, which actively improves the lives of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) through volunteerism.
We spoke with Patti Colombo, manager of the RISE Program, and Katie Pfeifer, senior director of Programs at Volunteer New York!, to hear their reflections on what has made this initiative such a success.
“When we started the program, we were seeing that many people with and without disabilities were using our site to find meaningful places to volunteer,” Katie said. “What we didn’t want to happen – and what was occasionally happening – was they were being turned away, or not encouraged in a way that created strong volunteer opportunities. We were able to obtain funding for this program, build it out and bring on Patti to help elevate the program.”
“The program has been around for nine years,” shared Patti. “It’s all about community inclusion. These individuals want, need and are actually mandated to be in the community. Forty years ago, individuals were still being housed in institutions without meaningful or productive lives, and that’s no longer the norm. There’s a very strong movement toward inclusion and acceptance in our communities.”
RISE, which stands for ” Readiness thru Integrated Service Engagement,” connects individuals with I/DD to meaningful volunteer opportunities. Volunteer New York! works with over 300 different nonprofits, conducting site visits and talking to nonprofit and corporate teams to identify projects that could be a good fit for a RISE group.
Often, they identify roles and responsibilities that can be broken up among multiple volunteers. And recurring projects tend to be popular as they are able to be fine-tuned over time. Plus, both the hosting teams and volunteer participants can anticipate what to expect and count on regularly scheduled projects as part of their routine.
“We know exactly how volunteering builds community and builds skills,” Patti said. “A lot of these individuals have goals, like employment. And if they’re not necessarily able to work, they still want to be involved in meaningful community engagement. We’re specifically working with people with intellectual disabilities, people who often have their needs misunderstood or unsupported. We’re able to help with that.”
One of the core goals of the program is to foster community engagement by creating integrated volunteer projects where people with and without disabilities can work side-by-side. This approach has proven to be incredibly successful in breaking down barriers and promoting understanding.
During a recent corporate activation event, 45% of volunteers surveyed shared that they had no prior way to engage with individuals with I/DD. However, after participating in the integrated projects, a remarkable 97.4% of volunteers reported feeling a stronger sense of community with those with I/DD, compared to 71.5% prior to the projects.
“People want to be seen. They want to be able to have a purpose,” reflected Patti. “That’s really what community inclusion is all about. People with I/DD or autism often feel invisible. There are so many wins with this program – there are multiple layers of impact.”
Indeed, the impact of the RISE program is undeniable. In the past year alone, 185 RISE volunteers have dedicated over 3,000 hours of service to 33 community partners. They have supported a wide range of causes, including:
Providing school clothing to 750 students to prevent absenteeism.
Supporting 600 students with educational resources.
Assembling and distributing 1,120 Period Kits to teens.
Creating and mailing 735 birthday cards to Senior Corp volunteers.
Packaging 1,000 feedings of donated breast milk for deliveries to local NICUs.
Caring for 18 horses.
Supporting 175 individuals with disabilities in social and job readiness skills.
Helping 4,500 new immigrants find a clean and safe place to learn.
“We know that everybody has a role to play in our community – people of all ages, stages and ability levels,” Katie expressed. “We want people from all backgrounds to be part of solutions that help solve our community challenges.”
As Volunteer New York! celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the RISE program is proving that inclusive volunteering isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a powerful tool for positive change. When people with and without disabilities work side-by-side, it breaks down stereotypes and builds genuine connections. Volunteers – especially those with diverse experiences and representing a variety of perspectives – can gain valuable skills and confidence, while the wider community benefits from their contributions: a win-win that’s creating a more welcoming and inclusive society for everyone.
A Year in Reflection: 5 Things I’ve Learned About Being a Point of Light
When I came to Points of Light a year ago, I was excited to begin leading this organization at a time when the world needs us most.
After spending nearly 25 years working in positive youth development, I was becoming more concerned about the society we were preparing youth to enter. I knew I wanted to do more to create a less polarized world where people are fully engaged and investing in each other and their communities through volunteering and civic engagement.
As I reflect on my first year, I’m excited to celebrate the journey I’ve been on with our dedicated team. I’m more energized than ever for the future and proud to lead this inspiring organization as we help solve some of the most difficult challenges of our time. Here are five takeaways from this year, and what I’m seeing in the future.
