Proposal to End National Service Threatens Backbone of America’s Community Volunteering Programs and Service Ethic
The leadership of Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, called on President Donald Trump to think about the thousands of faith- and community-based organizations in every city in America before eliminating the national service infrastructure that supports those organizations.
“National service members support Americans donating their time and talent to community problem-solving. They provide volunteer training, supervision, programming and recruitment that allows millions to effectively create change,” said Tracy Hoover, CEO of Points of Light.
Each year, more than 62 million Americans volunteer to improve their communities. Their work supports local efforts to provide food, clothing, shelter, education, youth engagement opportunities, medical services, community development, job training, addiction counseling, prisoner re-entry support, disaster response and much more.
“National service members support Americans donating their time and talent to community problem-solving. They provide volunteer training, supervision, programming and recruitment that allows millions to effectively create change,” said Tracy Hoover, CEO of Points of Light.
Citing national service members’ role in mobilizing millions of volunteers to respond in the wake of disasters ranging from Hurricane Katrina to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, Hoover said, “national service has become the backbone of community service across America.”
Our country’s modern national service programming began when President George H.W. Bush created the White House Office of National Service. This federal investment has had bipartisan support in Congress and from every subsequent president.
Points of Light is built on the legacy of President Bush’s call, in his 1989 inaugural address, for every American to become part of the country’s community service tradition, one of the “thousand points of light.” In June, saving America’s community volunteering infrastructure will take center stage when Points of Light convenes the largest annual gathering of service leaders in the world, at the Conference on Volunteering and Service. Hosted in Seattle this year, Points of Light will deliver one message: “national service is essential to sustain America’s community service ethic.”
Hoover concluded, “proposals to dismantle national service cut the heart out of a culture and an ethic of volunteering and service that has been one of America’s most sustaining virtues and that the rest of the world strives to emulate. That’s particularly self-defeating at a time when our volunteering and nonprofit sector is being called upon to shore up our national safety net. We can’t let this happen.”
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About Points of Light
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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 Honors 6000th Recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award
Today, Points of Light honors Kylee McGrane, founder of A Moment of Magic, with the 6000th Daily Point of Light Award. The award was established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush to celebrate the power of individuals to create change and improve the world. To this day, it is signed by the President and is presented by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.
“By bringing joy to children undergoing medical treatment, Kylee McGrane inspires us all to find creative solutions to the issues affecting our communities,” said President Bush. “That is the spirit of the Daily Point of Light award and I am proud that we can continue to honor and tell the stories of individuals who spark meaningful change in the lives of others.”
Inspired by her fondness for children and the Disney movie “Frozen,” McGrane, a graduating senior at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, started her effort in 2014 as a service project. She and a friend began visiting hospitals dressed as the “Frozen” princesses to cheer up children undergoing treatment. The success of the project led McGrane to launch A Moment of Magic – an organization focused on spreading hope, lifting spirits and raising awareness for pediatric cancer. Through the program, student volunteers visit hospitals and attend nonprofit fundraisers dressed as fairytale characters or superheroes, with the goal of bringing joy – and a little magic – to children and families in need of support. To date, McGrane estimates she and her volunteers have met over 5,000 patients.
“By bringing joy to children undergoing medical treatment, Kylee McGrane inspires us all to find creative solutions to the issues affecting our communities,” said President Bush. “That is the spirit of the Daily Point of Light award and I am proud that we can continue to honor and tell the stories of individuals who spark meaningful change in the lives of others.”
A Moment of Magic currently has 12 chapters and more than 400 volunteers and will begin accepting new chapter applications in the fall. With a program that can be adopted by student volunteers at any college or university, McGrane hopes to expand to at least 30 states and 5 countries in 2018 – to reach more than 15,000 children.
Daily Point of Light Awards are given five days a week in the United States and the United Kingdom to honor individuals and groups creating meaningful change to meet community needs; efforts which often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. President George H. W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a big difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems. The 5,000th award was presented in 2013 at a special ceremony at the White House with President Barack Obama and President George H. W. Bush co-presenting and demonstrating the longstanding bipartisan support for volunteer service. The nonpartisan award was adopted by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron in 2014, and the tradition has continued with his successor Theresa May.
