POINTS OF LIGHT RELEASES THE CIVIC 50 KEY TRENDS AND INSIGHTS 2021 REPORT
Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, released The Civic 50 report featuring key trends, benchmarking data and insights from the 2021 honorees. The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of at least $1 billion, 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. This year, Points of Light introduced new questions in The Civic 50 survey to better understand companies’ progress on commitments to racial equity and their communities.
“We are in a moment in time where we’re seeing higher rates of civic engagement than we have seen in decades, and that includes companies taking an active role in the communities where they live and work,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “Additionally, we’re seeing these companies respond to the times we are living in, with 100 percent of The Civic 50 CEOs using their voice to speak on the issue of race equity, and 94 percent of honoree companies having dedicated strategies to promote diverse and equitable company culture. These 50 companies are leading the way and creating transformational change within their companies and communities, and we thank them for their leadership.”
Key Statistics and Highlights from The Civic 50 2021 Honorees
The Civic 50 honorees:
Donated $2.5 billion in cash and $8.2 billion of in-kind support to US social causes
Supported their US employees in delivering 7.1 million volunteer hours
Treat their community involvement as a board-level issue (84% include community engagement in board of directors’ meetings)
Helped employees participate in elections (88% gave time off or schedule flexibility to vote)
Additionally, findings from new racial equity questions added to the survey indicate:
92% of the honoree company CEOs used their voice externally and 100% used their voice internally this past year on the issue of racial equity
94% of the honorees have formal supplier diversity programs with written strategies to promote a more diverse, equitable and inclusive company culture
86% of the honorees launched education and awareness campaigns to advance racial equity issues
82% of the honorees funded advocacy organizations focused on advancing racial equity issues
Points of Light will host a webinar on Oct. 26, 2021 at 1 p.m. ET. to review the findings and discuss emerging trends in the corporate citizenship sector. Register here.
Since it was launched in 2012, The Civic 50 has provided a roadmap for good corporate citizenship, and showcases how committed companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the center of their business. 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 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 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.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. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 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.
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 RELEASES NEW REPORT EXAMINING THE MILLENNIAL PERSPECTIVE ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
September 15, 2021 – Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world, today released a new report detailing the millennial generation’s perspective on civic life and what nonprofits, businesses and governments alike must do to harness and appeal to the passions of America’s largest generation.
The conducted by INFLUENCE|SG details how the unprecedented events of the past eighteen months – including a global pandemic, a movement for racial and social equity, a contentious U.S. presidential election and more – have altered millennials’ willingness to address social issues. Researchers found that the social issues prompting civic action have become highly personal for millennials. As uncertainty and fear are keeping some away from civic participation, many others are devoting time to educating themselves about social issues they find relevant to their own lives. COVID-19, mental health, climate change, employment, healthcare and fair wages topped the list of issues that millennials care the most about.
“The pandemic has shifted the way in which millennials approach civic life in a profound manner,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “The events of the past year have galvanized this generation to learn more about the issues, get involved in their local communities and take action to create a better world. Millennials also believe that companies should take a stand on social issues, meaning corporations need to spend time learning and getting involved in the important issues in our world.”
The study revealed several key themes on the millennial perspective on civic life:
Millennials view social issues through a very personal lens. Whereas social issues used to be something they volunteered for to help other people, they now see themselves as among those affected.
A large segment of civically active millennials is comprised of white, married, Midwestern males, ages 35-40 who are earning more than $100,000 a year.
Another large segment of civically active millennials is comprised of BIPOC females in the South, aged 25-29 who hold four-year degrees, but earn less than $50,000 a year at full-time jobs.
With few exceptions, “spent time learning more about the issue” was the number-one action millennials took to support social issues followed by “used social media” and “changed purchasing.”
Almost 50% of millennials believe more in civic engagement now than before the pandemic, 69% are more likely to volunteer, and 85% think people should help their community and the world.