Growing From Our Roots
Upon joining Points of Light, I was excited to build on our important mission and unique legacy. We began by examining our founding purpose with the
goal of growing from our roots to serve society’s greatest needs today
. Our founder, President George H.W. Bush, had a vision of “a thousand points of light, of community organizations spread like stars throughout the nation doing good.” That aspiration for our culture is more relevant today than it was back in 1989. A loneliness epidemic, the lowest rate of formal volunteering in 30 years, and rising threats to communities, individuals and society, all make it clear that Points of Light’s role is more critical than ever.
The Power of Listening
I believe listening is a key privilege and duty of leadership. Much of my first year was spent in conversations, listening sessions, and focus groups with board members, staff, partners, donors, Global Network affiliates in 38 countries, and Daily Point of Light honorees. (There are nearly 8,000!) I heard about the concerns in their communities and their aspirations for new ways that Points of Light can be a catalyst for urgently needed solutions. In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General declared a loneliness epidemic and reports like Edelman’s Trust Barometer found 62% of people globally said, “the social fabric that once held this country together has grown too weak for unity and common purpose.” Findings like these helped shape my understanding of how critical volunteering is to addressing so many of our current challenges.
Getting to know our affiliate NGOs helped me understand the life-changing impact they have around the world, the barriers they face, and how to best support their success. I’ve been inspired by their tenacity and their steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of their local people and communities. And it’s inspired me to
make sure nonprofits have the volunteers they need to deliver on their missions
.
It’s Time to Reframe Volunteering
At my first Points of Light Conference this June, I met with a small group of our Daily Point of Light honorees, who are everyday people voluntarily serving others in extraordinary ways. This intimate gathering was one of the most impactful moments of the year for me. Too often, we think of volunteers as nice people who have extra time to do something good. As I listened to each Point of Light share their story, I was struck by how many were driven to serve not because it was nice, but because
it was necessary
. For many, serving others was necessary to heal from a personal tragedy or challenge. For others, volunteering was a necessary response to an immense need they felt called to fulfill. For others, serving was necessary to express their deep thankfulness or appreciation for the opportunity, mentorship, or support they had experienced. Every one of them is changing the world by volunteering.
They taught me the power of individuals to heal themselves and their communities through service.
A Future of Purposeful Volunteering
As the global leader in volunteering, Points of Light is dedicated to increasing the number of volunteers, shifting the perception of volunteering from nice to necessary, advancing volunteering with purpose, and shaping the future of volunteering. One of my favorite moments of the year was sharing this renewed strategic vision with our board and hearing from our Board Chair, Neil Bush, “My dad would be so happy about Points of Light’s future.”
The truth is there are increasing threats impacting individuals, communities and society. As record numbers of individuals around the world suffer from anxiety, depression and social isolation, we see that we need to catalyze social connection through volunteering because it brings people together and improves their overall well-being. Today, 47% of nonprofits in the United States struggle to recruit volunteers. When there aren’t enough volunteers, communities are threatened, and many needs go unmet. Volunteering also has the power to heal society by creating empathy and equity, increasing meaningful connections that bridge divides.
Volunteering is a solution that can help solve all three of these complex problems. In short, volunteering is essential for our personal and communal well-being.
Changing Culture Together
Partnerships are the most powerful way we can work to influence culture and create positive change. In the past year, our long-time partners and supporters became even more engaged, and new partnerships have blossomed. For instance, we’re working with
on an ambitious shared democracy goal for national service and volunteering and we recently announced that Points of Light is a
national resource partner to America250’s America Gives initiative
. Together we will lead a national effort to reinvigorate a year-round culture of service leading up to 2026. Our partnerships aim to achieve the largest-ever national service initiative in American history, as both are nonpartisan groups working to protect, renew and commemorate our democracy as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
It’s hard to imagine anything topping this first year at Points of Light, but I know that working with our affiliates and our partners, the best is yet to come. As we look to the future, what I learned this year will guide us toward creating a world where everyone sees the benefits of volunteering for themselves, their community and our society. Please join us! You can find a volunteer opportunity at Points of Light’s
9 Ways You Can Participate in 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
It’s been more than two decades since the terrorist attacks of September 11, when the nation mourned the nearly 3,000 lives lost. While September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on the United States, we have the opportunity to take back the day by turning the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of doing good.
This day has become a symbol of hope by uniting the goodwill and good deeds of the nation. The
can help pay tribute to those touched by the tragedies of this day, as well as keep hope for a better future alive. It is a chance to strengthen communities and pay tribute to those touched by the tragedies of this day, as well as keep hope for a better future.