About Points of Light Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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 Celebrates National Volunteer Week with a Focus on How Service Brings People Together
Points of Light, in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation and Got Your 6, celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, 2017, through volunteer recognition and service events across the country. This annual public awareness campaign celebrates the impact of volunteerism, and the power of service to bring people together to tackle tough challenges, create change, and build stronger, more vibrant communities.
“We are proud to partner with Points of Light during National Volunteer Week to recognize exemplary volunteers around the country who are making a difference in their hometowns,” said Charlene Denizard, director, PepsiCo Foundation. “As we’ve seen through our own employees’ contributions, volunteering can address real societal challenges and have a positive long-term impact on the community.”
“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to shine a light on the people who make our communities and country strong,” said Tracy Hoover, CEO, Points of Light. “Individuals are finding unique ways to lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about – and their stories serve to inspire others to take action. Through volunteerism, we discover our collective power to unite in making a difference.”
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.
“We are proud to partner with Points of Light during National Volunteer Week to recognize exemplary volunteers around the country who are making a difference in their hometowns,” said Charlene Denizard, director, PepsiCo Foundation. “As we’ve seen through our own employees’ contributions, volunteering can address real societal challenges and have a positive long-term impact on the community.”
Through recognition programs such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Daily Point of Light Award, Points of Light celebrates volunteers and the tremendous impact they are making on our country’s most critical challenges year-round. National Volunteer Week provides a unique opportunity to tell a collective story through recognition events and volunteer service projects.
NFL Players Demonstrate the Power of Service to Unite
During National Volunteer Week, Points of Light will recognize five National Football League players with the Daily Point of Light Award for their commitment to service. Competitors on the field, these players unite for a common cause as volunteers for the First Step program through The Van Duzer Foundation. Led by Daily Point of Light Award honoree Scott Van Duzer, First Step engages athletes as ambassadors of change to bring community leaders, local law enforcement officers, and kids and teens together for casual pick-up games, mentoring and small group discussions on community issues. The five NFL players receiving Daily Point of Light Awards are:
Sam Barrington, Unrestricted Free Agent
Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders
Jonathan Meeks, Unrestricted Free Agent
Coty Sensabaugh, Pittsburgh Steelers
Michael Thomas, Miami Dolphins
Volunteers Unite in Service
Across the country, volunteers will come together during National Volunteer Week to build stronger communities through service. The Points of Light Frontline Familiesprogram is hosting nine volunteer projects in partnership with Got Your 6 and local nonprofits to help bridge the civilian-military divide and showcase broadly that our veteran and military families are civic assets in our communities. Each project is organized by a service member, veteran or family member.
“Got Your 6’s mission is to empower veterans to lead a resurgence of community across the nation, and I’m pleased to see veterans are stepping up to the plate,” said Bill Rausch, Iraq War veteran and executive director of Got Your 6. “National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for the rest of the country to recognize what we already know: Veterans are civic assets and engaged leaders in small towns and big cities throughout America.”
Throughout National Volunteer Week, nonprofits, local governments and companies around the country will host volunteer recognition events. Many of these events are being coordinated by Points of Light HandsOn Network affiliates, including:
The local events and social media conversations that take place during this week will show the many ways in which service unites. During National Volunteer Week, Points of Light encourages its community of changemakers to download and customize the #ivolunteer signboard, and share their volunteer stories on Twitter and Instagram using #ivolunteer and #NVW.
Individuals interested in serving at one of these projects or finding a volunteer opportunity in their local community can visit www.allforgood.org.
About Points of Light
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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.
About The PepsiCo Foundation
Established in 1962, the PepsiCo Foundation works with non-profit partners to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that address challenges in underserved communities around the world. The Foundation, along with PepsiCo and its employees, seeks to catalyze efforts that advance our Performance with Purpose 2025 goals related to increasing access to nutritious servings, providing access to safe water, partnering to increase recycling rates, and enabling young women to progress through school and be successful in the workforce. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com/Purpose/Global-Citizenship.
