biggest disasters, people across the globe are doing their part through acts of kindness to serve the most vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic—honoring President Bush’s legacy and evoking the true meaning of the humanitarian spirit,” said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO, Points of Light. “The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards is a chance for us to recognize these individuals who are tackling some of society’s challenges—big and small—to move us towards safer, more sustainable communities.”
More Information About The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award Honorees
About Shreyaa and Esha Venkat:
Shreyaa and Esha Venkat are founders of NEST4US, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with communities to provide volunteer and leadership opportunities to make the world better through kindness. Their mission is to empower the next generation of compassionate youth to integrate kindness, generosity and social good into their routine.
17-year-old Shreyaa is a freshman at Georgetown University pursuing Global Health Pre-medical Studies. She already has more than seven years of volunteer service under her belt and has spent over 1,500 hours giving back to her community. She is an active board member of various clubs and organizations, where she provides a wide range of volunteer opportunities for the community. Shreyaa is an academic honor roll student, travel soccer player, 3rd-degree black belt, certified soccer referee, kathak dancer and an assistant instructor at CJR Martial Arts.
14-year-old Esha, in addition to being a straight-A honor roll student, finds time to play piano, earn her 2nd-degree black belt, enjoy hip-hop and Kathak and serve as the captain of her travel soccer team. She is also an active member of several clubs and organizations. She has spent over 850 volunteer hours on projects ranging from feeding the homeless and tutoring kids, to helping hurricane victims and creating care packages for low-income families.
“Our vision of empowering individuals worldwide to implement service into their communities aligns with that of President George H.W. Bush, which was to encourage others to be a light for their neighbors,” Shreyaa and Esha said. “Our work has been greatly influenced by his legacy of service, from our blessing bags and school supply kits to mentoring services and leadership initiatives, the common goal always being to join together with our community to create lasting change. We’re incredibly grateful to receive this prestigious award, which will motivate us to continue inspiring the next generation to build a better, kinder future!”
How to Join the Celebration from Home Points of Light invites everyone to join the night of celebration.
NOMINATE: Nominate someone making an impact for the Inspiration Honor Roll for a chance to be featured during the livestream. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 31, 2020. Click the link to nominate an honoree.
DONATE: Honor a point of light in your community by making a donation to Points of Light in their honor. Click the link and make a donation today.
JOIN: Receive a complimentary Celebration Viewing Guide that includes special messages from our co-chairs, a shareable digital invitation, social media toolkit, a family-friendly volunteer activity and an event program. Click the link to sign up.
For more information on The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration and to stay up-to-date on future developments, please visit www.pointsoflight.org/bushawardscelebration.
About Points of Light Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.
Points of Light Announces Second Annual Awards Celebration to Recognize Outstanding Acts of Service and Honor President George H.W. Bush’s Legacy of Volunteerism
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced today, it will hold the second annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at 8 p.m. ET to recognize Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani founder and CEO and founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees, and Marc and Lynne Benioff, co-founder, chair & CEO, Salesforce and co-chairs, TIME, with this year’s The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. All four former living Presidents – Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama – will serve as honorary chairs with Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush and their husbands Henry Hager and Craig Coyne, and cousin Wendy Stapleton serving as co-chairs for the celebration which will be a live virtual event this year. The event honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and recognizes both distinguished leaders and everyday people who demonstrate the transformative power of service, especially in the wake of global issues such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, social justice and equity movement, and economic crisis.
“During these unprecedented times, it’s important now more than ever for every individual – whether a business leader, an essential worker, or just a friend and neighbor – to use their power to make an impact in their communities,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “While the world has drastically changed since President George H.W. Bush’s time in office and his passing, his belief in leadership by example remains constant. Hamdi Ulukaya and Marc and Lynne Benioff’s personal and organizational efforts put purpose over profit while serving the greater good for employees, customers, and society at large – and should be championed as examples of how we’re all stronger when we play our part.”
