Points of Light Launches a Strategy to Boost Volunteerism

Points of Light is the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service and civic engagement. The name was inspired by President George H.W. Bush, who referred to people and organizations engaged in service in the U.S. as “a thousand points of light” In his  1989 inaugural presidential address. 

Founded in 1990, the organization has inspired and engaged millions of volunteers across 32 countries. By partnering with nonprofits, companies and civic leaders, Points of Light aims to inspire, equip and mobilize people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement.

As the rate of volunteerism has declined in recent years and disconnection and social isolation rises, the organization’s mission has become even more critical.  In response, Points of Light has unveiled a new strategy to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteerism and galvanize new volunteers worldwide.

Points of Light’s National Strategy to Transform Volunteerism by 2035

Points of Light launched a National Volunteer Strategy as part of its Reimagining Service 2035 effort to double volunteering in America over the next decade. The aim is to promote community connections to help face real-world challenges head-on. 

The National Volunteer Strategy makes volunteering more meaningful by providing a clear roadmap for nonprofits, other organizations and people who want to give back to their communities. The volunteer strategy framework includes three pillars:

1. A Thriving Ecosystem: promoting leadership, infrastructure and collaboration across sectors to better position themselves to engage volunteers.
2. Transformative Impact:  measuring the impact of volunteerism to show how civic engagement visibly and directly impacts communities.
3. Meaningful Engagement:  encouraging volunteers to build purpose, meaning and relationships through empathy and engagement via volunteerism. 

Points of Light has also created a series of guides as a practical starting point for individuals, educators and organizations to engage with its National Volunteer Strategy.