About Got Your 6
Got Your 6 unites nonprofit, Hollywood, and government partners to empower veterans. We believe that veterans are leaders, team builders, and problem solvers who have the unique potential to strengthen communities across the country. As a coalition, Got Your 6 works to integrate these perspectives into popular culture, engage veterans and civilians together to foster understanding, and empower veterans to lead in their communities. For more information, visit www.gotyour6.org.
New Points of Light Report Provides Roadmap for Impactful Employee Volunteering in Asia
Today, Points of Light released a new report, “What’s Working: Effective Employee Volunteering in Asia, A Framework for Corporate Volunteer Leaders.” This report features a framework to equip corporate volunteer leaders to build effective employee volunteer programs in Asia, and examples of what’s working for global and regional brands. Across Asia, the public increasingly believes that doing good should be part of a brand’s DNA, according to the 2016 Edelman Earned Brand Study. The 2016 Edelman Trust Barometer shows regional leaders are also aware that employees are more motivated to perform when they see their company engaged in societal issues. The Points of Light report addresses these trends by providing practical strategies and insights on how to tailor volunteer programs to the cultural nuances of local markets.
“Enthusiasm for corporate volunteering continues to grow around the world – but nowhere faster than in Asia,” said Jenny Lawson, president of networks at Points of Light. “We hope this report will inspire and equip more companies to find the right volunteering strategy for their employees and communities as we all work to build solutions to community challenges.”
“Enthusiasm for corporate volunteering continues to grow around the world – but nowhere faster than in Asia,” said Jenny Lawson, president of networks at Points of Light. “We hope this report will inspire and equip more companies to find the right volunteering strategy for their employees and communities as we all work to build solutions to community challenges.”
The report was released at the annual meeting of the Points of Light Corporate Service Council, the premier global platform for mobilizing, equipping and inspiring high-impact volunteering. It was developed with broad stakeholder input, including insights from more than 25 global and regional brands, 10 Points of Light network organizations in Asia and peer reviewers from the research and civic engagement communities.
Unique in the market, this report showcases a wealth of practitioner insights on critical elements needed to start and scale employee volunteering in Asia. These elements include getting employees in local offices excited about service, celebrating success, and equipping and empowering volunteer leaders.
The companies and innovative volunteer organizations that contributed to this report include:
CLSACognizantConvergysCredit SuisseDellDo Something GoodEdelmanEMPACTGodrejGrouponGSKHands On ManilaHands On Tokyo
HandsOn ChinaHandsOn Hong KongHandsOn KoreaHilton WorldwideIndorelawaniVolunteerLi & FungMacquarieMcKinseyMillporeSigmaMitsubishi CorporationNational Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre
“This report provides a meaningful framework that business leaders can use to inform their global citizenship strategies and programs. It demonstrates how Points of Light and its global network, with a presence in 37 countries, are committed to providing solutions for community-minded companies throughout the region and around the world,” said Gared Jones, senior vice president of global at Points of Light.
For the full report, visit www.pointsoflight.org/resources. Companies can access additional employee volunteer resources and learn more about Points of Light’s Corporate Institute, the go-to resource for community-minded companies looking to build and expand effective employee volunteer programs, at www.pointsoflight.org/for-corporations.
About Points of Light Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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 Partners with Good Deeds Day to Mobilize Volunteers Around the World During Global Day of Service
Points of Light is proud to join Good Deeds Day as an official partner on this annual global day of service, which will take place Sunday, April 2, 2017. With a network of affiliates in 37 countries, including the United States, Points of Light is uniquely positioned to inspire, equip and mobilize people to “do good deeds for the benefit of others and the planet.”
“The Points of Light network of affiliates is a catalyst for increasing civic engagement that helps build more resilient communities,” said Alison Doerfler, executive director of the Points of Light HandsOn Network. “Good Deeds Day is a powerful example of how each of us can do something good, be it large or small, to improve the lives of others and change the world. Including Good Deeds Day as a day of service in which Points of Light activates its network represents our collective power and the role we play in the global service movement.”