About The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award Honorees
About Marc and Lynne Benioff
Marc Benioff is Chair, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Salesforce and a pioneer of cloud computing. Under Benioff’s leadership, Salesforce is the #1 provider of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software globally. Benioff was named “Innovator of the Decade” by Forbes and is recognized as one of the World’s 25 Greatest Leaders by Fortune and one of the 10 Best-Performing CEOs by Harvard Business Review. For his leadership on equality, Benioff has been honored by GLAAD, the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative and Variety Magazine with its EmPOWerment Award. A member of the World Economic Forum (“WEF”) Board of Trustees, Benioff serves as the inaugural Chair of WEF’s Forum Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco. Benioff is the owner and co-chair of TIME, and Benioff is author of the New York Times bestseller Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change. Benioff received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, where he is on its Board of Trustees.
Lynne Benioff is the co-chair of TIME and active on the boards of several organizations. She is a Distinguished Director of the Board of Overseers of the University of California San Francisco Foundation, and serves on the board of directors of The Rise Fund, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, Common Sense Media and the Benioff Ocean Initiative. Ms. Benioff was appointed to the Presidio Trust board by President Barack Obama in 2015 and currently chairs its Governance Committee and co-chairs the Tunnel Tops Campaign Committee. In 2014, Ms. Benioff was honored by Mayor Ed Lee as one of San Francisco’s “Women of the Year.” She received a B.S. from the University of Washington.
“We are deeply grateful to the Bush family and Points of Light for this honor, which sustains the shining legacy of President George H.W. Bush,” said Marc and Lynne Benioff. “The biological, economic and social justice crises that we’re living through remind us that we’re all connected — and that we can create a more just, sustainable and equal future if we start by asking a simple question: ‘How can I help?’”
About Hamdi Ulukaya
The founder and CEO of Chobani, one of the fastest growing food companies in the last decade and a pioneer for the natural food movement, Hamdi Ulukaya has always made helping people and having a positive impact on communities a priority. From the beginning, the company has donated a portion of its profits to charitable causes, many of them in Idaho and New York where its products are made. In 2016, Ulukaya launched the Chobani Food Incubator to mentor and support socially responsible food entrepreneurs and further deliver on the company’s mission to provide better food for more people. Ulukaya also founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees to mobilize the private sector to improve the lives and livelihoods of the more than 25 million refugees around the globe. He also signed the Giving Pledge and committed the majority of his personal wealth to the cause. For these efforts, he was named an Eminent Advocate by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and received the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Award, among other recognitions. Ulukaya is also an Oslo Business for Peace Award recipient, a Global Citizen Prize winner and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work on the refugee crisis and his innovative approach to business.
“What this moment of uncertainty requires, more than anything else, is for all of us to join together to strengthen our communities. We must act to help those in need, doing the work right now to support our families, friends, and neighbors who are facing some of their most difficult days,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. “Points of Light and President George H.W. Bush’s work show that through acts of service, hard work, and kindness, we can all fight for real change. I am humbled and honored to stand with them, as businesses like Chobani use our power to fix any injustices we see in the world.”
More About the Awards and Audience Engagement
In the coming weeks, Points of Light will unveil additional honorees and event details, such as the official host, musical performances, and other participants across business, entertainment, and philanthropy. The organization will also spotlight additional everyday individuals making a difference in their communities and is accepting nominations from around the world.
Individuals and organizations can recognize a point of light in their community by making a donation to Points of Light in their honor. Gifts of $1,000 and above will be recognized as supporting The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration Inspiration Honor Roll.
President George H.W. Bush believed that everyone has the power to create change and that every action, no matter how small, is significant. His vision has never been more true at a time when the global pandemic has created new challenges for volunteering, and exacerbated many of society’s issues that these very acts of service aim to address. Despite these challenges, the global community is finding new ways to work together. Over the last several months, Points of Light has seen individuals, corporations, nonprofits and countries join a global movement towards virtual volunteerism and other ways of giving back. This year’s celebration and honorees’ efforts to create a more kind, equitable and service-oriented world reflect President George H.W. Bush’s tenacity and leadership during some of the most tumultuous times in history.
