Beyond the Thank-You: Building Volunteer Recognition That Sustains Engagement
National Volunteer Week and Global Volunteer Month give us an important opportunity to celebrate volunteers and their power to tackle society’s challenges.
But celebration alone is not enough. Organizations that sustain volunteer engagement over time understand that recognition and appreciation are not extras layered on after service happens, but are embedded throughout the volunteer experience. When done authentically and intentionally, they strengthen volunteer engagement, deepen belonging and help scale impact.
Research reveals that recognition requires more than a one-time event or thank you. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations found that feeling recognized enough, a culture of respect and trust, and the sense that one belongs were the top three factors influencing satisfaction among volunteers. In Volunteer Canada’s 2013 Volunteer Recognition Study, 80% of volunteers stated they would like to be recognized or thanked by hearing how their work has made a difference. Close to 70% stated they would like to be recognized by being thanked in person on an ongoing, informal basis.
Both studies underscore the importance of recognition and appreciation in the volunteer experience.
Defining Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation
So, what is the difference? Appreciation is the ongoing practice of helping people feel seen, heard and valued. It affirms volunteers for who they are, not just what they do. A culture of appreciation is something that people feel. Recognition is the system that names contributions, connects them to impact and creates opportunities for belonging and growth. It is the structure and practices that reveal and sustain culture.
This expansive approach to volunteer recognition and appreciation does more than say “thank you” and “congrats!” It builds the conditions for people to stay connected, deepen their commitment and inspire others to serve.
At its best, recognition highlights what volunteers have done and—importantly—why it matters. Recognition tells volunteers that their work and the impact it had are seen and valued. Appreciation tells them they belong and their involvement matters to the team.
Telling the Volunteer Story
Storytelling is a powerful recognition tool that can be leveraged to help shine a light on the volunteers, their work and its impact. It’s one of the reasons Points of Light acknowledges a Daily Point of Light honoree, including its 8300th honoree, Gavin Reddy. Through EMPWR, Gavin is helping Native youth and families build healthier habits through culturally rooted cooking and nutrition education. That translates into dozens of families who now have access to fresh, free produce along with support for healthy habits.
The significance of recognizing volunteers like Gavin Reddy is not just a spotlight alone but the way recognition helps volunteers feel that their work and impact are truly seen.
At Points of Light, we know that meaningful volunteer recognition is rooted in authenticity and a clear connection to impact rather than formal banquets or public fanfare. We see how appreciation cultivates relationships and connection.
By fostering a culture of gratitude that consistently appreciates and recognizes volunteers, we strengthen their connection to our mission and community. What’s more, we increase the likelihood that they will continue to show up, stay engaged and grow with us.
Global Volunteer Month Partners: Exploring the Heart of Volunteerism and Its Impact
(GVM), and Points of Light is proud to partner with incredible organizations mobilizing volunteers for change. This month, we explore the personal motivations – the “why” – behind this vital service. Here’s what our GVM program partners had to say.
engages volunteers in Jewish service, blending hands-on action with Jewish learning and reflection to address social needs. This unique approach connects volunteers to issues through a Jewish lens, enriching their service with cultural and historical context.
Volunteers are crucial to Repair the World’s mission of fostering a vibrant Jewish community through social change. They directly support service partners, deepen participants’ Jewish identities and build stronger communities. Without volunteers, Repair the World couldn’t meet community needs, connect individuals to their heritage through service or cultivate collective action.
One of Repair the World’s key programs,
, has volunteers commit five to 10 hours weekly to local nonprofits and NGOs, engaging in community building and learning rooted in Jewish values. This program has contributed over 55,000 service hours since 2020. In addition to its internal programming, partnering with GVM allows Repair the World to reach more volunteers and more partners, aiming to inspire one million acts of service and learning by 2030 toward Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
“In the face of unprecedented antisemitism in the United States and war in Israel, we saw an inspiring surge in the number of participants showing up to live their Jewish values through meaningful Jewish service. At this pivotal moment for the Jewish community, we are filled with hope for the future of our work and also with deep resolve for its great importance.” — Cindy Greenberg, CEO, Repair the World
Operation Gratitude: A Nationwide “Thank You” Powered by Volunteers
, another Global Volunteer Month partner, embodies the power of collective appreciation for our military and first responder communities. Their mission is to express gratitude and honor the service of these dedicated individuals by creating opportunities for all Americans to show their thanks.