Now in its 11th year, Good Deeds Day unites more than 1.5 million people from 93 countries in service through volunteer projects and individual acts of good. Through this partnership, Points of Light seeks to reach and inspire more individuals in communities across the United States and around the world, and to build more cohesive action and alignment across its global network.
“The Points of Light network of affiliates is a catalyst for increasing civic engagement that helps build more resilient communities,” said Alison Doerfler, executive director of the Points of Light HandsOn Network. “Good Deeds Day is a powerful example of how each of us can do something good, be it large or small, to improve the lives of others and change the world. Including Good Deeds Day as a day of service in which Points of Light activates its network represents our collective power and the role we play in the global service movement.”
Points of Light affiliates in six U.S. markets and 17 countries will manage a variety of volunteer projects for Good Deeds Day. Some highlights include:
Atados (Brazil) will organize hundreds of projects across Brazil. Volunteers will visit orphanages and retirement homes to read and spend time with children and seniors, participate in trash cleanups and recycling projects, and other events throughout the country.
Chicago Cares (United States) will stock shelves at Breakthrough Urban Ministries Food Bank. Volunteers will also greet guests and assist them as they shop for items, and restock inventory.
RomAltruista (Italy) will engage thousands of volunteers and nonprofits across the country in partnership with Centri di Servizio per il Volontariato del Lazio, the volunteer center organizing Good Deeds Day in Italy.
Hands On Atlanta(United States) will assemble 200 school supply kits for children who attend the Hands On Atlanta Discovery Program.
Hands On Manila (Philippines) will host a project at the Arocerros Forest Park, where volunteers will play games with and provide food to homeless children.
From random acts of kindness, city-wide cleanups and park beautification days, to food drives, animal adoption events, and many more, Points of Light affiliates will also organize service projects in Costa Rica, El Salvador, England, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Russia, Spain, and in Boston, Orlando, San Diego and Portland in the United States. Employees in Points of Light’s Atlanta, New York, and Washington, D.C., offices will also engage in volunteer projects for Good Deeds Day.
“We are excited to partner with Points of Lights for Goods Deeds Day, uniting together as two strong organizations focused on strengthening and promoting volunteering in the world,” said Kaynan Rabino, CEO of Good Deeds Day. “Together we can do more good.”
To get involved, individuals, organizations and companies can visit the Good Deeds Day page to get project planning ideas, to register a project, and to download additional resources. Volunteers can also participate in Good Deeds Day by finding local volunteer opportunities in their community.
About Points of Light
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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.
About Good Deeds Day
Good Deeds Day is an annual tradition of good deeds. All over the world, hundreds of thousands choose to volunteer and help others, putting into practice the simple idea that every single person can do something good, be it large or small, to improve the lives of others and positively change the world. Learn more at www.good-deeds-day.org.
Points of Light Civic Accelerator Launches Spring 2017 Class
The Points of Light Civic Accelerator, with founding partners the PwC Charitable Foundation Inc. and Starbucks Foundation, and CapitalOne Investing for Good, Vodafone Americas Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration, Dentons, Singing for Change, and hotel sponsor Hilton Worldwide, kicks off the Spring 2017 accelerator program with ventures working to increase economic mobility across the country.
The Points of Light Civic Accelerator – the first national accelerator dedicated to investing in civic ventures – announced today the 12 ventures selected to participate in its Spring 2017 program. This will be the ninth cohort of the Civic Accelerator since its founding in 2012. The ventures come from across the United States and include for-profits and nonprofits focused on financial well-being and economic mobility to help more individuals and families succeed.
The 12 teams will gather in Atlanta from April 17-20 for the start of an intensive, 10-week entrepreneur boot camp that includes mentoring, education, peer support and networking. The teams then travel to New York and Seattle. Points of Light will offer two of the most promising ventures – as selected by the entrepreneurs themselves – a $50,000 investment following the conclusion of the program.
Application and selection committees received and reviewed more than 80 curated applications before selecting the top finalists. The selected cohort of ventures represent various sectors, approaches and solutions to improve financial success for underserved populations through inclusive financial education and health, economic resilience, and innovations around work-ready skills, employment, employer products and succeeding in the gig economy.
