Service and Civic Engagement: Milestones
1989: President George H.W. Bush’s inaugural address invokes the vision of a "thousand points of light." President Bush establishes the Daily Point of Light Award for individuals making a difference. The award is now administered by Points of Light Institute.
1990: In response to President Bush’s call to action, the Points of Light Foundation is created as an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization to encourage and empower the spirit of service.
1991: The Points of Light Foundation merges with the National Volunteer Center Network.
1992: CityCares (later named HandsOn Network) is established as a national umbrella organization to provide a national network for sharing resources.
1993: The Corporation for National and Community Service was established to connect Americans with opportunities to give back to their communities. At its inception, the Corporation was directed to manage three main programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps (created by President Bill Clinton), and Learn and Serve America.
1998: The Corporation for National and Community Service, the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network join to manage three national service programs: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), AmeriCorps*VISTA Literacy Connection and AmeriCorps Promise Fellows.
2002: President George W. Bush creates USA Freedom Corps in his 2002 State of the Union Address to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11, 2001.
2003: President George W. Bush announced the formation of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize American's important contributions through service. The Council also created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who inspire others to volunteer. Points of Light Institute is the administrating entity for the awards.
2004: CityCares changes its name to HandsOn Network and grows its national affiliate base and expands to international communities.
2005: HandsOn Network Corporate Council is established with 29 founding corporate leaders of Fortune 500 companies. The council has grown to include more than 60 companies representing our nation’s most powerful businesses and industries.
2007: Points of Light Foundation and HandsOn Network merge to become Points of Light Institute, creating the largest volunteer management and civic engagement organization in the nation.
2008: ServiceNation is established – an unprecedented coalition of service and volunteer leadership to inspire a new era of voluntary citizen service in America. Organizing committee members include Be the Change Inc., City Year, Civic Enterprises and Points of Light Institute.
2009: President Obama's signs the historic Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act heralding in the next phase of the nation’s renewed call to service
