Introducing Learning Pathways at the Points of Light Conference

Join us June 3–6 in New Orleans for the 2025 Points of Light Conference for an unforgettable gathering of nonprofit, government, national service, faith-based and corporate leaders driving volunteerism and civic engagement worldwide. This year, we’re introducing six distinct learning pathways designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re looking to strengthen community partnerships, spark new ideas, or take your impact to the next level. Get ready for bold conversations, cross-sector solutions, and actionable strategies to create real change!

Learning Pathways

70 Workshops over Six Learning Pathways

Creating Transformational Volunteer Programs

Explore tactical strategies for: shifting from transactional to transformational volunteer programs, recruiting and retaining volunteers across generations, and addressing challenges in response to evolving volunteer motivations.

Workshop Preview | Empowering Community-Centered Volunteerism

With Tobi Johnson, Volunteer Pro

Uncover key volunteer recruitment trends, marketing practices and conversion benchmarks.

Empowering Community-Centered Volunteerism

Explore the role of community in creating models of volunteerism that prioritize collaboration, respect for local knowledge and sustainable impact. Learn how to engage your community to play a central role in the design and implementation of volunteer programs.

Workshop Preview | Walking Toward Equity: Narrative Storytelling and Community Engagement as Insights and Inspiration for Community-Centered Volunteerism

With Candice Person, Chelonia Change Collective

Discover how storytelling can foster equity, deepen community connections and inspire collaborative volunteering.

Mobilizing the Next Generation of Volunteers

Gain insights into Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s motivations, preferences and barriers to service. Workshops will focus on youth-centric volunteerism, offering perspectives directly from youth and exploring how volunteerism in schools can inspire the next generation of leaders.

Workshop Preview | Youth at the Table: Redefining Leadership in Volunteerism

With Sonali Ratnasinghe, Youth Ambassadors of Service

Move beyond tokenistic youth involvement and learn ways to foster genuine intergenerational collaboration in volunteerism.

Unlocking Revolutionary Employee Engagement

CSR professionals will explore strategies to align social impact with business goals while collaborating with HR, DEI, ERG and ESG leaders. Through engaging discussions, they’ll discover ways to foster employee belonging, boost retention and connect their workforce to the communities they serve.

Workshop Preview | Lessons in Building an Inclusive Employee-Centered Engagement Program

With Lindsay Mason and Stephanie Meredith, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Find out how Liberty Mutual Insurance promotes an egalitarian culture of philanthropy that meets employees where they are while elevating the business value that comes from community engagement.

Reigniting National Service

There are many forms of service – from running for office, to serving one’s country through military service, to serving others as part of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps or National Citizen Service. Globally, national service is essential to meet the changing needs of today’s community leaders. Explore how these programs are evolving to provide flexible, skills-based opportunities that align with values, drive social change and serve as pathways to the workforce.

Workshop Preview | Creating a Community Strategy to Cultivate Volunteerism and Civic Capacity

With Analise Gammel and Samantha Lukasiewicz, Serve Virginia

Learn actionable community strategies to increase volunteer engagement and empower your community to work towards long-term transformation.

Fueling Organizational Growth

Discuss challenges and discover proven solutions for increasing organizational effectiveness. Explore solutions to strengthen partnerships, develop leaders, drive innovation, generate powerful storytelling and diversify funding. Learn how AI is transforming the sector by streamlining operations, amplifying impact and enabling data-driven decisions that advance volunteering and civic engagement.

Workshop Preview | A Quality Pipeline for Volunteering

With Terri O’Brien, Volunteer Ireland

Examine how systems can be implemented across diverse non-profits to enhance volunteer impact, organizational effectiveness, and the overall quality of volunteering.

P.S. You can receive a 10% discount if you register five or more team members from the same organization!

Stretch your budget and stay near all the conference activities by booking your room at our official hotel, the New Orleans Marriott. Reserve your spot in our room block to enjoy exclusive rates.