“We are excited to support, along with our funders and partners, such promising ventures to improve financial well-being and economic mobility in communities and populations that are often overlooked,” said Ayesha Khanna, founder of the Points of Light Civic Accelerator. “With more than 57 percent of adults in the United States struggling financially, and the financial health of many people increasingly threatened, our ventures provide diverse solutions that address gaps in financial education and access and building financial resilience. Some ventures also address how to disrupt cycles that can become systemic, like low wage jobs and economic challenges. We look forward to helping these teams and ventures grow, as they solve pressing social issues many face.”
The civic startups participating in the Civic Accelerator Spring 2017 program, representing Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Nebraska, Washington and Washington, D.C., are:
CommunityShare puts the public back into public education by connecting local community partners with the needs and goals of educators and their students.
Hip Pocket is a financial technology software company that creates apps to help people make better financial decisions from their phone in just minutes.
Mission Bit interrupts generational poverty by expanding coding education to high school students and offering affordable coding courses for low-income adults.
NaTakallam provides an income to refugees by leveraging their native language skills and connecting them to users worldwide for online language practice and learning.
Project Basta bridges the gap between employers and first-generation college graduates through an intensive professional placement and career mentoring program.
SpringFour improves loan performance for financial institutions by equipping call centers and consumer-facing applications with the most relevant, up-to-date and comprehensive financial health resources.
The Virtual Scholarship Center is a scholarship preparatory platform that empowers students, counselors and parents to create 4-year college funding strategies.
Your Casa increases Hispanic homeownership nationally by educating, preparing and connecting homebuyers with bilingual professionals that can help them achieve their American dream.
About Points of Light Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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.
About the Points of Light Civic Accelerator
The Points of Light Civic Accelerator is the first accelerator program and investment fund in the country focused on civic ventures – for-profit and nonprofit startups that include people as part of the solution to critical social problems. The three month, boot camp-style program convenes 10-15 teams in person and online with the goal of equipping each startup to seek investments and scale their social innovation. The Civic Accelerator was launched in 2012, with support from founding partners PwC Charitable Foundation and Starbucks Foundation and in partnership with Village Capital. In addition, we receive support from CapitalOne Investing for Good, Vodafone Americas Foundation, US Small Business Administration, Dentons, Singing for Change and official hotel sponsor, Hilton Worldwide. Visit cvcx.org for more information or follow the accelerator on Twitter at @civicacceleratr and across social media at #CIVICX.
Points of Light Expresses Deep Concern Over President Trump’s Budget Proposal and the Potential Impact on Volunteering and Service
Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, is deeply concerned over President Donald Trump’s budget blueprint and the broad impact the non-defense discretionary program cuts would have on the nonprofit sector’s ability to engage Americans in volunteer service. Specifically, the proposed elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service would devastate community-based organizations that serve children and families, respond to natural disasters, support military families, and generally serve as the backbone of community efforts to address pressing challenges.
“National Service has a longstanding history of bipartisan support for being a cost-effective way to engage citizens, strengthen communities, create jobs, and bring people together,” said Neil Bush, Points of Light Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Coupled with major support and investments from the private sector, the impact of national service is far-reaching and deep in communities across America.”
CNCS was created by Congress to be a public-private partnership that would decrease dependency on government and empower citizens to tackle tough issues and problem-solve together at the local level. Analyses have shown that for every $10 invested in CNCS by the federal government, another $15 is raised from private sources to fund the agency’s important programs that address community challenges. In 2015, CNCS generated $1.26 billion in outside resources from private businesses, foundations, and other sources, including investments from companies like Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Cisco, CSX and Citigroup that increase the return on taxpayer dollars. And, for every $1 the federal government invests in national service, there is a nearly $4 return on investment.
“National Service has a longstanding history of bipartisan support for being a cost-effective way to engage citizens, strengthen communities, create jobs, and bring people together,” said Neil Bush, Points of Light Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Coupled with major support and investments from the private sector, the impact of national service is far-reaching and deep in communities across America.”