Operation Gratitude offers diverse ways to get involved, catering to all ages and abilities. Volunteers can participate in energetic in-person care package assemblies or contribute virtually through initiatives like the “
” program, collection drives, letter writing, paracord lanyard making and more. Every activity directly supports those who serve.
Thanks to their nationwide network, Operation Gratitude has sent over 4.2 million care packages since 2003, a testament to the collective desire to say, “thank you” to deployed servicemembers, veterans, first responders, recruit graduates, military spouses and caregivers.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. Without them, our vision of honoring and uplifting our heroes would remain unfulfilled. They are the true force behind every care package, every smile, and every expression of thanks.” — Meg Barron, executive director, Operation Gratitude
Best Friends Animal Society: A Volunteer-Powered Path to No-Kill
, a national leader working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters by 2025, is our next Global Volunteer Month partner. Their ambitious “no-kill” goal relies heavily on the passion and dedication of their vast network of volunteers. Best Friends offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities, both in person and virtual, catering to diverse skills and availability.
From hands-on animal care and event support to donor stewardship, website writing, social media moderation and even creating learning modules, volunteers are integral to nearly every aspect of their work. Their growing remote volunteer program, known as NOVA (National Operations Volunteers and Ambassadors), allows individuals nationwide to contribute from their own communities.
Volunteers directly contribute to animal care, facilitate adoptions through fostering and transport, cultivate donor relationships, gather crucial data to target resources and play a vital role in their annual national conference, impacting animal welfare professionals across the country. Having previously partnered with Points of Light through the
, Best Friends is thrilled to re-engage and elevate their volunteer engagement strategies on a global platform.
“In 2024, more than 12,000 volunteers donated more than 520,000 hours of help! Their efforts translate into animal lives saved. The passionate and skilled volunteers who are our partners in this work have a lifesaving impact on animals across the country. They play an integral part in Best Friends achieving its mission.” — Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society
AmeriCorps: Empowering Citizens to Serve and Strengthen Communities
Image courtesy AmeriCorps
Global Volunteer Month partner
, the federal agency dedicated to service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and foster stronger civic engagement through sustained, results-driven service.
AmeriCorps works with a vast network of nonprofit, community, faith-based, tribal and government partners. Each year, they engage Americans of all backgrounds in service at over 34,000 locations nationwide, tackling critical issues in education, health, economic opportunity, disaster services, environmental stewardship and support for veterans and military families. Through public-private partnerships, AmeriCorps invests significant federal resources in local solutions powered by national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and
volunteers are on the front lines of addressing major community challenges.
AmeriCorps believes that national service is a vital complement to governmental efforts, requiring broad citizen participation. For every dollar invested in AmeriCorps, significant value is returned to the economy and communities. Volunteering is seen as the very heartbeat of healthy communities, providing essential support to schools, shelters, hospitals and various civic and nonprofit organizations. For over two decades, AmeriCorps has also collaborated with the U.S. Census Bureau to track volunteerism and civic engagement, providing crucial data on the nation’s civic health.
The Rippling Impact of Your “Why” During Global Volunteer Month
celebrates the power of individual action. Whether it’s a desire to live out deeply held values like Tikkun Olam, a heartfelt need to express gratitude to those who serve, a profound compassion for animals in need or a fundamental belief in strengthening communities through civic engagement, the motivations behind volunteering are as diverse as the individuals themselves. Yet, these personal drivers converge into a powerful force for good, creating tangible and lasting change.
This Global Volunteer Month, we encourage you to reflect on your own “why.” What issues resonate deeply with you? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world? Just as the volunteers for our partners have found meaningful ways to contribute their time and talents, you too have the power to be a force for positive change.
Whether it’s a few hours a month or a more significant commitment, your individual action, driven by your personal “why,” can create a ripple effect of hope and progress in your community and beyond. Join us in celebrating the power of volunteers and discover your own unique way to make a difference.
, a time to celebrate and participate in the power of volunteering. As we gear up for this inspiring month, here are 10 essential ways you can prepare to make the most of it:
1. Educate Yourself on the Importance of Volunteering
Understanding the impact of volunteering on communities and individuals is crucial. Read up on the stories of change and transformation brought about by volunteers around the world. This knowledge can fuel your motivation and commitment.
that is a treasure trove of information. This toolkit provides guidance on how to spread the word about Global Volunteer Month, share your stories and inspire others to join the cause. It’s a must-have resource for both new and seasoned volunteers.