Millennials believe companies should be actively involved in social issues, and two-thirds visit corporate websites at least somewhat often to learn about their efforts. Black American males, especially, think companies should meet with consumers about the effects of their products and services.
The report also supports Points of Light’s Civic Circle. The Civic Circle is a framework to help individuals understand that doing good comes in many forms and to connect them with opportunities to influence social issues. This framework also helps organizations – including businesses, nonprofits and government agencies – identify the pathways to involvement their employees can seek.
“Organizations will have to adopt new mindsets about their communications. Instead of sharing the latest need with a call to action, entities must realize they are reaching out to people who feel personally affected and want to learn more,” the report states. “Rather than asking millennials to help you reach a goal, you’ll need to ask millennials what they need and how you can work alongside each other to have the biggest impact.”
On October 7, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM ET, Points of Light will host a special webinar to discuss key findings and the full report. Click here to register. You can view the full millennial civic engagement report here. You can also find more information on Points of Light 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. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 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 INFLUENCE|SG
INFLUENCE|SG is an advisory firm focused on helping companies and causes bolster their social change initiatives by informing through research, guiding through strategy and connecting through new partnerships. We create and drive involvement in our clients’ social change work. influencesg.com
Points of Light to Honor Dr. Ala Stanford with The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced the addition of Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, as a recipient of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award to honor her commitment to serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Stanford will be recognized during a celebration on Sept. 28 in New York City that will feature inspiring stories of volunteer service, celebrity appearances and musical performances. The program will also be livestreamed.
“Points of Light is honored to recognize the impact of Dr. Ala Stanford, her leadership, vision and tireless efforts to meet the most pressing needs of Philadelphians throughout the global pandemic,” said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO, Points of Light. “Her desire to care for people and her actions demonstrate the true power of the human spirit, bringing great light in a time fraught with darkness.”
About Dr. Ala Stanford
Dr. Ala Stanford, a practicing physician for over 20 years, is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery and a health care advocate. She is the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium. The consortium was formed in response to the disproportionate number of African Americans being diagnosed and dying from coronavirus in Philadelphia and the lack of swift intervention to mitigate disease spread.
The mission of the consortium is to educate, provide advocacy and offer barrier-free coronavirus testing and vaccination in an effort to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Her research in basic science, clinical research and public health have been published in peer reviewed medical journals. Dr. Stanford also serves as a medical correspondent for local and national news outlets. She serves on the CDC Philadelphia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee.
“When I heard the numbers of people of color dying from coronavirus at rates greater than all others: health care workers, children, rich, poor, with chronic health conditions and without, in that moment I realized I was no longer a novice student, but I had the infrastructure, knowledge and passion to change the narrative,” said Dr. Ala Stanford. “We needed to supply the most vulnerable with the tools needed to have a real chance against the pandemic. That was access, education, empathy, testing, contact tracing and vaccinations. Now thousands have been impacted, trust earned and lives saved. We, the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, are improving health outcomes locally and nationally. Points of Light, thank you for acknowledging our work. It is truly a labor of love.”
Additional recipients of this year’s award include Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen; Francine A. LeFrak, founder of the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation and the Same Sky Foundation Fund; and Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative.
Points of Light will announce additional event details including special guests and entertainment. 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 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 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most.
Points of Light Announces 2021 Honorees of The Civic 50
Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world, announced The Civic 50 honorees of 2021, recognizing them as the most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs – investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.
In 2021, Points of Light introduced new questions in The Civic 50 survey to better understand companies’ progress on commitments to racial equity and their communities. These findings will be shared as part of the June 16 honoree announcement and virtual event. The event will also feature new corporate racial equity research presented by Edelman CEO, Lisa Ross and a conversation on corporate leadership in advancing equity with PolicyLink CEO Michael McAfee and Points of Light CEO, Natalye Paquin.
