HandsOn Network Announces Innovation Hubs

The volunteer sector is evolving rapidly with dramatic changes in how and why people engage.

To keep up with these changes, HandsOn Network, the volunteer activation arm of Points of Light Institute, has launched a focused investment strategy called the Innovation Hubs initiative.

The goal of the initiative is to help HandsOn Network affiliates stay on the cutting edge of innovation, creating new ways to connect with individuals and create change.

The first 10 Innovation Hubs are: Boston Cares, Chicago Cares, HandsOn Central Ohio, HandsOn Greater Portland, HandsOn Twin Cities, New York Cares, Seattle Works, Volunteer Center of Bergen County, Inc., Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and Volunteer Marin/Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership.

Innovation Hubs will be learning labs for community engagement.

They will be predisposed to innovation and have strong leadership ready to advance the mission of HandsOn Network through newly acquired skills and knowledge.

The initiative will provide 30 Innovation Hubs (10 per year for three years) with grant funding and executive leadership focused on innovation.

This innovation framework will incorporate the five elements of the David LaPiana’s “new social sector” including:

▪▪ Redefining participation due to demographic shifts
▪▪ Abounding technological advances
▪▪ Organizing of work in new ways through networks
▪▪ Rising interest in civic engagement and volunteerism
▪▪ Blurring of sector boundaries

At the end of three years, the practices and learning emerging from the Innovation Hubs will form the blueprint for evolving the model of engagement across our network to meet 21st century needs of both volunteers and the communities in which they engage.