3. Set Personal Volunteering Goals
What do you wish to achieve during Global Volunteer Month? It could be a certain number of volunteering hours, learning a new skill or helping a specific number of people. Setting clear, achievable goals can provide a sense of direction and accomplishment.
4. Search for In-Person and Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
is your go-to place to find both in-person and virtual volunteering opportunities. With a wide array of options, you can choose what resonates most with your interests and skills. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to a long-term project, there’s something for everyone.
“Global Volunteer Month celebrates people who are creating change and making a lasting impact in communities around the world. Each of us can step into our power by stepping up to solve a problem we see by volunteering, using our voice, listening to others and working together. With community-serving organizations seeing a 7% drop in volunteers since the pandemic, we’re urging everyone to find a cause you care about and learn how you can get involved. Together, we can support each other and make our communities stronger.” — Chief Operating Officer Diane Quest
5. Connect with Other Volunteers
Join online forums, social media groups or local community gatherings of volunteers. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide support, inspiration and even valuable networking opportunities.
6. Prepare Your Volunteering Kit
Depending on your chosen volunteering activity, prepare a kit. This could include items like comfortable clothing, snacks for the event, necessary tools or even educational materials if you’re teaching or mentoring.
7. Spread the Word
Use your personal and professional networks to spread the word about Global Volunteer Month. Encourage friends, family and colleagues to participate. The more people involved, the bigger the impact.
8. Reflect on Past Volunteering Experiences
If you’ve volunteered before, take some time to reflect on those experiences. What did you learn? What would you like to do differently this time? These reflections can guide your approach to the upcoming opportunities.
9. Plan for Flexibility
Sometimes, volunteering plans can change – projects evolve, or personal commitments shift. Go into Global Volunteer Month with a flexible mindset, ready to adapt and embrace whatever comes your way.
10. Celebrate Your Impact
Finally, remember to celebrate the impact of your volunteer work. Recognizing the difference you make can be incredibly rewarding and can spur ongoing commitment to volunteering.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to make a meaningful contribution during Global Volunteer Month. Let’s join hands and hearts to make a difference in our communities and beyond!
6 Ways to Activate Points of Light’s Civic Circle Around Ukraine Relief
As Ukrainian refugees evacuate their homeland and begin to build new lives in new countries, you can support them. We’ve gathered a collection of ways for you to activate
Cash donations offer flexibility for organizations to respond in real time to people’s developing needs. Do your research first so you can be sure that the organization you plan to support is legitimate. Points of Light has established the
is happening all April long. Now is a great time to register to volunteer, but please do not self-deploy. There is limited access around humanitarian relief efforts right now. Working in the aftermath can be both dangerous and complex. It’s safest to wait until the impacted community has requested support, then coordinate with a vetted organization. Find a
, where we share updates and valuable information from our affiliates and other organizations about ways to support Ukraine. You can also follow first responders that are taking action to learn about the most pressing needs. Be intentional to watch media that cover both conservative and liberal views.
Through signing a petition, creating artwork with a statement or even staying silent, you can make your voice heard. And of course, you can share on your own social media network to raise awareness about long-term recovery needs. Just be careful to choose trustworthy sources to ensure you’re spreading accurate information. Check out our issue of
Your dollars can have an impact. You can choose to do business with companies supporting relief efforts in and around Ukraine with proceeds from your purchases. Participate in your own
by searching for companies that are selling products and services that you need. Some companies that are doing this work include Epic Games, maker of the popular video game, Fortnite. The company is giving away all proceeds from the game through April 3. Video game console maker Xbox has joined their effort by donating their net proceeds as well. Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation launched the ‘Meta History: Museum of War’ collection, a series of NFTs that support the war effort in Ukraine. Grammarly, an English language app, is donating $5 million to organizations and funds supporting the people of Ukraine.
There is a growing movement in the corporate sector toward “doing well by doing good,” This ideal could look like giving to humanitarian relief efforts through employee matching, which not only supports the cause but amplifies employee donations. Find out if your company is supporting Ukraine through donations and matching or other means.
Some companies that are doing this type of work include:
Bank of America, which pledged to donate $1 million to the people of Ukraine via five groups: the Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Ukraine and the region, World Central Kitchen, Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, International Medical Corps and Project Hope. The bank also said it would match employee donations to support the relief effort.
