Youth and Families
Empowering volunteers of all ages to take action that improves the world.
A World Where Everyone Discovers Their Power to Make a Difference
Points of Light recognizes that a passion for volunteerism can be cultivated from a young age. Through our youth division, generationOn, we encourage kids and teens to learn the value of service and volunteerism by giving them tools and resources to make their mark on their communities and the world.
generationOn meets youth and families where they are by creating DIY service projects that are simple to execute and have a big impact, while also teaching children that they have the power to make a difference. We also work with schools and nonprofits to equip them to engage youth and families in volunteering to benefit the community and each other.
Join The Year of Civic Learning
The Year of Civic Learning kicks off at the closing of the 2021 Youth Summit and culminates at the 2022 Youth Summit.
We’re emerging from tough times. The desire to contribute has never been stronger and the benefits – support for our communities and a sense of pride and wellbeing for the giver – have never been more meaningful. We’re offering a “Year of Civic Learning” – a youth-focused, online experience for young people ages 13 and up for ideating, researching and developing a plan to positively impact their communities. At the end of the Year of Civic Learning, you will have the opportunity to pitch your community impact ideas at the 2022 Points of Light Conference!
The year-long learning pathway will include:
- Understanding your community through community mapping
- Understanding how you can positively impact your community
- Taking a deeper dive into the Points of Light Civic Circle as a way to positively impact your community
- Designing a community plan, including work continuing beyond the planning and implementation phases
- Presenting and pitching your project for community, government and funder support
Sign Up Today!
Information will be shared monthly through email. You’ll also have access to mentors to guide you through the process, offer tips and hear about the work you’re doing along the way.
Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program
Engaging families in volunteer projects helps create and deepen their bonds with each other and with their community. generationOn provides ideas and inspiration to help you figure out the best ways to host family volunteering projects.
Nonprofits and schools that host family-friendly volunteer projects are eligible for rewards! Points of Light and Disney Parks launched the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program to allow nonprofits and schools the chance to earn tickets to Disney Parks for hosting family volunteer projects.
Ideas for Getting Involved
There are many ways to inspire and engage youth at home, in school or in groups. Our DIY projects cover a variety of issue areas to help youth get involved in causes they care about. These projects vary in time and scope. We also engage youth and families through issue-focused campaigns and days of service that provide on-ramps to easy activation!
Visit generationOn to see our upcoming opportunities and events, or find a project that’s right for you.