National Volunteer Week: April 18-24, 2010
National Volunteer Week, Celebrating People in Action, is a time of celebration and inspiration as Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network honor the thousands of individuals who take action year round to strengthen their communities.Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially in scope each year, recognizing the incalculable contributions that volunteers make every day across the country and challenging all Americans to step forward to help wherever there is need.
This year will be no exception as Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network will honor those who solve problems in their communities and secure national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic landscape. Points of Light Institute will also recognize the one-year anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund through a series of celebratory events.
We honor all our VolunteerSpot users who generously support nonprofits ranging from afterschool mentoring programs to community pantries, crisis centers to seasonal shelters, music and arts programs to community gardens. We want to remind our readers that parents are volunteers too! If you're helping in the classroom or school library, running the carnival or concessions stand, leading Scouts or coaching kids, you're a volunteer. Please stand and be recognized!
Please nominate outstanding volunteers for one of these two awards:
1. The Daily Point of Light Award honors those who are helping to meet critical needs in their communities and creating change every day. One Daily Point of Light Award winner is chosen every single day. Visit www.pointsoflight.org/recognition/dpol to learn more about the award and to make a nomination.
2. The President's Volunteer Service Award honors volunteers during their service journey through acknowledgement of hours served resulting in positive community impact. This is a prestigious volunteer award and the only one associated with the White House. Click here to learn more about qualifications and to submit a nomination.
The Extra Mile is a monument in the heart of Washington, D.C. representing citizens who championed causes to help others realize a better America. During National Volunteer Week, Points of Light Institute will induct new service heroes into The Extra Mile and host a special luncheon ceremony in their honor. Visit www.extramile.us/ to learn more about The Extra Mile.
Points of Light Institute will shine a spotlight on recipients of these signature recognition programs during National Volunteer Week, recognizing them for their extraordinary service and inspiring others to embrace civic engagement at deeper levels.
