6 Workshops to Watch for at the 2024 Points of Light Conference

Get ready to accelerate your impact in 2024. The Points of Light Conference, one of the top social impact conferences in the world, is gearing up for another transformative experience. Designed with nonprofits, NGOs and companies in mind, our unique blend of inspiring keynotes, actionable workshops and invaluable networking, is sure to leave with a renewed sense of purpose and equipped to make a difference.

As the conference agenda is taking shape, you might be curious to explore which of the more than 70 workshops you’ll want attend. We’ve put together a list of six to watch for, as well as which sector each is tailored to. These workshops promise to deliver innovative strategies, practical tools and the insights you need to take your social impact efforts to the next level.

1. Jump Start Strategic Volunteer Engagement Through Self-Assessment and Asset Sharing to Implement Change

Calling all nonprofit professionals! Transform your organization’s approach to volunteerism with AL!VE’s dynamic workshop. Start by assessing your current volunteer engagement practices against a proven framework for success. Then dive into facilitated networking where you’ll share resources, gain support and brainstorm fresh ideas to enhance your strategy. Leave equipped with the tools and knowledge to ignite organizational buy-in, implement lasting change and propel your organization towards becoming a Service Enterprise – a prestigious designation for organizations that excel in strategic volunteer engagement.

2. Trends Shaping the Future of Corporate Social Impact

Are you a passionate CSR professional? Then this workshop is for you. Dive into the groundbreaking research and trends driving the evolution of purpose-driven business. ACCP’s 2024 CSR Insights Survey, coupled with their extensive experience working with over 250 leading organizations, reveals the cutting-edge approaches shaping the future of corporate social impact. This session is your roadmap to enhancing employee engagement, maximizing the impact of corporate giving, strategizing community investment, refining impact measurement and championing equity and inclusion.

3. Change Takes Community. Healing Takes Heart

For community organizers and those who work with youth, this workshop is sure to provide value. Join this urgent discussion on the mental, social and physical health of girls with changemakers Nancy Wright (CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana) and Mackenzie Pickerrell (Executive Director, Girl Coalition of Indiana) to confront this growing crisis. They’ll expose the devastating effects of social media, societal pressures and rising suicide rates on girls, backed by compelling data and stories. But this session isn’t just about the problems; it’s about solutions. Explore the powerful role of empathy, collaboration and disruptive innovation in creating a brighter future for girls.

4. Community Agreements: Creating an Inclusive Foundation for Social Change

Are you a mid-career nonprofit professional looking to take your skills to the next level? Are you getting tired of programs that miss the mark? Don’t miss this workshop, where you’ll explore how to co-create solutions with the very people you aim to serve. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how Community Agreements foster equity, inclusivity and responsiveness in your programming. Forget just talking about the importance of community input – you’ll practice it! Elevate your programming with this new knowledge and take your organization’s impact to the next level.

5. How to Make Data Driven Decisions to Support Philanthropic Investments and Volunteerism

For corporate professionals, discover powerful new tools to ensure your philanthropic and educational efforts are making a real difference. KPMG and NAF are unveiling solutions that bring clarity and strategic direction to community support initiatives. See how KPMG’s Impact Framework creates a cohesive impact narrative and drives strategic decision-making for their philanthropic investments. Then discover NAF’s free Open Data Index for Schools (ODIS) – including a live demo. Gain a holistic understanding of school community challenges and use data to compare districts for targeted interventions.

6. A Deep Look at Civic Language & What to Say in Polarized Times

Be sure not to miss a workshop that can benefit all attendees. Do your conversations sometimes spark conflict instead of connection? In today’s polarized climate, even well-intentioned words can drive us further apart. PACE’s groundbreaking Civic Language Perceptions Project reveals how Americans perceive the language we use when discussing democracy and civic engagement. You’ll explore hidden meanings behind common words and phrases, how to build bridges with your language, how to motivate for action… and so much more.

Don’t miss out on attending the 2024 Points of Light Conference, June 11–14, 2024, in Houston, to network with 1,500 fellow peers, learn and attend workshops all about volunteer engagement and volunteer management best practices. Over two and a half days, get full access to compelling discussions around Jumpstarting Strategic Volunteer Engagement Through Self-Assessment and Asset Sharing; Managing Through Uncertainty for Volunteers, Staff and Communities; Building volunteer persona strategies for individuals, companies and donors; and much more.

This global event, happening at the Marriott Marquis Houston, is tailor-made for volunteer management experts, like you, who are passionate about civic engagement and are looking for ways to level up. Early bird pricing saves on average $150 and is available now at just $625 for government/nonprofit organizations. Register today to lock in your early bird rate.

HOT TIP! In addition to hotel rooms being available at the official conference site, the Marriott Marquis Houston, the Hilton Americas Houston offers rooms to Points of Light Conference attendees at a discounted rate. The hotel is right across the street from the Marriott Marquis Houston, where conference sessions will take place. Book your room early.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor, UPS; platinum sponsor, Delta Airlines; silver sponsors, AARP Foundation, Allstate and Lowe’s; our bronze sponsor, GM; and supporters Altria and Liberty Mutual Insurance. Learn the value of partnering with Points of Light at the 2024 Points of Light Conference and find out how you can join the movement.