9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Ideas
VOLUNTEER: PROMOTE HUNGER RELIEF THROUGH MEAL-PACKING
In partnership with AmeriCorps and Feeding America-affiliated food banks across the nation, 9/11 Day is organizing hunger relief projects in cities around the world. Last year, 20,000 volunteers packed 6 million meals! You can get involved with this year’s event or sign up your team via
exists to preserve the memories of the lives lost and affected on September 11, 2001, and document the historical events preceding and following the attacks on that day. This museum, based out of the World Trade Center in New York City, is free and open to the public seven days a week. It showcases exhibitions with artifacts, images and personal stories. The museum thrives on donations from supporters who wish to keep the memory of this historical day, as well as the stories of those involved, alive. You can make a one-time donation or become a member to support this mission.
LISTEN & LEARN: REVISIT THE EVENTS SURROUNDING 9/11
Remembrance is part of observing the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, but education is also a crucial component. WNYC Studios, in partnership with The History Channel, created an eight-episode podcast titled
. This series, which includes expert testimonials, interviews with government officials and even conversations with individuals linked with the attacks, provides a platform for listening and learning.
SERVICE: REMEMBER FIRST RESPONDERS WITH AND A DOCUMENTARY
Thousands of men and women in service roles (first responders, military, police, transit authority and more) risked and sacrificed their lives before, during and after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. A simple thank you to those who work in service roles is a worthwhile act this September 11. I
to better understand what makes the heroes of 9/11 so extraordinary. The film was made in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and documents the series of events that took place on this historic morning.
PURCHASE POWER: BUY FROM BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT FIRST RESPONDERS
Using your purchase power to advocate for the causes you care about is another important element in leading a civically engaged life. Karmalize published a
, including coffee and food shops as well as other types of retailers, that serve and support first responders. The list includes the locations of these businesses, as well as the commitment each has made to support the first responder community. If you’re in one of the locations listed, consider supporting one of these local small businesses. If not, consider seeking out businesses in your own community that are actively supporting first responders, veterans or survivors of line-of-duty death of a loved one.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR: EXPLORE SUPPORT FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Social entrepreneurs identify needs that have not yet been met by traditional institutions, structures or systems, and lead creative and innovative solutions that drive change. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a unique opportunity for veterans and active duty military to receive
through the Small Business Administration (SBA). This may include training for entrepreneurial-minded individuals who qualify for education benefits through The Post-9/11 GI Bill, The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and The Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). This is a great way for those in the military, whether veterans and active duty, to bring their ideas to life.
“Encouraging people to participate in community service on this day promotes civic engagement and a sense of duty to your community and the nation. It can lead to increased voter turnout, awareness of local issues and participation in other civic activities”
— Katy Elder, vice president of corporate insights, Points of Light
VOTE: CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ABOUT YOUR CIVIC CONCERNS
While writing a letter to your elected officials and government representatives is always an excellent option for engaging in democracy, there are modern options that make contacting these officials easier. You can check out
, technology that allows you to either write or generate a letter using artificial intelligence (AI) voicing your concerns about issues like increased access to care for survivors affected by line-of-duty death, or better legislation for first responder mental health access.
VOICE: BE MINDFUL OF WHAT AND HOW YOU SHARE ON SOCIAL
Utilizing social media to make your voice heard can be beneficial. After all, these global platforms are a helpful way to disseminate information en masse and share with your networks about your priorities, as well as the causes and organizations you wish to support. But just as crucial as knowing how to use your voice is knowing how not to use your voice. In the case of days of remembrance like the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, being sensitive to what types of content you share or don’t share is key. Ragen PR Daily shares ideas on
. Start by inviting your colleagues to join you by planning and sharing their own good deeds. 9/11 Day recommends that, if you’re running an organizational initiative, you should send out reminder messages on September 5 and again on September 11. Post your #IWill message on social media on September 11. Finally, be sure to track your participation and measure your impact. There are several easy to use and inexpensive tools that you can use to track and measure the number of good deeds that your colleagues post on social media, including Sprout Social, Brand24, and Hootsuite.
However you choose to participate in this year’s 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, know that any action taken – no matter how small – can contribute to the change you wish to see in your community and beyond. Creating a better, kinder world starts with you.
have made throughout history. Their stories can serve to inspire others to find ways to take action that creates change – but you don’t have to be Susan B. Anthony, Vice President Harris or Greta Thunberg to make a difference by showing support for girls and women.
