A Statement on the Passing of the 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter
Points of Light joins millions around the world in celebrating the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States of America, Navy veteran, life-long public servant and nonprofit founder of The Carter Center. He was a model for a civic life well lived. Jimmy Carter began his career in the Navy as a submariner, rising to the rank of lieutenant. After leaving the Navy, he became a community leader through volunteering, serving on multiple boards for his county and school system. These experiences moved him to a career in public service, serving in the Georgia Senate and as Georgia’s governor, before running for and being elected as President of the United States.
As president, Carter administered significant international treaties and championed human rights throughout the world. After his time in office, President Carter continued to advance causes he cared about. Founding The Carter Center in 1982, President Carter continued to address national and international policy with the goal of resolving conflict, protecting human rights and promoting democracy. His efforts resulted in his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In addition, he and his wife Rosalynn volunteered with Habitat for Humanity annually for more than 35 years. President Carter long supported Points of Light’s mission to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action to change the world, starting in their own communities.
In 2011, he joined us on stage at our “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service” Tribute event honoring Points of Light’s founder, President George H.W. Bush. In 2017, he joined President George H.W. Bush on stage in College Station, Texas, with Presidents George W. Bush, William Clinton and Barack Obama, to present five Daily Point of Light Awards to volunteers in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Additionally, from 2019 – 2023, he served as an honorary co-chair for The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards along with Presidents Bush (43), Clinton and Obama. We are grateful for his generous support throughout the years.
President Carter dedicated his life to serving others and was truly a point of light. His legacy will continue to inspire others to become deeply involved in their communities and country to create a more just, equitable world.
Points of Light Launches The Civic 50 2025 Survey Recognizing America’s Top Community-Minded Companies
Points of Light, the world’s leading organization dedicated to volunteer service, will launch The Civic 50 annual survey on Dec. 10, 2024. The Civic 50 is a recognition program and benchmarking tool that allows companies to measure their social impact programs and celebrate their achievements.
For more than a decade, The Civic 50 has celebrated the 50 most community-minded companies in the U.S. This prestigious recognition program, established in 2012, has become the gold standard for corporate social impact, guiding companies in leveraging their resources to create meaningful change in their businesses and communities. The survey will remain open through March 13, 2025. To help companies understand the survey sections, benefits of participating and benchmarking reports, Points of Light will host an informational webinar on Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. ET. Detailed information, including key dates, FAQs, eligibility requirements and survey questions, is available on the applicant information page.
“Companies are in a powerful position to create exponential change for their employees, the communities where they live and work and society at large,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “The Civic 50 offers a blueprint for corporate citizenship and social impact, shares proven practices and recognizes the companies leading transformational change.”
The Civic 50 recognizes public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of at least $1 billion. Honorees are selected based on four (4) key dimensions of their community engagement programs:
Investment: Strategic allocation of resources, including employee time and skills, cash, in-kind contributions and public leadership.
Integration: Community engagement and social impact embedded into business functions and interests, exemplifying the principle of ‘doing well by doing good.’
Institutionalization: Establish community engagement and social impact through organizational policies, systems and incentives.
Impact: Measure the outcomes of community engagement and social impact initiatives on both social and business fronts.
Participating in The Civic 50 provides significant advantages to companies. It allows them to develop a strategic road map to evaluate, enhance and scale social impact programs, as well as communicating the company’s commitment to addressing critical social issues. Additionally, it fosters a sense of pride and connection for employees. The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specialized in maximizing and measuring social and business value, and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey includes quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.
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 through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more equitable communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries.
Points of Light Celebrates Extraordinary Philanthropists and Founders at The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards 2024
Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world through volunteering and community engagement, hosted the sixth annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards on Wednesday, October 23, at The Capital Hilton. The event celebrated the transformative power of service, honoring Patrick Dempsey, Arthur M. Blank, Ashley Brown, and Shrusti Amula for volunteering in community and supporting causes in ways that demonstrate the extraordinary characteristics of Points of Light founder, President George H.W. Bush. Event co-chairs were Marie and Andy Unanue, Frank and Liz Blake, Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren.