For more information on The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration and to stay up-to-date on future developments, please visit www.pointsoflight.org/bushawardscelebration.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.
New National Civic Volunteer Award Discovers Compelling Local “Heroes”
The 5th Annual Global Volunteer Month, from April 1 – 30, 2024, is a time to recognize volunteers and people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and civic engagement. With volunteerism on the decline in the U.S. and varying rates of participation globally, Points of Light, is encouraging individuals everywhere to find just one volunteer opportunity or organization to engage with during April to reverse the trend.
“As we celebrate Global Volunteer Month, we recognize the power of people who work tirelessly in communities around the world to create social change,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO at Points of Light. “Volunteering and service is a pathway to strengthening communities, combatting loneliness and building bridges for stronger civic society. Points of Light believes every person has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”
According to a recent report, only 23% of Americans formally volunteered with an organization in the U.S. and just 6.5% formally volunteered globally. The U.S. is currently seeing the lowest percentage of volunteering since tracking began in the early 2000s. However, the research is clear: volunteering is an antidote to loneliness and has the power to connect individuals. It increases social interaction, enhances wellbeing and provides a sense of purpose. Plus, it expands empathy around social issues and raises awareness of community needs.
To help address these challenges, Points of Light sees a path for every individual to find a volunteer opportunity in their community, for organizations and companies to champion their mission and volunteerism and for all of us to thank special volunteers who have made an impact in our lives. Visit Points of Light Engage, the world’s largest digital hub of virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities to get connected, use the toolkit, to thank and engage volunteers, and speak out on April 1 to help kick off the month.
With support from lead campaign sponsor, Phillips 66, and nearly 200 organization partners of Global Volunteer Month Program Champions and Heroes, Global Volunteer Month will be celebrated in a variety of ways during April.
Good Energy, Phillip 66’s employee volunteerism program, was designed to inspire their employees to connect with neighbors and share compassion, talents and hard work to improve our communities. Through volunteerism, this initiative seeks to create community connections that inspire action, identify solutions to society’s greatest challenges and improve lives.
“Supporting the communities where Phillips 66 operates is embedded into the company culture, and we’re proud to be the lead sponsor of Global Volunteer Month,” said Courtney Meadows, social impact manager at Phillips 66. “During our Good Energy Month last year, our employees volunteered over 13,000 hours, which resulted in more than $300,000 in grants back to local communities. We are engaged in philanthropic efforts during Global Volunteer Month and year-round because the benefits of volunteering reach far and wide.”
On April 24, Points of Light President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo will present a Daily Point of Light Award to Aviation Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer Bill Noddin, stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush, who has volunteered significant personal time to the community with the Sea Cadets. On April 25, nearly 1,800 Sailors from the ship will engage in volunteerism and service through the “Thousand Points of Light” Ship-Wide Day of Service, in collaboration with Points of Light affiliate VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads.
Global Volunteer Month is sponsored by Phillips 66 as the lead campaign sponsor and UPS Foundation as the supporting sponsor, as well as national program partners including The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, The George and Barbara Bush Foundation, The Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, America’s Service Commissions, Repair the World, Good Deeds Day, Peace Corps and Voices for National Service.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
A Statement from Points of Light President and CEO Natalye Paquin in Honor of the Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis
Today, we celebrate the lives and legacies of two extraordinary leaders in the civil rights movement – Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis.
Let their legacies serve to inspire us to live fully civically engaged lives and to make the world a more just and equitable place for all.
These two men have provided a guiding light to what it means to live civically engaged lives. They exemplified what we believe at Points of Light to be the core of our mission – a belief that the most powerful force in the world is the individual who has realized their power to do good, and who applies their time, talent, and resources to make a positive difference.
Both men made deep sacrifices for their quest for civil rights and justice, including being jailed and beaten on multiple occasions. They were pioneers, leaders, heroes who believed in building a better world through peaceful demonstration.