“Points of Light believes that corporate leadership and commitment to civic engagement is critical to strengthening communities,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “This year’s honorees of The Civic 50 collectively gave $2.5 billion to their communities – and had nearly 400,000 employees volunteer for more than 7 million hours. We also saw them take action on key issues – 100 percent of The Civic 50 companies took action on issues of racism and equity, through supporting community organizers, conducting or supporting research, using their voice to raise awareness and more. In addition, 88 percent of the companies also gave time off or schedule flexibility to vote. We thank these leaders for their investment and look forward to supporting them in in leveraging their time, talent and assets to make transformational change.”
The Civic 50 Honorees of 2021
AbbVieAdobeAflacAltria GroupAnthem, Inc.Assurant, Inc.AT&T Inc.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of LouisianaBlue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsBlue Shield of CaliforniaCaesars EntertainmentCapital OneCharles Schwab & Co., Inc.CitiComcast NBCUniversalComerica BankConagra Brands
CVS HealthDeloitteDelta Air LinesDow, Inc.DTE EnergyEntergy CorporationFedExFiserv Inc.Freeport-McMoRanGeneral Mills, Inc.Hasbro, Inc.Health Care Service CorporationHewlett Packard EnterpriseKellogg CompanyKeyBankKPMG LLPLiberty Mutual Insurance
The process resulted in a tie between two companies and so we celebrate 51 companies on this year’s list.
The Civic 50 Sector Leaders
AT&T Inc. – Telecommunications Sector Leader
Dow, Inc. – Materials Sector Leader
DTE Energy – Utilities Sector Leader
Hewlett Packard Enterprise – Information Technology Sector Leader
KPMG LLP – Industrials Sector Leader
Prudential Financial, Inc. – Financials Sector Leader
Steelcase – Consumer Discretionary Sector Leader
The Hershey Company – Consumer Staples Sector Leader
UnitedHealth Group – Healthcare Sector Leader
The Civic 50 Volunteer Leader Award
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana – This award recognizes the company for having the leading volunteering culture and truly embracing volunteerism as a priority for civic engagement.
Key Statistics and Highlights from The Civic 50 2021 Honorees
The Civic 50 honorees:
Donated $2.5 billion in cash and $8.2 billion of in-kind support to US social causes
Supported their US employees in delivering 7.1 million volunteer hours
Treat their community involvement as a board-level issue (84% include community engagement in board of directors’ meetings)
Helped employees participate in elections (88% gave time off or schedule flexibility to vote)
Additionally, findings from new racial equity questions added to the survey indicate:
92% of the honoree company CEOs used their voice externally and 100% used their voice internally this past year on the issue of racial equity
94% of the honorees have formal supplier diversity programs with written strategies to promote a more diverse, equitable and inclusive company culture
86% of the honorees launched education and awareness campaigns to advance racial equity issues
82% of the honorees funded advocacy organizations focused on advancing racial equity issues
Since it was launched in 2012, The Civic 50 has provided a roadmap for good corporate citizenship, and showcases how committed companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the center of their business. 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 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 2021. For more information, please visit www.civic50.org.
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 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 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.
Points of Light Announces Third Annual Awards Celebration Will Recognize Hugh Evans, Francine A. LeFrak and Bryan Stevenson and Honor President George H.W. Bush’s Legacy of Civic Engagement
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced today it will hold the third annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards on September 28, 2021, and will recognize Hugh Evans, co-founder of The Oaktree Foundation and Global Citizen, Francine A. LeFrak, founder of the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation and the Same Sky Foundation Fund, and Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, with this year’s The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards.
Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama will once again serve as honorary co-chairs, with Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Lauren Bush Lauren, Wendy Wear Stapleton and Victor and Patricia Ganzi serving as co-chairs for this year’s in-person event that will be livestreamed for a home audience. The celebration honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and the individuals who demonstrate the transformative power of service, and who are driving significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions.