Across the country, 80,000 AmeriCorps members and 270,000 Senior Corps members are currently serving local communities. In 2015, through the Points of Light network of local affiliates, more than 11,000 national service members contributed to the mobilization and support of volunteers. These national service members played an important role in the network’s impact in local communities, including more than 17 million hours of volunteer time given, more than 100,000 service projects completed, and more than $400 million in economic value.
A 2014 survey from Points of Light’s AmeriCorps Alums, called “Untapped Potential,” found the benefits of the year of service long surpass the time in service. Alums agreed that national service solidified their commitment to community and country, and that through national service, they developed skills to be better students, employees and citizens. AmeriCorps Alums is the only national network that connects the nearly 1 million alumni of all AmeriCorps programs who have served since 1994 to the people, ideas, and resources that support their commitment to a lifetime of service.
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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.
Kids and Teens Across America Make Their Mark on Hunger Through Service
Today, the third annual Make Your Mark on Hunger campaign launches nationwide to encourage kids and teens to engage in service that will help alleviate hunger and food insecurity in their communities. The campaign is powered by generationOn, the youth service division of Points of Light, and sponsored by C&S Wholesale Grocers.
“We know the impact that youth can have on a community, but we also know the impact volunteering can have on the young people who take action,” said Delores Morton, executive director of generationOn.
With 1 in 6 Americans facing food insecurity in the United States, there are many ways for youth to create service projects that help address the ongoing needs in their community. Make Your Mark on Hunger runs through April 30, with the goal of engaging 15,000 kids and teens nationwide.
generationOn and C&S Wholesale Grocers provided 22 grants ranging from $100 to $250 to support young people who want to get involved. From food drives to gardening projects, creating cookbooks and sustainability events, young people are planning and leading service projects to make a positive impact where it’s needed most.
Project guides, lesson plans, fact sheets and other materials are available for free from generationOn, to support kids and teens as they create service projects to address the issue of hunger. The generationOn “Learn-Act-Reflect” model, which helps kids and teens more deeply understand the importance and impact of their service on the community, not only helps youth plan projects but also provides opportunities for them to become more empathetic and compassionate.
“We know the impact that youth can have on a community, but we also know the impact volunteering can have on the young people who take action,” said Delores Morton, executive director of generationOn. “Learning about an issue area like hunger, mobilizing to make an impact and reflecting on the work they’ve done helps kids and teens become more caring, compassionate and capable. The work benefits the community, but it also has a life-long benefit to youth involved.”
“The future is in the hands of our children and grandchildren, and inspiring them to make a difference for others is so important” said Gina Goff, senior director of community involvement at C&S Wholesale Grocers. “This is our third year of providing support for Make Your Mark on Hunger, and we are looking forward to hearing how the kids volunteered across the country.”
Last year participants donated more than 132,000 pounds of food, fed more than 46,000 people and educated 46,000 community members about food insecurity issues.
Those interested in participating can sign up at www.generationOn.org/hunger, download tools and resources to get started, and share their story for a chance to win grants to continue their work.
About generationOn
generationOn, the youth service division of Points of Light, provides programs and resources that support the development of caring, compassionate and capable kids and teens through service, empowering them to become changemakers in their communities and the world. To learn more, visit www.generationOn.org.
About C&S Wholesale Grocers
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., based in Keene, NH, is the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. and the industry leader in supply chain innovation. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 14,000 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with over 140,000 different products. To learn more, please visit www.cswg.com.
C&S community involvement programs support initiatives to fight hunger and to promote the health and enrichment of communities that are homes to the company’s employees and facilities. To learn more, please visit http://community.cswg.com.
32 Northwest Leaders Unite for Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service
Points of Light announced today that a dynamic group of influential Pacific Northwest leaders will serve as Host Committee members for the annual Conference on Volunteering and Service to be held June 19-21 in the Emerald City. Convened by Points of Light, the event provides the singular opportunity for nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders to learn, connect and shape the future of volunteerism, and draws approximately 3,500 participants from 37 countries, including the United States. Each year, this gathering sparks new ideas, collaborations and fresh jolts of civic energy that are unique to and amplified by the host city, its leaders and its citizens.