KPMG Chair and CEO, Paul Knopp, shared via Twitter, “At KPMG we stand with and support the people of Ukraine, condemning violent attacks by the Russian givernment [sic]. Today, KPMG is making an initial $250,000 donation to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund and encouraging our partners and professionals to donate as well.”
Whether you activate all six elements of the Civic Circle or choose just one, you’re exercising your civic power. Which will you choose? Tag us on
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
The World Is Different, Our Commitment to Serve Remains the Same
Our world has changed. The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we work, learn, live and simply interact with one another. Forever, it will remind us of how connected we actually are – no matter where we live in the world.
Already, we’re seeing the pandemic’s
and volunteering. We hear from our partners that numbers are down, and we expect that once the immediate health crisis passes and as our economy remains weakened, that will remain the case.
It’s a lot to take in. But let’s take a breath, and find the light and good as well. Because what hasn’t changed is the need to help others; and the power that we have when we come together, and the enormous impact we can have when we do.
Tomorrow we’ll begin
, thanks to our lead sponsor, Phillips 66, and supporting sponsor, The UPS Foundation. Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting people and organizations that are making a difference in their communities – even as COVID-19 both heightens the need for service and changes the way in which we are able to engage.
Every week, a new theme and a new set of stories from individuals, organizations and and corporate partners will showcase the light that exists in communities right now. On issues like education, health and wellness, human and civil rights, environment, and poverty and inequality – their stories prove that good can go viral too.
Join us in this celebration of Global Volunteer Month. Learn more about virtual volunteering and do-it-yourself projects you can undertake from home – perhaps as a family. Use #LocalLight on social media and help us uplift those who are doing good around the world.
There is hope. There is light. And there is a need and a way we can all serve.
The Power of Connectivity: A Reflection on Volunteering and Service
Craig Arnold supporting the Salvation army during a relief effort in Tacloban City, Philippines, following a cyclone. (Photo courtesy of Craig Arnold/UPS)
When I started at UPS, the plan was just to pay the bills during college and move on. More than three decades later, I’m still here —
why
?
Craig Arnold, Vice President of Sales, UPS
It comes down to service. My parents worked for the Salvation Army their entire adult lives, so I grew up seeing service in action.
I saw the same commitment when I walked through the doors at UPS. I still remember my first training class as a young supervisor when the instructor told us quite simply:
UPSers
serve
. Service is in our name. We serve customers, each other, shareowners and the community. I love that concept.
The instructor on that fateful day challenged us as leaders to make our decisions through the lens of service. I was hooked. All these years later, against the backdrop of
. As he said, the starting point for giving back starts within. When you find something you’re passionate about, giving time, sharing knowledge and offering financial support come naturally.
For me, the path was clear. My 32 years of developing logistics expertise and my passion for helping those in need were accelerators for giving back. I’m now part of an early-response Salvation Army team that goes to large-scale international disasters. Usually, we’re on the ground in the first couple of days after an event.
During the past nine years, I’ve deployed to Haiti, the Philippines, Vanuatu, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In each case, my role is to build a supply chain to deliver urgent aid to those in desperate need.
All disasters are different, but for me, they all have one common thread: We maximize our impact when we’re truly connected.
SUPPLIES BEING STAGED DURING A UPS HUMANITARIAN RELIEF OPERATION. (PHOTO COURTESY OF UPS)
Getting results
For example, after the earthquake in 2010 in Haiti, the Salvation Army cared for 15,000 displaced people living in a soccer stadium. They had more than 100 local volunteers, five trucks and an international team of disaster response experts, but they needed aid from outside the country as well.
UPS had never landed in Port Au Prince and needed landing rights, custom processes and a partner who could effectively distribute aid to people in need. I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. From the ground in Port Au Prince, I could organize the inbound processes, set up local trucking and engage the 82
nd
Airborne to help us deliver support.
In 23 days, we delivered 1.2 million meals.
In Vanuatu, after the devastation brought by Cyclone Pam, a community in a remote island village perched on the side of a mountain needed PVC, plumbing connectors and hardware. The need here wasn’t for big jets — it was about connecting different networks.
UPS provided funding for a series of small charter flights from Vanuatu’s capital city to the island every day to provide enough water every 24 hours. The Salvation Army funded barge space to move the pipe. The French military supplied helicopter lift from the barge up the mountain. The local villagers rebuilt their own water supply system.
This was the power of connectivity at work.
More opportunities to give back
Most recently, in response to Cyclone Idai’s devastation in East Africa, UPS and The UPS Foundation worked with nonprofit organizations to
.