The awards opened with an inspiring video narrated by Honorary Co-Chairs, President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, as a special tribute to President George H.W. Bush’s 100th birthday celebrated in 2024, as well as remarks from Board Chair Neil Bush and Points of Light President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo.
Actor Patrick Dempsey was honored for his work with the Dempsey Center which creates a space where those impacted by cancer can find relief, comfort, resources and support at no cost. Philanthropist and businessman Arthur M. Blank was recognized for his work with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation , which uses the power of values-based, connected philanthropy to champion meaningful change that strengthens communities. Ashley Brown was recognized for founding and leading the Selfless Love Foundation, which works to improve the child welfare system by helping children in foster care get adopted, supporting youth who age out of the system, and advocating to improve the policies. Eighteen-year-old Shrusti Amula was celebrated for her work founding Rise N Shine Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste through composting and food recovery programs.
“Points of Light uplifts and inspires people to make the world a better place. We’re not waiting for something that’s going to happen 10 years down the road, we can change someone’s life right now, today, in this moment,” said Patrick Dempsey. “Part of the grace of being born is having an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other people you’re connected to, who you may not even know, in whatever form you can,” said Arthur M. Blank. “Points of Light is a beautiful expression about how individuals can light up a community, a city, a state, a nation, a world, and I am glad the Blank Family Foundation can be a part of this legacy.”
“We all have the capability to change lives and make the world a better place, whether through service, philanthropy, or volunteerism,” said Ashley Brown. “I am so grateful to Points of Light for shining a beam on the needs of youth impacted by foster care and the work Selfless Love Foundation is doing to create families, belonging, and safety.”
“Young people are the leaders of change. To other aspiring young leaders, my message to you is this: to persist. You will eventually find an advocate who will fully believe in you and help you take your aspirations to the next level,” said Shrusti Amula. “As we accept this award, we also accept the responsibility of continuing our work with a renewed figure, we commit to inspiring more people to volunteer, to creating more opportunities for meaningful change, and to fighting climate change and food insecurity on a larger level.”
Nearly 300 guests were in attendance to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the honorees. Other VIPs in attendance included 2023 honorees Mike Love, lead singer and a founding member of The Beach Boys, and Jacquelyne Love, businesswoman, accomplished philanthropist, interior designer and fashion designer; chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush Jean Becker; and Home Depot CEO Ted Decker.
The evening was emceed by 29-time Emmy Award winning broadcaster Bob Costas as guests enjoyed entertainment by operatic tenor and international performing artist Fernando Varela with piano accompaniment by professional musician, arranger, composer, and music director,Thomas (Boh) Cooper. Following the awards, guests participated in a live auction to support the mission of Points of Light to mobilize more individuals to volunteer and to empower nonprofits to meet critical community needs.
“Points of Light is honored to recognize these exemplary role models and distinguished leaders in service and philanthropy,” said President and CEO, Jennifer Sirangelo. “Their unwavering dedication to strengthening communities and championing solutions for critical causes embodies the very essence of our mission. We are proud to celebrate them as true points of light and honor them with the prestigious George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award.”
Past Award recipients include Condoleeza Rice (2023), Mike and Jacquelyne Love (2023), José Andrés (2022), Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg (2022), Francine A. LeFrak (2021), Dr. Ala Stanford (2021), Marc and Lynne Benioff (2020), and Hamdi Ulukaya (2020).
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 through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more equitable communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 38 countries.
Media Contacts
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis on behalf of Points of Light | [email protected]
Starbucks Social Impact Leader Kelly Goodejohn Joins Points of Light Board of Directors
Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering, is proud to announce the appointment of Kelly Goodejohn, Vice President and Chief Social Impact Officer at Starbucks, to its Board of Directors. A proven leader in corporate social responsibility, Goodejohn brings more than 25 years of experience driving community impact and sustainability initiatives at scale.
