Contact:
Fred Whiting
Points of Light Foundation
(202) 729-8177
fwhiting@pointsoflight.org

Points of Light Foundation Endorses 2-1-1 Phone Service
Volunteer Centers Strengthen “Get/Give Help” Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 12, 2007) — The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., announced today its strong support for nationwide coverage of and investment in the “Get/Give Help” 2-1-1 telephone number.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects callers everyday and in times of crisis to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It currently reaches approximately 193 million Americans, or more than 65 percent of the country.

“We believe that for 2-1-1 to be effective as a ‘Give Help’ number, community Volunteer Centers must be partners in the 2-1-1 system,” says Robert Goodwin, President & CEO of the organization. “Our Affiliate Volunteer Centers locally provide an existing and proven way for callers to connect with volunteer service opportunities across the nation.”

“Volunteer Centers are the experts in engaging volunteers effectively and building the capacity of other organizations to create meaningful opportunities for civic engagement,” Goodwin adds. “Without the involvement of Volunteer Centers, the volunteer component will not be as strong or comprehensive as it should be in order to capitalize on the valuable resources offered by people who want to contribute their time to solving serious social problems.”

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life — businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth and older adults — to volunteer.

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Text of 2-1-1 Endorsement
Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network

All Americans should have access to community, volunteer, health and human service information & referral, both everyday and in times of crisis preparedness and response. The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network strongly supports nationwide coverage of the “Get/Give Help” 2-1-1 telephone number. We support federal, state, local, nonprofit, foundation and business investment in the 2-1-1 telephone number so every part of the United States has this valuable service.

We also believe that for 2-1-1 to be effective, Volunteer Centers must be partners in the 2-1-1 system. The Volunteer Center National Network provides an existing and proven way for callers to connect with volunteer service opportunities. Volunteer Centers are the experts in engaging volunteers effectively and building the capacity of other organizations to create meaningful opportunities for civic engagement. Without the involvement of Volunteer Centers, the volunteer component will not be as strong or comprehensive as it should be in order to capitalize on the valuable resources offered by people who want to contribute their time to solving serious social problems. The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network pledges to collaborate with the 2-1-1 system to create this important partnership.