As the region rebounds, the need for support will continue. The work in all these countries shares the same common theme. It’s all about connecting people and networks. No single person can get these large-scale results. But working together, each person brings their own experience and expertise, ultimately creating a domino effect that produces life-changing solutions.
In 2018, UPS and The UPS Foundation responded to 29 major world disasters. Relief spanned 71 countries across continents around the globe. Beyond these headline stories are the stories of people in need. Some of them are in your neighborhood. Some are complete strangers. Either way, the opportunities to give back are endless.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I’ll challenge you like my UPS instructor challenged me more than 30 years ago:
Go serve.
Craig Arnold joined Points of Light President & CEO Natalye Paquin for an interview with Atlanta’s 11Alive during National Volunteer Week:
Craig Arnold is vice president of sales for UPS. Since 2010, he has deployed as a front-line responder into disaster sites to help coordinate relief logistics after cyclones, hurricanes and earthquakes around the globe.
This story originally appeared on UPS Longitudes and was reposted by permission.
National Volunteer Week: Celebrating Acts of Service
Photo courtesy of Benenova, a Points of Light Global Network affiliate.
A lot has been said about the benefits of traveling. It can energize you and broaden your horizons. Travel can humble and inspire you, and help put your life and daily routines in perspective. After traveling to New Delhi, India a few weeks ago, I certainly came home feeling all those things.
Natalye Paquin, President & CEO, Points of Light
While there, I learned through our affiliate organization,
that some of India’s leaders are asking their citizens an important question: Is it possible for the entire Indian population to volunteer? Imagine the impact of 1.3
billion
acts of service. By 2028, India will be the largest country in the world by population. Wow, I thought, what a very big question and aspiration.
What if they actually do it?
We often talk about technology as a disrupter. But what about the disruptive power of people through volunteering and service? Consider the seismic shift that occurs when someone in need is cared for, clothed, fed, or when a playground is restored, a beautiful mural is painted on an abandoned neighborhood building, or a beach is cleaned.
Concerned individuals who bring their talent, skills or simple helpfulness and lend support to something they care about; these micro-moments of service are transformative. And they happen every day.
Our society’s toughest challenges – hunger, poverty, education, access to food and medical care – are being tackled by volunteers. The ingenuity of volunteering is incredible. And while technology has certainly changed the world in countless ways, most technology is about saving time. Because time is valuable. And it becomes even more valuable when we give it away.
Each one of us has 24 hours a day. You, me, the CEOs of billion-dollar companies, or the owners of your local coffee shop or dry cleaner. Not one of us can buy more time. Time is an equalizer!
So, when we choose to use our most precious commodity in service to others, it is worthy of our celebration, recognition and thanks.
This week during National Volunteer Week, as we do every week, we will recognize five Daily Point of Light honorees. These individuals are giving their time away to help solve problems in their communities.
There’s Hannah, an NYU student who created Transfernation and has turned more than half a million pounds of food that would otherwise be thrown away into half a million meals for the hungry.
Or Linda, a retired nurse in Virginia who volunteers with the Health Wagon to give free medical care to those in need.
There’s Tedman, a young man from the Bay Area who is leading – not one, but two – community service organizations to help more young people volunteer.
Then there’s Alicia, who created Project Petals to offer educational workshops and resources for students in Brooklyn, Harlem and the Bronx – and even as far away as Uganda.
And there’s Terry from Wisconsin. Last fall, a photo of him napping with cats at the shelter where he volunteers went viral, and the shelter received
more than $20,000
in donations in just one day.
These individual acts of service can be transformative and they impact not only the recipient of time, but the giver.
A
from UnitedHealthcare looked at the physical and mental benefits of volunteering. An interesting finding was that nearly 90 percent of the survey’s participants said that volunteering gave them a broader world view. By choosing to give their time – right where they are – they started to view the world differently.
At Points of Light, we ask you to imagine a world where service to others is everywhere – a world where it’s impossible to stand on the sidelines and do nothing; where it is easy to support causes you care about; where the power of people to be disruptive and dynamic in the very best ways possible is solving the world’s most complex problems.
To those who are creating that world, we thank you – during National Volunteer Week and every day. You are making a difference. Your service is celebrated, and it is very much appreciated.
Celebrate service during National Volunteer week, and nominate an extraordinary volunteer for the Daily Point of Light Award.