Points of Light had the immense privilege of having both men joining a panel with Dr. Bernice King and Ambassador Andrew Young at our 2014 Points of Light Conference.
“You have to make the world you want,” said Rev. Vivian to our audience. “When we came along there wasn’t anything good about being Black in America. We changed it to what we wanted to be.”
Congressman Lewis reminded everyone that we have an obligation to take action.
“If you see something that is not right, or fair, or just, you must do something about it,” he shared. Both truly believed in the power of youth. At our conference, Rev. Vivian said, “I want to talk positively about the youth… You decided who you are, what you’re going to do and who you’re going to become.”
Congressman Lewis not only inspired young people, but he was truly inspired by them. He touched my life when he wrote a recommendation letter for my goddaughter for college. She was a volunteer in the community, and he was always willing to support the next generations that were engaged in making their community better.
Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman Lewis’ life-long accomplishments are immeasurable, and led us to this moment in time when there is renewed momentum to continue the work. Let their legacies serve to inspire us to live fully civically engaged lives and to make the world a more just and equitable place for all.
Points of Light Announces Co-Chairs for the Second Annual Celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards
Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, today announced the 2020 co-chairs for the second annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. The 2020 co-chairs are Barbara Bush and Craig Coyne, Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager, and Wendy Stapleton.
“Their shared commitment to honoring the legacy of our 41st president and founder will help us shine a light on the inspiring individuals who create positive change in communities around the world.”
The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards is the signature celebration that supports the mission and vision of Points of Light. The Awards will honor outstanding individuals advancing solutions in ways that demonstrate the extraordinary traits of our 41st president: integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, conviction in the face of opposition, and belief in the power of the human spirit to create positive change.
“We greatly appreciate the leadership of Barbara, Craig, Jenna, Henry and Wendy as we prepare for the second annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Their shared commitment to honoring the legacy of our 41st president and founder will help us shine a light on the inspiring individuals who create positive change in communities around the world.”
Barbara Bush is co-founder and board chair of Global Health Corps, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to mobilize a diverse community of leaders to build the movement for global health equity.
Jenna Bush Hager is co-host of NBC TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, and the founding chair of UNICEF Next Generation, an initiative dedicated to motivating younger generations to help save and improve children’s lives around the world.
Wendy Stapleton is co-founder and chairman of the board of the Greenwich International Film Festival. She also serves as a member of UNICEF Next Generation’s Founders Circle and was formerly the chair of the organization’s Greenwich chapter.
Presidents George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama served as honorary co-chairs of the Inaugural Awards Gala in 2019. They were joined by Lauren Bush Lauren, granddaughter of President Bush and founder and CEO of FEED, and Ray Chambers, founding chairman of Points of Light Foundation, who served as co-chairs.
Points of Light activates millions of volunteers annually who contribute tens of millions of hours of service through the Points of Light Global Network. Every contribution to Points of Light and to The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards supports the organization’s general mission to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that lifts individuals and changes communities. This includes working in partnership with organizations and individuals to build a society where it is easy to do good and impossible to sit on the sidelines. We are defining a new kind of civic engagement for the 21st century, one that calls on people to give their time, talents, voice and resources to build a brighter future for all.
For more information about livestream plans for the 2020 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration, please visit www.pointsoflight.org/bushawards.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.
Points of Light Announces 2020 Honorees of The Civic 50
Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world, announces The Civic 50 honorees of 2020, recognizing them as the most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 awards provide a framework for good corporate citizenship, and showcases how committed companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the center of their business.
The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of $1 billion or more and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program – investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement. Since 2011, The Civic 50 has provided a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcased how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.
“Points of Light believes that now more than ever, companies must drive transformative social change around the world,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “This year’s honorees of The Civic 50 collectively gave $2.1 billion to their communities – and had nearly 700,000 employees volunteer for more than 11.3 million hours. Corporate leadership and commitment to civic engagement is critical to strengthening communities. We thank these leaders for their investment and look forward to supporting them in innovating and expanding their work.”