“Founded in Seattle and headquartered in Points of Light’s hometown of Atlanta, UPS is a very special title sponsor of the 2017 Conference and we are so grateful for their stalwart support,” said Hoover. “UPS’s active corporate citizenship and commitment to service has spurred tremendous growth across the entire changemaking sector, and its leadership has galvanized the company’s global workforce to contribute more than 20 million hours of service by 2020 to solving tough problems.”
This year’s convening will feature a new, re-imagined format that will offer attendees a three-day experience full of carefully curated content. The opening session – the Service Unites Summit – will take place in the heart of downtown Seattle at the renowned Benaroya Symphony Hall and will feature a series of inspirational talks from movement leaders. Additional sessions and workshops will take place at the Washington State Convention Center, and registration is now open at www.volunteeringandservice.org.
Tracy Hoover, CEO of Points of Light, noted the unprecedented interest from all sectors in unleashing the power of active citizens to solve tough problems, build resilient communities and enliven vibrant participatory societies. Each year, Conference sponsors include some of the most trusted brands and respected Fortune 500 CEOs, and an impressive collection of local, corporate “hometown hosts.” For the fourth year in a row, UPS is the event’s title sponsor.
“Founded in Seattle and headquartered in Points of Light’s hometown of Atlanta, UPS is a very special title sponsor of the 2017 Conference and we are so grateful for their stalwart support,” said Hoover. “UPS’s active corporate citizenship and commitment to service has spurred tremendous growth across the entire changemaking sector, and its leadership has galvanized the company’s global workforce to contribute more than 20 million hours of service by 2020 to solving tough problems.”
Business and community leaders from across the Pacific Northwest will spearhead the Conference Host Committee. They will share their time and talents to help navigate a path to success that adds value to the attendee experience and to the community. In addition, Host Committee members will assist in developing service opportunities for attendees based on the greatest needs in the surrounding community; and in identifying and cultivating high-quality speakers and engaging attendee experiences. The conversations and content are unique and profoundly relevant because the entire experience is shaped by local experts, leaders and influencers.
The following individuals will serve as Host Committee members, with others expected to be named later:
About Points of Light’s Conference on Volunteering and Service
Points of Light’s Conference on Volunteering and Service is the world’s largest service-related convening of nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders. With UPS as the title sponsor, the 2017 Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service will be held June 19-21 at the Washington State Convention Center. Registration is now open. For more information, go to www.volunteeringandservice.org.
About Points of Light
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 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 Board of Directors Selects Russell Reynolds for Executive Search
The Points of Light Board of Directors executive search committee announced today that it will partner with Russell Reynolds in the recruitment of a new chief executive for the organization. Current CEO Tracy Hoover previously announced her decision to step down in 2017. She will remain in her role during the search and transition to a new leader.
All nominations for and inquiries about the leadership position should be sent to Jamie Hechinger and Kimberly Archer at [email protected]. If you would like to submit your interest in the role, please email your resume and a letter-of-interest directly to [email protected].
The board search committee is comprised of six Points of Light board members and five non-board members who will oversee the recruitment and hiring process.
Bernard J. Milano* Chair, Search Committee President, KPMG FoundationNeil Bush* ex-officio Chairman, Points of LightJean Becker* Chief of Staff, Former President George H.W. Bush Office of George H.W. BushJohn Bridgeland President & CEO, Civic Enterprises Vice Chair, Malaria No MoreKyle Caldwell* Executive Director, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for PhilanthropyJames Collins* Managing Partner, Eastwood Capital Partners, LLC
John Gomperts President and CEO, America’s Promise Alliance (former Points of Light board member)Pamela Norley* President, Fidelity CharitableRhonda Oliver CEO, HandsOn Greater Phoenix Vice Chair, Points of Light Affiliate AssemblyWendy Spencer CEO, Corporation for National and Community ServiceDavid Williams Policy, Government Relations and Citizenship National Principal Deloitte Services LP Chair, Points of Light Corporate Service Council
* Member — Points of Light Board of Directors
Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages four million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people where it’s needed most. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.