Here are four ways you can get involved:
1. Empower young girls and women by supporting girl-centric organizations
Be a mentor and role model for young girls, empowering them to become strong, independent and confident women.
2. Lend a helping hand to mothers through parent-focused organizations
Under the best circumstances, parenthood can still be a struggle. Those feelings can be magnified exponentially for low-income families or single moms. Help make things a little easier by getting involved with a local organization like
to turn her experience of being an unhoused single mother into support for other women experiencing similar situations. From community baby showers to seasonal clothing drives, the organization is always looking for donations.
will experience some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Women’s shelters provide a necessary escape for these women and their children, and volunteers play an important role – through fundraising, community outreach, emotional support or simply contributing to keeping a shelter’s administrative functions running smoothly.
Contact your
to find out how you can volunteer to help women. In addition to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, you can join the fight to help put an end to the violence all together with an organization like
to write to your local and state officials, advocating for stronger legislation around domestic violence and fiscal support for organizations working to provide shelter to those who suffer from it.
4. Fill an unmet need by starting an initiative of your own
Create an initiative of your own that helps meet the needs of women in your community like
to help address the needs of homeless women – particularly their lack of access to feminine hygiene products. As Blythe says, “If something upsets you and makes you ask, ‘When is someone going to do something about this?’ know that others probably feel the same way. Find those people and advocate together.” Whether through volunteering or filling the role of a
recognizes the philanthropic achievements of ten nonprofit leaders from across the nation.
And for more ways to get involved through in-person or virtual volunteer opportunities, search the
, the national service program that has made a difference in communities across the country. Since its founding in 1994, AmeriCorps has provided opportunities for millions of Americans to step up, serve their communities and gain valuable skills and experience.
AmeriCorps brings together people from all walks of life for a year of intensive service. Members address critical challenges in areas like education, disaster response, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and more. In exchange for their service, members receive a modest living stipend and an education award to help pay for college or pay off student loans.
Their alumni aren’t just skilled problem-solvers; they embody values that make them sought-after hires for businesses and organizations. From teamwork and collaboration, from adaptability to resilience, from leadership to initiative, AmeriCorps members walk away from their service with skill sets that make them
Christopher uses hands-on activities to teach his students about energy conservation, including this board to demonstrate how much energy it takes to light a lightbulb. /Courtesy Christopher Perdomo
, an AmeriCorps leader, is inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Through hands-on activities and an environmental debate tournament, Perdomo engages students in environmental science education. He believes everyone has the ability to contribute to their communities and encourages others to get involved.
Sharon Mineo (Far left) helps with a variety of events to benefit the military and their families.
is a tireless advocate for military families, providing multifaceted support to ease the unique challenges of military life. Her work includes creating care packages and organizing fun, safe activities for children within military communities. This Daily Point of Light Award honoree exemplifies selfless dedication to service, extending her compassion to various causes beyond military support.
T’Kiyah [back row, third from left] joins the Southern Black Girl and Women’s Consortium in Memphis to engage in service including mentoring youth./Courtesy T’Kiyah Threatt
, a college senior and AmeriCorps member, exemplifies dedication to community service. She utilizes training opportunities to enhance her ability to address issues like mental health, education and addiction support. With her infectious enthusiasm and determination to make a difference, T’Kiyah is a rising leader who inspires others to act and create positive change.
Francis Folkers has volunteered over 12,000 with Oscar Scherer State Park in Florida./Courtesy Francis Folkers
has found a fulfilling second act volunteering at Florida’s Oscar Scherer State Park. Motivated by her childhood connection to nature, she dedicates countless hours to park maintenance, invasive species removal and educating visitors. Francis values instant gratification, finding joy in the tangible results of her conservation efforts.
The Dean of Students at Miles Community College [right] awards Raymond [left] with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Lifetime Achievement Award for his 6500+ hours of volunteer service./Courtesy Raymond Knight
found a new direction as an AmeriCorps College Coach at Miles Community College in rural Montana. Despite initial culture shock, he’s thrived in his role. He established the college’s Career Services Center, co-teaches career skills classes and engages in community outreach initiatives. Raymond’s passion for helping students discover their paths, along with his newfound love for the outdoors, has inspired him to extend his AmeriCorps service and consider a longer stay in Montana.