These companies demonstrate that the good corporate citizenship is about taking more than one action. It is about having company values and policies that support and strengthen employees, stakeholders, and the communities in which business operates, and allowing those values and policies to guide everything from business decisions to employee engagement to social cause positions and actions. This holistic approach to corporate citizenship is more relevant now than ever before as people look to business to lead by example – whether responding to the global pandemic or moving quickly to address systemic racism inside their organizations and in their communities.
The Civic 50 Honorees of 2020
AbbVie, Inc.Adobe Inc.AflacAllstateAltria GroupAT&T, Inc.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of LouisianaBlue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsCaesars EntertainmentCapital OneCharles Schwab & Co., Inc.CitigroupComcast NBCUniversalComerica BankConagra BrandsCSAA Insurance GroupCVS Health
DeloitteDelta Air LinesDTE EnergyEli Lilly and CompanyEntergy CorporationFedExFreeport-McMoRanGeneral Mills, Inc.Hasbro, Inc.Health Care Service CorporationHewlett Packard EnterpriseHogan LovellsKeurig Dr PepperKeyBankKPMG LLPNortonLifeLockPIMCO
Prudential Financial, Inc.Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.S&P GlobalState Street CorporationSteelcaseTata Consultancy ServicesTEGNA Inc.The Hershey CompanyToyota Financial ServicesTufts Health PlanUnitedHealth GroupUnumUPSValero Energy CorporationVertex PharmaceuticalsWells Fargo & Company
The Civic 50 Sector Leaders
Consumer Discretionary: Hasbro, Inc. Consumer Staples: Altria Group Energy: Valero Energy Corporation Financials: Toyota Financial Services Healthcare: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Industrials: FedEx Information Technology: Tata Consultancy Services Materials: Freeport-McMoRan Telecommunications: TEGNA Inc. Utilities: DTE Energy
The Civic 50 Volunteer Leader Award – Hogan Lovells
This award recognizes the company’s unmatched investment of employees’ time and talent in the communities and causes they support.
Key Statistics and Highlights from The Civic 50 2020 Honorees
The 2020 Civic 50 honorees:
• Donated $2.1 billion in cash and $5.6 billion of in-kind support to US social causes • Supported their US employees in delivering 11.4 million volunteer hours, a value of $554 million to US communities • Pursue diversity, equity and inclusion goals as part of their community engagement work (96% in 2019) • Overwhelmingly pursued environmental sustainability (60% did in 2019), but many also pursued health and well-being (46%) and racial and other forms of equity (24%) well before COVID-19 and the racial-equity protests • Are making contributions to help the country respond to COVID-19 and its associated hardships (94% have thus far) • Are taking leadership positions on societal causes (in 2019 62% of CEOs or other company leaders took a public position on four or more public education or policy efforts) • Treat their community involvement as a board-level issue (82% include community engagement in board of directors’ meetings) [1] Total skills-based volunteer hours were 1,969,817 and they are valued at $160/hour per the CECP’s “Valuation Guide 2020.” Total extra-hands volunteer hours were 9,405,066 and they are valued at $25.40 per the Independent Sector (2019).
The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. A key-findings brief from the survey will be released in summer 2020. For more information, please visit www.civic50.org.
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About Points of Light: Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 250 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.
About True Impact: True Impact is a web-based measurement and reporting tool for charitable investments. Companies and their nonprofit partners use True Impact to measure the social impact of grants, volunteerism, and other philanthropic investments, to demonstrate success and identify opportunities for improvement. True Impact can be used as a stand-alone tool, or as an integrated add-on module with any grants or volunteer management system. For more information, visit www.trueimpact.com.
About VeraWorks: VeraWorks is a global consulting firm that helps managers and companies offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit www.veraworks.com.
