Statement from Natalye Paquin, Points of Light President and CEO, in Honor of Harris Wofford

“Harris Wofford’s life was the very definition of what we at Points of Light hold up and support through our mission, a life that includes service to others. His dear friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.’ A lifelong advocate for civil rights, national service and volunteering, Sen. Wofford was an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and, alongside Rep. John Lewis, authored the act establishing MLK Day as a day of service – a day on, not a day off. He served as special assistant for civil rights under President John F. Kennedy, played a key role in establishing the Peace Corps, and later helped to establish and lead the Corporation for National Service and expand AmeriCorps.

“Sen. Wofford’s tireless commitment to improving the world through acts of service inspired millions. He was one of the earliest and most steadfast supporters of Points of Light, and we have always been privileged to call him a valued advisor and a friend. At the 2015 Points of Light Tribute Awards, we honored Sen. Wofford with the George W. Romney Public Service Award for his lifetime of leadership and exemplary public service. He believed in service as a uniting force for good, and showed us that every individual has the power to create change. Few individuals in American history have made a greater contribution to the service movement in our country and the world.”

About Points of Light

Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 20 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.