In her 18 years with Starbucks, Goodejohn has led the company’s mission to build thriving communities through innovative programs that harness the power of human connection. Under her leadership, Starbucks’ community and social impact strategies have empowered employees, launched social impact stores, bolstered community resilience programs, and delivered critical disaster response initiatives. She is focused on ways in which Starbucks can support thriving communities by empowering partners, leveraging our Third Place for human connection, and solving community challenges. She also oversees The Starbucks Foundation, championing equitable growth for communities around the globe, from coffee and tea-growing regions to local neighborhoods across the U.S.
“Kelly’s deep understanding of the intersection between business and social good, combined with her innovative leadership at Starbucks, makes her a perfect fit for Points of Light’s mission to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world through volunteering and service,” said Neil Bush, Board Chair of Points of Light.”
Goodejohn’s commitment to creating a lasting positive impact extends beyond her corporate role. She serves as executive sponsor of Hora del Café, a network that celebrates and supports the Latino community.
“With a shared commitment to volunteerism and uplifting local communities around the world, it is an honor to join Points of Light’s Board of Directors. At Starbucks, our partners (employees) are Community Champions that live our promise to contribute positively to the communities we serve. I am encouraged by the opportunity to work with this incredible organization to foster community engagement and create impactful change on a global scale.”
Points of Light looks forward to Goodejohn’s contributions as she brings her strategic vision and relentless dedication to creating more resilient, equitable communities.
She joined the Points of Light board effective September 27, 2024.
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 through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more equitable communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
Points of Light Shares Volunteer Time Off Guide for Social Impact Leaders
Today, Points of Light adds to its growing library of business resources with a new comprehensive guide designed to help companies enhance employee engagement in volunteer activities. Titled, “Volunteer Time Off: Implementing and Optimizing Workplace Programs and Policies,” the guide is available for free download at www.pointsoflight.org/volunteer-time-off-vto.
Volunteer Time Off (VTO) programs, also known as Paid Volunteer Time, provide benefits for companies, employees and communities, including improved employee morale, greater talent attraction and retention and crucial support for nonprofits. According to Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP), only 65 percent of companies currently offer VTO opportunities to domestic employees. This is notable given that 95 percent of respondents in Deloitte’s 2024 Workplace Volunteer Survey indicated that making a positive community impact is important to them. “VTO is one of the most desired philanthropic offerings a company can provide to its employees,” said Lacey Gaitan, senior vice president of corporate programs at Points of Light.
“We believe this guide will inspire more companies and employees to engage in community service.” The guide provides corporate leaders with insights on creating successful VTO programs, including strategic planning, program development, implementation, and feedback gathering. For additional insights, view the recap of Points of Light’s webinar, ‘Policies That Enable Employee-Powered Change.’“A VTO policy showcases a company’s commitment to social impact while benefiting both the business and its employees,” Gaitan added.
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 through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more equitable communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries. For more information, visit https://www.pointsoflight.org/.
Points of Light Releases The Civic 50 2024 Honoree Insights & Benchmarking Report
Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to act that changes the world, today released The Civic 50 2024 Honoree Insights and Benchmarking Report. The Civic 50, now in its twelfth year, recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States with annual revenues of at least $1 billion, providing a road map for good corporate citizenship while showcasing how companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the center of their business.
The Civic 50 2024 honorees demonstrate a deep commitment to community engagement, employee volunteerism and CSR best practices, and share similar practices that move the needle in these areas. Amongst other key findings, they:
Engage 40% of employees, on average, in external volunteering, twice the 20% average for US companies.
Contribute more than five times the cash and in-kind donations to charitable causes compared to the average US company, as a percentage of revenue (0.69% versus 0.12%).¹
Establish departmental goals related to community engagement (84%).
Frequently offer paid time off to volunteer to employees (84%), significantly higher than the percentage of companies with similar programs for domestic employees (65%).²
([1], [2] US data from Giving in Numbers, 2023 by CECP.).
The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, and the results are analyzed by VeraWorks.
The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate community engagement. To learn more about The Civic 50, email [email protected].
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. Through our work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, we galvanize volunteers to meet critical needs. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, we engage nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries to create healthy, equitable communities where all can thrive. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
100 Organizations Nationwide Awarded $10 Million for Renovations Through Lowe’s Hometowns Community Impact Program
Originally published on Lowe’s newsroom.