Recognizing the Impact of Volunteer Service During National Volunteer Week
Photo Credit: Good Deeds Day
“Volunteering and community service is a lot like planting peonies. You may not see the results right away, indeed you may never see them, but you never know when you will plant a seed that one day will sprout and bloom forever.”
– Barbara Bush
]. This week, we join millions in celebrating the life of this iconic woman, who was a leader of and friend to the volunteering and service sector. And it is somehow fitting that her passing coincides with National Volunteer Week in the United States, as the country focuses on celebrating the millions of people who “plant peonies” every day.
Each year, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.
was established in the United States in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.
The
shows that nearly 63 million Americans volunteer annually, giving almost 8 billion hours of time at an estimated $184 billion value. Utah ranks No. 1 in volunteering among states, while Minneapolis-St. Paul ranks No. 1 among large cities, and San Jose, California, ranks No. 1 for millennial volunteering. Not that it’s a competition, but you can see where
— $24.69 per hour — helping to recognize the impact of those millions of volunteers.
You can see some of the 63 million stories of volunteers that have come to life this week by following
to one particular volunteer, “Thank you to our Animal Services volunteer Monica Pugh. Monica contributed over 4,000 hours in the last 4 years.” And the Detroit Airport, @DTWeetin, is using National Volunteer Week to
with President’s Volunteer Service Awards.
At Points of Light, we recognize volunteers five days a week with the Daily Point of Light Award. This week’s honorees exemplify the broad diversity of good deeds, consistent support, ongoing commitments of time and innovative solutions to persistent problems that play out in every corner of the country every day.
In Acton, Massachusetts, Barbara and Ira Smith, both age 86, have worked tirelessly for 28 years to ensure that veterans getting back on their feet, those emerging from homelessness or fleeing abuse, people living with illness or disability, people getting by on minimum wage and those who have experienced personal crisis such as a fire – have access to gently used furniture and household items, free of charge.
In San Francisco,
, an internationally acclaimed human rights organizer, first-degree black belt and social entrepreneur, founded (IM)WISE, a nonprofit organization and global grassroots movement supporting Muslim women empowerment through self-defense and skills-based training. Rana started (IM)WISE after being the victim of a hate crime at age 16; now, seven years later, she was honored as one of the 2017
.
In Arlington, Massachusetts, brothers Will and Matty Gladstone started The Blue Feet Foundation to sell blue socks to raise money for the blue footed bird after learning about this threatened species in the Galapagos. They have raised over $30,000 and sponsored a research project by a world expert in the blue-footed booby.
In Lexington, Kentucky, hip hop artist Devine Carama took his positive music and turned it into volunteer activism. His program Believing In Forever Inc. offers young people a safe outlet for artistic expression.
In Lincoln, Nebraska, after experiencing bullying firsthand,
and a group of friends wrote a curriculum for grade school and middle school programs that address bullying, gender issues, and focuses on building confidence. Last fall, she and 20 teenage volunteers from Lincoln School District hosted a “Like A Girl —Empowerment Boot Camp” for 50 at-risk elementary and middle school girls living in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the cornhusker state. Their project was recognized as an award winner of Make A Difference Day 2017.
The seeds being planted by these individual points of light have already begun to sprout and will no doubt bloom forever. Their stories – and all the stories shared during National Volunteer Week – demonstrate the power of volunteerism brings us together to tackle society’s tough challenges, spark change, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
National Volunteer Week is coming to an end, but there is still time to get involved:
Teen Creates After-School Program to Combat Gender-Based Bullying, Build Confidence in Young Girls
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the impact of volunteer service in our communities, and recognize extraordinary individuals who are at the center of social change – like Daily Point of Light Award honoree Ina Bhoopalam. Read her story and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
As a freshman in high school, Ina Bhoopalam found herself the target of bullying – simply because she was involved in, and excelling at, the same academic activities as her male classmates.
“People thought I shouldn’t be succeeding because I was a girl,” Ina said. The comments even spread to social media. “It didn’t make me feel good.”
Luckily for Ina, she had a support network of family and friends on which to lean on. When Ina’s dad told her that many girls don’t have that kind of support, she wanted to do something about it – and had the idea to start a program to address bullying, gender issues and building confidence in young girls in her own community.
“I had been through so much. I had people to help me through it. Some people don’t have that,” she said. “I wanted to do something to make a difference.”