Dr. Donielle Lovell is passionate about addressing structural and systemic barriers to access./Courtesy Donielle Lovell
, a Western Kentucky University professor, exemplifies community engagement and a lifelong dedication to service. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences in a Native American community, she fosters a culture of volunteerism with her students. Her work spans educational support, economic empowerment programs, environmental conservation and beyond. Dr. Lovell’s tireless efforts to nurture her community and combat inequities make her a true example of service as a way of life.
Daily Point of Light honoree 7,500, Joanna Glover, is a team leader with FEMA Corps, supporting disaster relief efforts across the country./Courtesy Joanna Glover
, honored as the 7,500th Daily Point of Light, uses her expertise in data analytics to make a difference in disaster response. As a FEMA Corps team leader, she supports teams on-site with vital data and analysis. Her previous service spanning hazard mitigation and environmental work underscores her commitment to helping communities before, during and after disasters.
If you know an extraordinary volunteer in your community who is a true changemaker, nominate them for a Daily Point of Light Award. And when you’re ready to contribute to something bigger, visit the AmeriCorps website to learn how you can get involved.
Register for Inspiring Inclusion: A Conversation for International Women’s Day
Please join us on March 5 at 10 am ET to listen and learn with:
Aarti Madhusudan, principal consultant, iVolunteer, India’s oldest volunteering platform and a Points of Light Global Network affiliate
Pamela D. Everhart, senior vice president, head of regional public affairs and community relations, Fidelity Investments
This engaging discussion will explore the role of strong mentorship, women in leadership, the impact women have serving on nonprofit boards and the importance of diverse boards. It will also examine global health for girls.
You’ll walk away with a renewed perspective on the ways women and girls show up in community and how we all have a role in elevating their voices.
Find Your 9/11 Day of Service Volunteer Opportunity
Each year, on September 11, we mourn the 2,996 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. We honor those who were injured, the people who risked their lives to save others, and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath. And we work together to do good work that uplifts our communities and takes back this day.
One point of light in the darkness of that day is the
, a chance to turn the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of doing good. It is an annual call to action to unite communities. This day, now officially recognized under federal law, has become the largest day of service in the United States.
Previously, we provided some
in this year’s 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and now we’re focusing on volunteer opportunities that you can participate in. Plan your day of service now by considering these opportunities or visit Points of Light’s
to pay tribute to the thousands of heroes who rose in service during and after the attacks on September 11, 2001. This event will be held at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center and will feature several projects, including creating Disaster Preparedness Kits for the community and beautifying the center through maintenance and gardening. Find
on this year’s 9/11 Day of Service in celebrating, recognizing and honoring the nation’s Mid-South firefighters. The organization is hosting a commemorative rally, lunch and honor hour to shower appreciation and serve meals to over 800 firefighters.
in helping get critical supplies into the hands of economically disadvantaged school-aged youth. Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools is organizing a 9/11 Day of Service event where volunteers can help sort donations, re-package items, create literacy tools and more.
is also hosting an event with one of its strategic community partners, Meals on Wheels, to pack and deliver food items to homebound clients across the Tampa Bay area. Check
for more information. Across the bay in St. Petersburg, United Way Suncoast is also offering an opportunity for volunteers to serve at the Campbell Park Food Pantry. Find out how you can
are bringing volunteers together to honor the fallen through headstone cleaning and washing, tree mulching and spraying, painting, cleaning and sweeping, garbage pickup and more.
in a tangible and impactful way? While posting on social media and discussing women’s rights with your friends and family are great starts, you can use the resources you have to create impact in your own community and support women-owned businesses.
This month we’re focusing on how you can use your
, a framework for civic engagement that involves many avenues, including volunteering, voting, donating and more.
What Is Purchase Power?
Simply put, purchase power represents an individual’s ability to make decisions that reflect their values or advance a social cause or issue by choosing where they do and don’t spend their money. Whether you’re buying from a sustainable company or boycotting a product, how you buy makes a difference, and purchase power has been used over and over in the past to successfully drive change.
Start With Research
So, how can you utilize this knowledge to support women during the month of March? Start by researching
to gather together your list.
You might look even further at these businesses to narrow down your list according to the issues and populations you’re most passionate about. Some companies, for instance, are veteran women-owned businesses, while others are both minority-owned and women-owned.
Prioritize Your Purchases to Support Women-Owned Businesses
Next, determine which purchases you need to make now vs. later, and what to prioritize this March. While it may be a bit early in the year to do your holiday shopping, are there any upcoming events you have that you can plan for?