From helping to build a community of safe homes for veterans in South Dakota to transforming a kitchenette into a full-size kitchen to provide nutritious meals for children transitioning into foster care in Tennessee, 100 nonprofits received Lowe’s Hometowns grants to renovate, restore or rebuild their spaces.
The $10 million in Lowe’s Hometowns grants announced today will benefit 88 communities in 44 states and Washington, D.C. The 100 projects, selected from consumer nominations, address needs specific to each community, from access to housing and community services to support for first responders and veterans.
“The support of the Lowe’s Hometowns grant helps us continue our mission to create a path back to stability for those who took the oath to protect this country,” said Bryan Meyer, CEO of nonprofit Veterans Community Project. “Opening this community will not only benefit Sioux Falls by providing much-needed support for local veterans, but it also adds another village to our network, further strengthening our efforts to fix veteran homelessness nationwide.”
Lowe’s Hometowns, the company’s five-year, $100 million community impact program, launched in 2022.
2.5 million people are anticipated to benefit from the first two years of Lowe’s Hometowns projects within one year of project completion.1
In addition to supporting the 100 grant-funded projects, Lowe’s associates will complete more than 1,700 community revitalization projects as a part of Lowe’s Hometowns. Lowe’s associates contribute tens of thousands of volunteer hours and use Lowe’s products, services and network of Pros to bring the renovations to life.
“Lowe’s Hometowns is all about bringing neighbors together to improve shared spaces and our communities,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “At Lowe’s we are committed to giving our customers a great place to shop, providing our associates with a wonderful place to work, while making the communities where we live and work better. We believe if we can accomplish these three commitments, we will continue to deliver shareholder value.”
Other projects funded by grants will:
kickstart a tiny home community in Lahaina, Hawaii, in partnership with Rebuild Maui, after the devastating wildfires
provide fresh food for a Detroit neighborhood located in a food desert by transforming an abandoned lot into a vibrant garden and market space with Peace Tree Parks
renovate the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company’s facility in Pittsburgh to make it more comfortable and welcoming for volunteers and the community
Lowe’s Hometowns is made possible by the company’s innovative partnership with Points of Light. The national nonprofit serves as a trusted community impact adviser and implementation partner. “Grants that support nonprofits’ infrastructure and ability to provide community services are critical and often the areas that nonprofits find the most difficult to gain funding support for,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Lowe’s continues to set a stellar example of community impact by leveraging its resources and assets to deliver, in partnership with community, the best long-term outcomes for millions of individuals.” Visit Lowes.com/Hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns on social media to learn more about each organization and keep up with the projects. Full program impact data is available in the Lowe’s Hometowns Executive Summary linked here.
About Lowe’s
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2023 sales of more than $86 billion, Lowe’s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
in Houston, TX, leaders from national nonprofits gathered to discuss the decline in formal volunteering in the U.S. which is at an alarming 30-year low of 23 percent. More than 20 national organizations that rely on volunteers as a significant contributor to their workforce came together to address the seven percent decline highlighted in the Volunteering and Civic Life in America report, and which occurred over the period of 2019 – 2021.
Experts in volunteer recruitment and management discussed the consequences and impact of the decline, bright spots of engagement, and how to reverse the trend. Co-hosted by Points of Light, More Perfect, The George and Barbara Bush Foundation, Starbucks and UPS, the convening was the first step in developing opportunities to collaborate and devise strategies for increasing volunteering as a key mechanism for delivering critical services in communities around the country.
“Volunteering has a positive impact on the wellbeing of those who serve. Volunteers meet critical community needs,” said
president and CEO, Points of Light. “And, volunteering has the power to heal our societies by creating empathy and equity, increasing meaningful connections that bridge divides. It’s imperative that we work together to reverse the downward trend in volunteering.”
Leaders from AmeriCorps, The Corps Network, America’s Service Commission, Service Year Alliance, Operation Gratitude, VolunteerMatch, PeaceCorps, Girls on the Run International, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society, Catholic Charities USA, Reading Partners, YMCA of the USA, National Park Service, United Way Worldwide, Team Rubicon, Youth Service America, FirstBook, American Red Cross, More Perfect, Operation HOPE, Voices for National Service, America250, Convoy of Hope, AARP and AARP Foundation were among the attendees who shared successes and challenges for volunteer recruitment and program management.