“Over this past year, in the face of a global pandemic and calls for racial and social justice, we have seen a renewed energy for civic engagement as people around the world have responded to meet the most pressing needs of their community,” said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO of Points of Light. “We believe that everyone has the power to create change, and the dedication and impact of our honorees – Hugh Evans, Francine A. LeFrak and Bryan Stevenson – shines as inspiring examples of the progress we can all make towards achieving a more just and equitable society.”
Previous honorees include Maria Rose Belding; Marc and Lynne Benioff; Garth Brooks; Captain Sir Thomas Moore; Khloe Thompson; Hamdi Ulukaya; and Shreyaa and Esha Venkat.
About The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Honorees
About Hugh Evans
Hugh Evans is an internationally renowned development advocate, humanitarian and the co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. In 2009, with grants from the United Nations, Australian government and British government, Hugh Built his impact in the aid and development sector, co-founding Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization committed to increasing the number and effectiveness of individuals taking action to end extreme poverty. In August 2012, Hugh launched the annual Global Citizen Festival – a free ticketed music event in New York City that coincides with the UN General Assembly meeting in September. Over the last ten years, Global Citizens have taken over 24 million actions in the fight against extreme poverty, driving financial commitments of $48 billion that have impacted the lives of 880 million people around the world.
“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the millions of global citizens who have taken action to hold our world leaders accountable to the promises they’ve made to ending extreme poverty,” said Hugh Evans. “Thank you to Points of Light for this incredible recognition. By working together, we can create life-saving impact around the world.”
About Francine A. LeFrak
Francine A. LeFrak is president of the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation and the Same Sky Foundation Fund. A successful philanthropist, women’s rights advocate and social entrepreneur, Francine founded a trade initiative, Same Sky, to help women who were invisible become visible through the dignity of work.
She began her employment and training programs with survivors of the Rwandan genocide and continued in the U.S. with women who were recently released from prison needing a second chance. As a philanthropist, she has helped thousands of women and girls use their talents to find opportunities for success and rise out of poverty. Her belief in a hand-up model is what sets her apart from others. By providing access to training, education and financial fluency programs Francine LeFrak is helping women be economically secure and flourish. She believes that introducing women to the tools they need for financial courage, enables them to face life’s challenges with strength and transform their lives with dignity. Through the Foundation’s numerous programs, Francine has impacted more than one million people.
Before her work as a social entrepreneur and philanthropist, Francine had a successful career on Broadway and as a social issues film producer where she garnered multiple Tony, Emmy and Peabody awards.
In recognition of her humanitarian efforts, Francine has received the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from the French Government, the Women Together Award from the United Nations, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Human Spirit Award from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 2019 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Accessories Pioneer Award and the UNFCU Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Award. Francine is a long-time member and Chair Emerita of Harvard Kennedy School’s Women’s Leadership Board.
“The late President Bush was an inspiration in the way he approached service and addressing societal issues through encouraging volunteerism,” said Francine A. LeFrak. “During his life, President Bush encouraged each of us to make a difference, and it is an honor to be considered one of our country’s points of light.”
About Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson is the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Mr. Stevenson has argued and won multiple cases at the United States Supreme Court, including a 2019 ruling protecting condemned prisoners who suffer from dementia and a landmark 2012 ruling that banned mandatory life-imprisonment-without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger. Mr. Stevenson and his staff have won reversals, relief, or release from prison for over 135 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row and won relief for hundreds of others wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced.
“I’m very honored to accept this award and recognition, which is a testament to the incredible work of our team at the Equal Justice Initiative,” said Bryan Stevenson. “We must all play a role in fighting for those who suffer inequality and injustice, and I hope to inspire others to act and meet the needs of the most vulnerable in their own communities around the world.”
In the coming months, Points of Light will announce additional honorees and event details including special guests and entertainment. 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 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most.