Purchases don’t necessarily need to be consumable goods. Consider services as well – dry cleaning, restaurants and food service, house cleaning or janitorial services, auto repair… the list goes on and on.
Consider Other Ways to Contribute
Finally, if you don’t have the need to make any purchases right now, take into account how else you might be able to
in your area. If you have the means, making a donation to a nonprofit that is advancing women’s issues can help immensely.
Not only can you uplift the female business owners in your community, but you can contribute to boosting your local economy by spending your dollars in your own backyard.
For more ideas on how you can get involved with social impact and lend your time, talents and resources to any cause area, including championing women, check out
Resources for Women-Owned Businesses: if you’re interested in founding your own women-owned business, check out these government and private programs to help support your journey.
Women-Owned Businesses: In this webinar, dive into statistics available from the Census Bureau on women-owned businesses. Learn about the different dimensions of business and demographic data from multiple programs and how to access the information.
Daily Point of Light Awardees Respond to Crisis in Ukraine
During times of uncertainty, one thing we can count on is the power of people to change the world. We are a community of millions of points of light joined together by a shared belief that we can make a positive difference. During the Ukraine crisis, our Points of Light Global Network leaders are on the ground throughout the neighboring regions, helping to connect families and care for refugees.
Across the world, many individuals are also using their time and resources to help response and recovery efforts. Changemakers from our Inspiration Honor Roll and Daily Point of Light Award told us some of the ways they are supporting Ukraine right now. We’re excited to share some of them with you.
Stephanie Wang is working as a paid medical research and development intern for Kyiv-based technology company. She has decided to donate a portion of her internship stipend to the response efforts in Ukraine.
A native of Maine, Mikell Reed Carroll is currently working at the US Embassy in Serbia. She is coordinating a donation drive within the US Embassy community, collecting thousands of dollars in medical supplies, food, baby supplies, batteries and other much needed items. All the collected items will be delivered to the Embassy of Ukraine in Serbia, and then delivered to Ukraine, along with some of the European refugee centers.
These are just a few of the many stories of individuals around the globe responding to the crisis in the Ukraine. Time and again, we are shown that there are points of light in every area of the globe. Collectively, we’re shining a light by taking action to find solutions to the challenges we face today and in the future.
Do you know someone who is a driving force in your community? We invite you to recognize their incredible efforts by nominating them for our
to Points of Light, you are supporting the actions of millions of people who are mobilizing to solve the challenges our society faces through volunteerism and civic engagement. Through our recognition programs, like Inspiration Honor Roll and the Daily Point of Light Award, we bring to life what is possible, inspiring future generations of civic leaders and changemakers.
5 Ways to Get Involved and Support Women’s and Girls’ Rights
Here at Points of Light, we know that leading a civically engaged life isn’t just about volunteering or donating resources, though those are important parts of our
. But there are countless ways you can support women and girls in your community and beyond. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are five ways to contribute your time, talent and creativity to uplift women this month:
Mentor a younger generation
Empowering girls and younger women is one way to make a positive impact that could shape the future for generations to come. Take Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of
, for example. Gordon Low started the organization with just a few close friends and family members to learn new skills and help others in need. Today, Girl Scouts teaches young women to lead themselves and others, advocate for what they believe in and stay active and informed around global issues. Another highly-regarded youth mentorship organization is
There are plenty of organizations dedicated to protecting and advancing women’s rights. From stopping domestic violence and protecting victims through work with your
, you can make a difference with your voice, your time and your skill set. Passionate about putting an end to human trafficking? Check out organizations like
One of the biggest opportunities in the women’s right arena is support for parents, particularly low-income families or single moms. Could you start a diaper drive for the women in your local community like
, which advocates for eliminating the gender pay gap, providing workplace benefits like maternity leave, paid sick leave and ending discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers.
A method of civic engagement that’s newer and so impactful, using your dollars to support businesses championing women is a prime way to make an impact. Find
Changemakers often start by assessing their own community needs and working with the community to find solutions. So take a look around… what’s lacking? Which individuals, businesses or organizations need more support? Think about issues affecting women specifically. Could you donate feminine hygiene products to local homeless shelters, underserved communities, or students? Check out the work that teenagers
As you think through your civic engagement opportunities this Women’s History Month, remember that no action is too small. To find more ways to get involved, check out