Most organizations in the room experienced a steep decline in formal volunteering from the pre-pandemic period to post pandemic. The organizations are reevaluating their volunteer needs post-pandemic. The trends identified ranged from individuals wanting to experience more flexible opportunities; a desire for single-day engagement events; and younger generations viewing volunteering differently.
It’s not just the drop in volunteers that presents a challenge. Communities worldwide are threatened by complex and urgent issues, while disconnection and isolation undermine efforts to rally people to help address these deep-rooted challenges. Volunteers are essential to meeting critical needs, and volunteering creates connections and builds trust and empathy. Yet there are not enough people engaged, impacting both communities and societal engagement. Volunteering brings deep value to the individual, the communities in which they serve and our society.
Discussions of what’s working and best practices were core to the event and included positioning volunteering as a professional skill-building opportunity, trialing coaching programs for youth engagement, increasing virtual volunteering opportunities, redefining what service means to different generations, developing both a national and state-level strategy, and done-in-a-day flexible volunteer programs that may serve as a critical entry point to deeper engagement.
The formal volunteering rate will only increase with a proactive, unified approach to determining the underlying reasons behind the decline, devising effective solutions, and rallying people to get engaged with a sense of urgency. Points of Light is committed to continuing to convene this group to develop and implement a national strategy to reverse the trend and increase the number of people volunteering in the U.S. Points of Light is a core partner, together with nine other service organizations, of More Perfect to advance
is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through our work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, we galvanize volunteers to meet critical needs. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, we engage nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries to create healthy, equitable communities where all can thrive. For more information, visit
is an alliance of 34 Presidential Centers, National Archives Foundation, American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia, and more than 100 partners working to advance five foundational Democracy Goals.
Both Points of Light and More Perfect are National Resource Partners of America250.
The
George & Barbara Bush Foundation
strives to preserve the historic legacies of President and Mrs. Bush, primarily by supporting and promoting education and service-oriented programs at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum and The Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University. The Bush Presidential Center creates unique and life-changing opportunities that bring together and connect world leaders, students, public policy experts, business executives, and current officeholders. More at
(NYSE: UPS) is one of the world’s largest companies, with 2023 revenue of $91.0 billion, and provides a broad range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 200 countries and territories. Focused on its purpose statement, “Moving our world forward by delivering what matters,” the company’s approximately 500,000 employees embrace a strategy that is simply stated and powerfully executed: Customer First. People Led. Innovation Driven. UPS is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and supporting the communities we serve around the world. UPS also takes an unwavering stance in support of diversity, equity and inclusion. More information can be found at
to join its board of directors.
Hunter leads Altria’s corporate responsibility and ESG strategy and integration efforts, including environmental sustainability and its operating companies’ efforts to help prevent underage tobacco use and help adult tobacco users who decide to quit be more successful. She also leads corporate communications, community impact, and inclusion, diversity and equity. All of this work is central to how Altria will achieve its Vision of responsibly leading the transition of adult smokers to a smoke-free future.
“On behalf of the board of directors, it’s my pleasure to warmly welcome Jennifer to the Points of Light board. We are excited about her deep expertise in corporate social responsibility and future stewardship of Points of Light’s mission to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world,” said Neil Bush, Chair. “With our role in leading volunteerism around the world, engaging companies and employee volunteers is paramount to thriving communities. Her experience and guidance will help strengthen Points of Light’s abilities in this area.”
Jennifer has held a variety of roles in Philip Morris (PM USA) Sales, PM USA Youth Smoking Prevention & Corporate Responsibility, ALCS Corporate Responsibility & Stakeholder Relations and ALCS Corporate Communications. She joined PM USA in 1994 as a Territory Sales Manager in Kenosha, Wis.
Jennifer holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.