Points of Light Conference Transforms to a Virtual Format in 2021 Featuring Dynamic and Engaging Sessions for Online Attendees
Global nonprofit Points of Light announced today that early-bird registration is now open for the 2021 Points of Light Conference. This year’s event will be an online experience to ensure the health and wellbeing of attendees as the COVID pandemic continues to pose a risk for large gatherings. The virtual event, is scheduled for July 14-15.
Core to Points of Light’s philosophy is a belief that the most powerful force in the world is an individual who has realized their power to make a positive difference. The 2021 Points of Light Conference will bring together a virtual audience of changemakers from the nonprofit, government, business and civic sectors to connect and uncover meaningful ways to drive transformative change. This virtual event will offer an interactive, inspirational and engaging learning environment that will challenge attendees to build stronger communities and position organizations to galvanize the power of people.
“This past year, we have seen a renewed energy for civic engagement as individuals around the world have stepped up to meet the most pressing needs of their community, from responding to a global pandemic to standing up for human rights, social justice and racial equity,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Understanding how people engage is critical to building community and moving our work forward. The 2021 Points of Light Conference is our opportunity to write the next chapter of The Civic Century, share ideas and build a better normal.”
This year’s online conference experience will deliver a dynamic array of inspirational moments, engaging learning and networking opportunities, as well as high-quality live webcasts. The event will be the kick-off for a yearlong learning journey that will culminate with the 2022 conference at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
“At Disney, we are passionate about volunteering,” said George A. Kalogridis, President, Segment Development and Enrichment, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “We have enjoyed a long relationship with Points of Light and together, we have seen how one person or one family’s commitment to service can make a lasting difference in not only their community, but the world. We are pleased to participate in this year’s virtual conference and look forward hosting the 2022 Points of Light Conference at the most magical place on earth—Walt Disney World Resort.”
Business and community leaders from across Florida will serve on the conference Host Committee, chaired by Kalogridis, to identify inspirational speakers and cultivate high-quality experiences for virtual attendees during the event and through the year leading up to the 2022 in-person event.
The following individuals will serve as members:
Chris Allen, Executive Director, Hands On Orlando
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director, External Affairs, Walt Disney World Resort
Gary Blanchette, Executive Director (Recently Retired), Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Non Profit Leadership
Carnita Chopin, Director of Sales – Association Group Sales, Hilton Worldwide Sales
Shannon Clark, Chief Customer Service Officer, Florida Citrus Sports
Lisa Davis, Manager, Community Impact, JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
Erika J. Davis, CRP, Corporate Community Impact, JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
Jennifer Flynn Dear, Managing Director, Community Impact and Alumni, KPMG LLP
Joe Dzaluk, President and CEO, 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
Anna V. Eskamani, State Representative — District 47, Florida House of Representatives
Linda Landman Gonzalez, VP, Community Relations & Government Affairs, Orlando Magic, and President, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation
Doug Goodman, Ph.D., Professor & Director, School of Public Information, University of Central Florida
Marcia Hope Goodwin, Chief Service Officer and Director, Office of Community Affairs, Office of the Mayor, City of Orlando
Taryn Green, Bonner Leaders Program, Rollins College
Jodie Hardman, SVP, Market Manager, Local Market Organization, Bank of America
Jeff Hayward, President & Chief Executive Officer, Heart of Florida United Way
Meredith Hein, Director, Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, Rollins College
Gretchen Jordan, CVA, Association Manager, Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE)
George A. Kalogridis, President, Segment Development and Enrichment, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Sean Keeney, Destination Services Senior Manager, Visit Orlando
Shawana Kenner, Security Manager, UPS
Steve Kirby, President, Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation
Erica La Spada, Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement, United Way of Northeast Florida
Dale Mandell, President and CEO, HandsOn Broward / HandsOn Miami
Francine Martin, Volunteer Coordinator, United Way of Volusia – Flagler Counties
Sasha Moon, Manager, Corporate Community Impact, JM Family Enterprises
The 2021 Points of Light Conference is a virtual event with online sessions for a virtual audience. The conference brings together thousands of nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders to collaborate, connect, gain and share the knowledge and resources needed to galvanize the power of people to create change. We strive to strengthen the social sector by providing innovative ideas and resources that make it easier for people in communities across the globe to find opportunities to do good in new and meaningful ways; for businesses to share best practices and develop custom solutions to drive transformative change in the communities where their employees live and work; for nonprofits to collaborate and build capacity so they may better meet their missions; and to ensure that dedicated individuals and organizations are recognized for their commitment to taking action that improves the world. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org/conference.
