POINTS OF LIGHT LAUNCHES THE CIVIC 50 10th ANNUAL SURVEY TO RECOGNIZE NATION’S TOP CORPORATE CITIZENS FOR 2022
Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, launched The Civic 50 annual survey on Dec. 3, 2021 which will remain open through Apr. 1, 2022. Points of Light will host a webinar on Friday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. ET, for interested companies. The survey and additional information can be accessed on the applicant information page, including key dates, FAQ, eligibility requirements and a list of survey questions.
Marking the 10th anniversary year, The Civic 50 recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation as determined by an annual survey administered by True Impact. Since it was launched in 2012, the program has served as 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.
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: How the company strategically invests its resources in community engagement and social impact, including employee time and skills, cash, in-kind giving and public leadership.
Integration: How the company integrates its community engagement and social impact programs throughout its business functions and interests (i.e., “does well by doing good”).
Institutionalization: How the company institutionalizes its community engagement and social impact programs through organizational policies, systems, and incentives.
Impact: How the company measures the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs.
In 2021, Points of Light also introduced new questions in The Civic 50 survey to better understand companies’ progress on commitments to racial equity and 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. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. For more information, please visit: 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.
KEEN FOOTWEAR AND POINTS OF LIGHT JOIN TO FIGHT GLOBAL STRESS AND UNCERTAINTY LAUNCHING LARGEST VOLUNTEER RESOURCE AHEAD OF GIVING TUESDAY
KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), the global footwear brand committed to positive change through civic engagement and volunteering, today announced a partnership with Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. In advance of GivingTuesday, KEEN fans will now have access to the world’s largest digital hub for volunteering and community engagement opportunities, powered by Points of Light. Fans can find more than 300,000 unique opportunities with more than 70,000 nonprofit organizations, schools, and other local agencies each year.
In a recent Harris Poll study, commissioned by KEEN Footwear, nearly 9 in 10 Americans (86%) feel helping others is a good way to reduce stress; nearly half of Americans (47%) say it is difficult to find volunteer opportunities near them; nearly three in five Americans (59%) plan to volunteer with charities/non-profits in the next 2 months; and among them, top reasons for doing so include wanting to give back during the holiday season (47%), to feel connected to a cause in their community (41%), and to feel a sense of purpose and certainty (41%).
To provide easier access to volunteer opportunities, KEEN is enabling anyone to search for local or national volunteer opportunities via its KEEN Corps Volunteers hub, the brand’s loyalty program that rewards fans for doing good deeds. There are tens of thousands of volunteering opportunities every day. Since its U.S. launch in September, KEEN Corps has grown to over 11,000 members and is experiencing 5% weekly growth. To date, over 6,600 volunteer hours have been logged by KEEN Corps members.
“Our recent data confirms consumers are exhausted and are looking for ways to relieve stress and feel in control in these unpredictable times,” said Erik Burbank, vice president, The KEEN Effect. “Volunteering in our communities has the dual benefit of giving back and leaving us feeling more fulfilled, empowered, and happy. On GivingTuesday (Nov. 30th) the greatest gift we can give is our time.”
“Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to use their voice, time, talents and passion to make sustainable changes within their communities,” said Natalye Paquin, Points of Light president and CEO. “KEEN Corps is a unique and inspiring program that promotes engagement through volunteerism, donating to local organizations and rewards individuals for their community building efforts. We are proud to be part of KEEN’s movement to get people involved in high-impact and personally-fulfilling actions for social good in their communities, and we look forward to seeing the success of their efforts across the U.S. and the globe.”
As part of KEEN Corps, KEEN’s GivingTuesday 10K Invitational encourages employees, fans, and partners to generate 10,000 hours of volunteering this December. In addition, KEEN will be donating up to $100,000 and footwear to food banks across the country as part of its overall commitment to this program. KEEN’s U.S. employees receive 40 hours of paid community service and volunteer time.
“Civic engagement and community support has been in KEEN’s DNA throughout its 18 years as a business,” continued Burbank. “There is a growing movement of people making a difference, and reaching out to do good. We’re super excited to help more people get involved, and are looking forward to launching KEEN Corps around the world in 2022.”
About the KEEN/Harris Poll Survey: The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of KEEN from November 11-15, 2021 among 2,013 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
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 KEEN
Driven by a passion to make the outside and trades accessible for all, KEEN is a values-led, family-owned footwear brand from Portland, Oregon committed to creating original and versatile products, enhancing lives, and inspiring adventures outside. Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the debut of the Newport adventure sandal. It continues to launch game-changing products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design while actively working to Detox The Planet. The brand formalized its values commitment under the banner of The KEEN Effect. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com.
A Statement on the Passing of General Colin L. Powell from Natalye Paquin, President & CEO of Points of Light
Points of Light joins millions in celebrating the life of General Colin L. Powell, a decorated military veteran and life-long public servant. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to civic life in its many forms.
His more than 30-year military career in service to the United States underscores the dedication and heroism of our nation’s armed forces and the value of that service was recognized with two of our nation’s highest honors, the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Beyond military service, General Powell’s roles under former Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush underscore the importance of civic engagement through public service.
His groundbreaking role as the first Black U.S. Secretary of State has inspired countless other people of color to see themselves in leadership positions.
General Powell’s generously gave his support to Points of Light over the years, most recently as an Honorary Committee Member of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration last month, and was an ongoing champion of civic engagement.
He was a bright light in our world and we hope his legacy will continue to inspire all of us to become deeply involved in our communities and country.
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.