In doing her research she came across an article about how, by the age of five, girls begin to think they’re less than boys. So, together with a group of friends, Ina created
– a curriculum developed to address the needs of elementary and middle school girls.
She created a pilot after-school program at Maxey Elementary School, in her community of Lincoln, Nebraska. On the first day it started with two girls and on the second day, the workshop had 10 girls and kept on growing.
“I want the girls to leave the program empowered, feeling like they can accomplish anything they want,” said Ina, now 17. “All girls are capable of doing anything they set their mind to. They should be empowered to dream and achieve what matters to them.”
Now, Ina has approval to expand the Like A Girl program, led entirely by youth volunteers, to 11 elementary schools, two middle schools and six high schools. In addition, the Like A Girl initiative is being offered through an after-school program at the Salvation Army.
Currently, Ina is working to register Like A Girl as a nonprofit and she would like to expand the program’s reach to all 40 Lincoln public schools, throughout Nebraska and into other states.
Ina hopes that Like A Girl will ensure no other girls have to face the same situation she went through. It wasn’t long ago that she experienced gender-based bullying herself, but starting Like A Girl has given her even more confidence.
“I have a purpose in what I am doing,” she said.
The Difference She Makes
Patrick Hunter-Pirtle has seen first-hand how Ina’s Like A Girl initiative has impacted young girls in Lincoln. He oversees the school district’s secondary education, and was approached by Ina with the idea to expand Like A Girl district-wide.
Like A Girl is incredible to watch, said Patrick, who has been impressed by the more than 100 youth volunteers Ina recruited to help lead the program – all are great students and community-minded people who make time and give energy to this program, he said.
And he has seen first-hand the joy of an elementary student sitting with one of the leaders, smiling. “They are teaching them they can be anything they want.”
recognizes 14 outstanding leaders of Make A Difference Day projects, awarding $140,000 in grants that are donated to the charities related to the winning projects. Learn more about Make A Difference Day at
www.makeadifferenceday.com
.
This post was written by Karen Cohen.
NFL Safety Michael Thomas Follows Lifelong Commitment to Give Back and Create Change
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about. Their stories inspire others to take action and discover their collective power to unite in making a difference. Points of Light is recognizing five NFL players with Daily Point of Light Awards; Competitors on the field, these players unite for a common cause as volunteers with the Van Duzer Foundation’s First Step program – acting as mentors and ambassadors of change. Meet honoree Michael Thomas, read his story and nominate an outstanding volunteer, family or organization as a Daily Point of Light.
“I volunteer because I want to see real change in our communities,” said Michael Thomas, safety for the Miami Dolphins. Dedicated to giving back, he was one of the first NFL players to participate in the First Step Program – an initiative led by Daily Point of Light Award honoree
that gives kids and teens the opportunity to engage with community leaders on a regular basis, coming together for casual pick-up games, mentoring and small group discussions on community issues.
Michael has attended First Step events in the Fort Pierce community in Florida, playing touch football with local kids and speaking to them about relevant social issues, such as communication with law enforcement. “The best thing you can give to these kids in these communities is time,” he said. “To show that you actually care.”
In addition to his work with First Step, Michael is actively involved in several other initiatives that allow him to make a difference. He volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club and, in partnership with the Dreambuilders Foundation, supports mentoring programs in South Florida. Over the last three years, his Dreambuilders program has provided more than $35,000 of funding to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, which pairs at-risk youth with positive mentors. Michael is heavily involved in the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality, or RISE, and also runs a free youth football camp, which provides an entire day of SAT, ACT and college application prep. Along with fellow NFL players and Daily Point of Light Award honorees Jonathan Meeks and Coty Sensabaugh, he has also partnered with
, an organization that strives to end human poverty and world hunger around the world, to help provide fresh water systems to communities in Haiti. He is also a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
“I always said that if I ever made it, I would give back,” Michael told a group of children at a First Step event at King Middle School in Atlanta. “The importance of giving back to your community is just showing those who come after you that I care about this community, I care about you, I want to give my time.”
Meet the other NFL players honored this week for their commitment to volunteerism and the First Step program: Sam Barrington, Jared Cook, Jonathan Meeks and Coty Sensabaugh.
You can help these Daily Point of Light honorees increase the impact of their work! The First Step program has pitched its creative solution to solving community needs to A Community Thrives, part of the USA Today network. Cast your vote to help First Step win a $100,000 grant to expand the program to neighborhoods across the United States. Vote today!