Points of Light Kicks-off Second Annual “Global Volunteer Month”
Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, today announced April as the second annual Global Volunteer Month – a time to recognize the impact of volunteering and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges. Introduced in April 2020, Global Volunteer Month was launched as a galvanizing moment to inspire and activate volunteers in addition to supporting the most vulnerable populations affected. And over the past year, in the midst of a pandemic, volunteers have joined the ranks of frontline workers and first responders to fight against COVID-19, support the vaccination roll-out, address systemic racism and ensure equity and opportunity for all.
“We launched Global Volunteer Month last year during a time of great uncertainty that made it even more important for us to find ways to unite communities and connect people despite distance,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “2020 marked one of the most civically engaged years in history and demonstrated that, despite all the obstacles, the powerful force in our world today is people-powered change.”
Points of Light’s Civic Life Today report in Fall 2020 shared that 95% of people plan to maintain or increase their current level of involvement to do more after the pandemic passes. To meet that need, the organization recently launched Points of Light Engage, the world’s largest digital hub for volunteering and community engagement opportunities to help connect people to even more at-home and in-person opportunities than before. This database aims to connect eager volunteers with growing opportunities in cities around the world, where the number of volunteers is increasing rapidly as some metropolitan areas are seeing between approximately 4,000 and 21,000 new volunteers each month, currently being driven by vaccination efforts. This new tool also offer tips and best practices for safely volunteering from home or in communities.
Throughout Global Volunteer Month, Points of Light is calling on everyone to help build our society back better than before the pandemic through volunteering this April – whether from home or safely in their community – using Points of Light’s platform to find an opportunity in their own backyard at https://pointsoflight.org/volunteer/.
Global Volunteer Month is a joint effort with Phillips 66, returning this year as lead partner, alongside supporting partner The UPS Foundation.
“We know from conversations with our non-profit partners that after this extremely difficult year, their needs are more significant than ever,” said Phillips 66 Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Communications Sonya Reed. “That’s why we’re excited to join Points of Light again this year and to reengage with those communities that are still struggling through this challenging environment.”
To find creative ways to get involved, volunteers are encouraged to visit Points of Light’s website for more information on how they can make an impact in their local community, including:
Learn: explore resources on virtual volunteerism for individuals who want to volunteer from inside their home and safety tips for people that choose to volunteer outside of their home.
Find: search a data base for virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities, DIY projects that you can do from your home, and local Points of Light affiliates to learn what your community needs.
Share: inspire others with the stories of people who are taking part in volunteerism or uplifting their community in new and inventive ways by posting on social media.
Those who wish to participate in Global Volunteer Month are encouraged to use #GlobalVolunteerMonth for social media posts related to Global Volunteer Month.
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 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 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 Phillips 66
Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company’s master limited partnership, is integral to the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,300 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $55 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2020. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.
About The UPS Foundation
Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. In 2020, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $122.3 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/Foundation and @UPS_Foundation [twitter.com] on Twitter.
Georgia Teens Recognized as 7,000th Daily Point of Light Honorees for Their Work Supporting the Next Generation of Changemakers
Kruthik Ravikanti and Deesha Panchal were both named Daily Point of Light Award No. 7,000 by Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Kruthik and Deesha received this recognition for their ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of changemakers and helping teens certify their organizations as a 501(c)(3).
