Today, communities around the globe face complex and urgent challenges. Disconnection and isolation further undermine efforts to rally people to address these deep-rooted issues. Volunteers are essential in meeting critical needs, bringing immense value to individuals, the communities they serve and our global society. However, there are not enough people engaged in volunteering. Through research and insights, sector capacity building and culture change, Points of Light aims to increase the number of volunteers and shape the future of volunteering in our society.
“I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding… The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.”
— President George H.W. Bush Points of Light founder, during his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1989
Highlights From the Past 35 Years
President George H.W. Bush
mentions Points of Light 41 times in his inaugural address.
Photo Credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Daily Point of Light Established
President Bush establishes the Daily Point of Light Award, recognizing over 1,000 volunteers during his administration. The award is now administered by Points of Light.
Points of Light Foundation Created
In response to President Bush’s call to action, Points of Light Foundation is created to encourage and empower the spirit of service.
National Volunteer Week
President Bush designates April 22–28, 1990, as National Volunteer Week.
The Points of Light Foundation Grows
The Points of Light Foundation merges with the National Volunteer Center Network.
CityCares Founded
HandsOn Atlanta, New York Cares and Greater DC Cares found CityCares (later HandsOn Network) to provide a national network for sharing resources.
National and Community Service Trust Act
President Bill Clinton signs the act, initiating AmeriCorps, a national service program.
Courtesy of Clinton Presidential Library
Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) begins operation, engaging millions in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America.
The Presidents' Summit for America's Future
Presidents Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and first lady Nancy Reagan convene to discuss voluntary action.
Photo Credit: William J. Clinton Presidential Library
The Year of the Volunteer
The United Nations proclaims the Year of the Volunteer. Points of Light Foundation joins nearly 1,000 partners in service.
HandsOn Network Corporate Service Council
Established with 29 founding corporate leaders, the Corporate Service Council now includes over 90 companies.
Hurricane Katrina
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Presidents George H. W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush give their voice to mobilize Americans in disaster relief and recovery. Volunteers mobilize for disaster relief. HandsOn Network establishes HandsOn Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Miss.
Points of Light Created
Points of Light Foundation and HandsOn Network merge, creating the largest volunteer management organization in the nation.
United We Serve
President Obama announces the campaign to engage more Americans in service.
Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library
Presidential Forum on Service
Points of Light hosts the Presidential Forum on Service, with bipartisan support from President Obama and President George H.W. Bush. The forum recognizes the 20th anniversary of President Bush’s invocation of a thousand points of light and celebrates the volunteer sector’s tremendous gains during the past two decades.
Points of Light Launches generationOn
A new enterprise to engage young people in creating meaningful change.
Haiti Earthquake
President Clinton and President George W. Bush unite to raise funds and engage Americans in service for Haiti.
Points of Light Tribute
The Points of Light Tribute honors President George H. W. Bush. On March 21, 2011, Points of Light hosts “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service,” a historic, once-in-a-lifetime tribute to President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush for their leadership in founding and advancing the modern-day service movement.
5,000th Daily Point of Light Award
President Barack Obama and President George H. W. Bush join dozens of service leaders from across the country at a White House ceremony on July 15, 2013, to present the 5,000th Daily Point of Light Award to Floyd Hammer and Kathy Hamilton of Union, Iowa.
UK Point of Light Award
The United Kingdom Points of Light award is developed in partnership with the Points of Light and launched in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street in April 2014. Since then over 1,000 people have been named Points of Light by the Prime Minister, highlighting an enormous array of innovative and inspirational volunteering across Britain.
Hurricane Harvey Honorees
Points of Light honors five volunteers for their relief efforts, presented by five former Presidents.
Commonwealth Point of Light Award Established
Her Majesty the Queen honors volunteers across the Commonwealth nations.
President George H.W. Bush's Legacy
Points of Light joins world leaders, family and friends in celebrating the life and legacy of President George H.W. Bush following his passing.
Global Volunteer Month
Points of Light launches Global Volunteer Month in April, an extension of the National Volunteer Week founded by President George H.W. Bush, to celebrate the power of people who tackle society’s greatest challenges through volunteerism.
American Climate Corps
President Joe Biden launches the American Climate Corps to train young Americans for careers in clean energy, conservation and climate resilience. The program focuses on job training, environmental justice and career skills development, aiming to address climate change and create a sustainable future.
Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz
Celebrating George H.W. Bush's 100th Birthday
Points of Light recognizes founder George H.W. Bush’s 100th birthday with a yearlong celebration of his lifetime of service and legacy of impact.
Photo Credit: George and Barbara Bush Foundation
Looking to The Future
Points of Light prepares our new strategic direction.
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Get Involved
Find opportunities to make a difference in your community and beyond. Your involvement is crucial to creating positive change — contribute your time, skills and passion to causes that matter to you, then share your story on social media.
Join us in celebrating our 35th anniversary by spreading our message and engaging your community. The resources below make it easy for you to inspire others and contribute to our collective mission.
Celebrating #35YearsofLight! ✨ Thirty-five years ago, President George H.W. Bush ignited a movement by recognizing volunteers as “points of light” and sparking a legacy of community and compassion. Millions worldwide have since joined, volunteering to address critical needs and inspire change.
Celebrating #35YearsofLight! ✨ Thirty-five years ago, President George H.W. Bush ignited a movement by recognizing volunteers as “points of light” and sparking a legacy of community and compassion. Millions worldwide have since joined, volunteering to address critical needs and inspire change.
Today, Points of Light continues to bring together individuals, nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders to face urgent challenges. In times of complex issues and social isolation, volunteerism is vital. I'm proud to be a part of @PointsofLight, helping to build a future where more people step up and say, “I can help.”
Today, Points of Light continues to bring together individuals, nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders to face urgent challenges. In times of complex issues and social isolation, volunteerism is vital. I'm proud to be a part of @PointsofLight, helping to build a future where more people step up and say, “I can help.”
✨ Celebrating #35YearsofLight! 35 years ago, President George H.W. Bush sparked a legacy by recognizing volunteers as “points of light.” Today, we continue this work, uniting communities to tackle global challenges. I’m proud to help build a brighter future with @PointsofLight!
✨ Celebrating #35YearsofLight! 35 years ago, President George H.W. Bush sparked a legacy by recognizing volunteers as “points of light.” Today, we continue this work, uniting communities to tackle global challenges. I’m proud to help build a brighter future with @PointsofLight!