Jennifer also serves on the Boards of the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development; PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation, Inc.; as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for ChamberRVA; as the Board Chair for The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond; and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. Jennifer previously served two terms on the Virginia State University Board of Visitors.
She joined the Points of Light board effective June 11, 2024.
Points of Light
is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through our work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, we galvanize volunteers to meet critical needs. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, we engage nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries to create healthy, equitable communities where all can thrive. For more information, visit
Points of Light Global Annual Conference Spotlights the Decline in U.S. Volunteerism With Solutions to Create Strong Culture of Engagement and Civic Participation
Points of Lighta global non-profit founded by former President George H.W. Bush that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world, held their annual Points of Light Conference last week – marking the former President’s 100th birthday. The conference, held in Houston from June 11-14, brought together 1,200 attendees from more than 30 countries including nonprofit, government, business, and civic leaders to gain and share the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to galvanize the power of people to create change.
The 2024 Conference was held against the backdrop of a U.S.declinein volunteerism – a decrease that the Conference attendees, Points of Light, and partners nationwide are working tirelessly to solve. In addition to discussing the state of volunteerism, the Conference explored topics ranging from the potential of leveraging AI for good, the state of “civic culture” in the U.S. and around the world, generational differences and motivators, innovative paths to encourage people to volunteer, and the ways that volunteerism is critical to bridging divides within communities and decreasing isolation and loneliness.
During the Conference, leaders from 20 U.S. nonprofits met to specifically discuss the decline in volunteering in a conversation co-hosted by Points of Light, More Perfect, The George and Barbara Bush Foundation, Starbucks, and UPS. The convening was a first step in developing opportunities to collaborate and devise national strategies for increasing volunteerism in the United States.
“Volunteering isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. Volunteerism has a positive impact on the mental health of those who serve, it meets critical community needs, and it has the power to heal our societies by creating empathy and equity, bridging divides, and increasing meaningful connections,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of Points of Light
“In 2022, volunteerism dropped to its lowest rate in nearly three decades. Together, leaders from throughout the country met at the conference to share insights and implement the solutions we need to ensure communities can thrive by igniting a new spirit of volunteerism
“The conference concluded with a session honoring the lasting legacy of service of late President George H.W. Bush, who founded Points of Light while in office. Family members George P. Bush, chair of the Points of Light Board of Directors Neil Bush, and Pierce Bush were joined by former Chief of Staff to President Bush and Points of Light board member, Jean Becker, to spotlight the former president’s vision of a society characterized by compassion, volunteerism, and civic engagement. Sully H.W. Bush, the former President’s service dog, made a special appearance on-stage. June 12, 2024, marked what would have been the late President’s 100th birthday.
“I think of Points of Light as the soul of America. Volunteers are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to touch the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, care and friendship to our communities. These remarkable individuals show us not only what is best in our heritage but what all of us are called to become,” shared Jean Becker, former Chief of Staff, in quoting President George H.W. Bush.
“In its simplest form, what are points of light? It’s when ordinary people claim the problems of their community as their own and say ‘I can help,’” said Gregg Petersmeyer, member of the Points of Light Board of Directors and chair of America’s Promise Alliance
Conference speakers included emcee and hip-hop legend Bun B, along with representatives from Delta Airlines, UPS, KPMG, Johnson & Johnson, Southwest Airlines, Peace Corps, Citi, Microsoft Philanthropies, Discover, United Talent Agency, Rice University, AARP, AmeriCorps, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum Houston, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, America’s VetDogs, National Park Service and more.
“Nearly 35 years ago, President George H.W. Bush founded Points of Light and signed the National and Community Service Act. His vision was for us to work side by side, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to serve. We mark what would have been the President’s 100th birthday and a life distinguished by his duty to serve,” added Sirangelo.
On Friday, June 14th of the conference, Rosie Rios, Chair for America250, announced Points of Light as the volunteering “National Resource Partner” for America250. America250 is the official nonpartisan entity charged by the U.S. Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
A full list of the 2024 Points of Light Conference speakers can be found here, and the agenda here.
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. Through our work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, we galvanize volunteers to meet critical needs. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, we engage nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries to create healthy, equitable communities where all can thrive. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