Kruthik and Deesha are the co-directors of Georgia Youth Leaders, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides information and guidance to young social entrepreneurs, allows them to benefit from nonprofit status, helps them procure funding and supports them in various other ways. Georgia Youth Leaders is a bridge for connecting changemakers with teens trying to find their passions through volunteering.
“Many young people aren’t particularly interested in typical types of volunteering but have a desire to launch their own service projects,” said Kruthik. “They often lack the necessary resources, such as the time and money it takes to obtain official nonprofit status. To address this problem, we created Georgia Youth Leaders.”
“Georgia Youth Leaders offers a fiscal sponsorship program for the youth creating change in their communities,” said Deesha. “We strive to connect students with volunteer networks and opportunities that they express through their passions and offer service projects with varying topics and scales to transform every young person into a socially conscious leader.”
Daily Point of Light Awards are given five days a week as Points of Light honors individuals and groups creating meaningful change to meet community needs, efforts that 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. Points of Light continues the recognition each weekday and now has 7,000 honorees to date.
“The Daily Point of Light Award recognizes those who saw something they wanted to improve in the world, then through their time, talent and efforts, began making those improvements,” said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO, Points of Light. “We’re are excited to celebrate this milestone and pleased to honor Kruthik and Deesha for their amazing work.”
Kruthik and Deesha continue to inspire others with their work and hope to show others that they can make a difference in their communities too.
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.
About the Daily Point of Light Award
For nearly 30 years, Points of Light has been honoring individuals five days a week with its, Daily Point of Light Awards. This award honors 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. Points of Light continues the recognition each weekday and now have 7,000 honorees to date.
POINTS OF LIGHT WELCOMES FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ATLANTA (Jan. 17, 2019) – Points of Light is pleased to announce the addition of five leaders to its board of directors. Each individual brings an enduring commitment to service, and will apply their expertise to Points of Light’s mission to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that creates change in communities around the world.
“All five of our new board members share our vision to inspire future generations to carry forward the commitment to give back,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light.
The newly appointed members of the Points of Light board of directors are:
Mary Kate Cary, a professional writer and filmmaker who served as a White House speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to early 1992, helping to write more than 100 presidential addresses. Mary Kate continues to write for a variety of national political, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and is currently a senior fellow at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center for Public Affairs;
Heidi Magyar, director of corporate giving at General Motors, who oversees integrated corporate giving and employee volunteerism initiatives. In 2015, Heidi was appointed as a commissioner by the governor of Michigan to the Michigan Community Service Commission, which uses service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities;
Brenda Robinson, entertainment attorney, philanthropist and partner in the law firm of Swanson Martin & Bell LLP in Chicago. Throughout her career, Brenda has provided legal counsel to a variety of clients in the music, film, television and performing arts industries, and she is a member of the Recording Academy and the Sundance Institute;
Suzanne Spero, executive director of The MCJ Amelior Foundation, a family foundation assisting entities that encourage mentoring relationships, create unique entrepreneurial opportunities, and promote national and local participation in voluntary community programs and services. Suzanne is co-founder of Jersey Cares, a Points of Light affiliate, which organizes teams of socially-minded individuals for community service projects;
Eric Tanenblatt, global chair of public policy and regulation at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, who also leads the firm’s U.S. public policy practice. Eric was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, serving from 2008 until 2013. He was head of congressional and intergovernmental affairs at the Peace Corps during President George H.W. Bush’s administration, and was the founder and chairman of Hands on Georgia, a statewide organization to promote volunteerism.
“All five of our new board members share our vision to inspire future generations to carry forward the commitment to give back,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “This dynamic group of leaders provide a perfect complement to our current board. We look forward to leveraging their skills and energy in our work.”
The new cohort of board members began their service on Jan. 1, 2019, and will serve a three-year term.
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 across 37 countries and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 20 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people where it’s needed most. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.