David Brooks, Bob Johansen and Larry Keeley Join Lineup for 2020 Points of Light Conference Online Experience
Points of Light has announced the speakers who will join the lineup for the 2020 Points of Light Conference Online Experience, taking place June 10-12. Speakers include David Brooks, New York Times columnist and chair of Weave: The Social Fabric Project; Bob Johansen, distinguished fellow with the Institute for the Future (IFTF); and Larry Keeley, co-founder of Doblin, managing director of Deloitte Consulting LLP, and innovation scientist.
“We are thrilled to welcome these distinguished leaders to the 2020 Points of Light Conference Online Experience,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “The global COVID-19 pandemic will likely be the biggest disruptor of our lifetime but from it will spring innovation and renewal.”
“We are thrilled to welcome these distinguished leaders to the 2020 Points of Light Conference Online Experience,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “The global COVID-19 pandemic will likely be the biggest disruptor of our lifetime but from it will spring innovation and renewal. As we look toward the future, our goal for the conference online experience is to curate timely and relevant discussion to provide our attendees with the tools and inspiration they need to be innovators in their communities around the world.”
David Brooks shines a bright light on our social and moral choices. Whether it’s writing columns in The New York Times, appearing as a commentator on “PBS Newshour,” opining on NPR’s “All Things Considered” or debating on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Brooks has a central thesis that we are stronger when we unite to move America forward. He founded and chairs Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute. Brooks has written five books, including “The Road to Character” and “The Second Mountain.” He is on the faculty of Yale University and a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Bob Johansen is a distinguished fellow with the Institute for the Future in Silicon Valley. For more than 30 years, Johansen has helped organizations around the world prepare for and shape the future, including corporations such as Walmart and United Rentals, as well as a range of major universities and nonprofits. Johansen is also the author or co-author of twelve books, including the recently released, “Full-Spectrum Thinking: Escaping the Boxes in a Post-Categorical Future.”
Larry Keeley is co-founder of Doblin, and a managing director of Deloitte Consulting LLP. He has been an innovation scientist for four decades, focused especially on finding the advances that drive effectiveness, and has applied these advances in startups, large corporations, governments, and philanthropies the world over. Keeley has also been selected by BusinessWeek as one of seven global “innovation gurus” changing the field and teaches graduate and doctorate students in innovation at the Institute of Design, Kellogg and other institutions.
Each year the Points of Light Conference convenes the greatest leaders of the social sector, providing the singular opportunity for thousands to come together to collaborate and ensure continued growth and innovation in this rapidly changing world. Traditionally held as an in-person convening, the 2020 Points of Light Conference is transitioning into an online experience.
Thanks to the generous support of the conference sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, The UPS Foundation, and Points of Light’s own investment, attendees will have complimentary access to the 2020 Points of Light Conference Online Experience. This new format opens the opportunity for global access to knowledge and best practice sharing relevant both prior to and through recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Registration is open for the 2020 Points of Light Conference Online Experience. More information on the agenda, speakers, forums and workshops can be found at pointsoflightconference.org.
About the Points of Light Conference
The Points of Light Conference is the world’s largest service-related convening. Points of Light inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
Institute for the Future is the world’s leading futures organization. For over 50 years, businesses, governments, and social impact organizations have depended upon IFTF global forecasts, custom research, and foresight training to navigate complex change and develop world-ready strategies. IFTF methodologies and toolsets yield coherent views of transformative possibilities across all sectors that together support a more sustainable future. Institute for the Future is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Palo Alto, California. www.iftf.org
About Weave: The Social Fabric Project at The Aspen Institute
There is a better way to live. Thousands of people across the U.S. are taking time to show up for others… all the way up. They are building deep connections in their communities and weaving a rich social fabric. Meeting these “Weavers” lifted New York Times columnist and author David Brooks out of his isolation, inspiring him to found Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.
Weave supports those who have found a more connected way to live. Weave explores what it means to weave in our schools, our workplaces and every other part of life. Weave’s mission is to invite everyone to start living like a Weaver and shift our culture from one that values achievement and individual success to one that finds value in deep relationships and community success. Learn more at WeAreWeavers.org.
