November 1, 2012

Dear Friend,

As the severity of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy becomes more clearly understood, Points of Light is working with National VOAD, FEMA, state and local agencies to coordinate an efficient and impactful volunteer response. Throughout the northeast, our HandsOn Network Volunteer Action Centers are mobilizing to best assess on-the-ground needs and opportunities.

There will be an ongoing need, beginning in the next few days and carrying forward well into the new year, for volunteer assistance in recovery efforts to rebuild communities and support families and individuals in need.

For more information about Points of Light's efforts and how we are supporting the response to Hurricane Sandy, contact Madden Manion at .

For volunteer opportunities in the disaster-impacted communities, please click here.

To make a contribution in support of recovery efforts through the HandsOn Network, please click here.

Best,

Jackie Norris

Executive Director

National Make A Difference Day Highlights

This year an estimated three million volunteers, including celebrities Usher and Kevin Bacon, made the 22nd annual Make A Difference Day a huge success. The event, created by USA WEEKEND magazine and held in partnership with Points of Light, engaged volunteers across the country in a variety of projects, many of which are highlighted in this USA Today article.

Rachel Carson's Timeless Lessons

Rachel Carson's Silent Spring was published 50 years ago, but the woman who became a symbol of the environmental movement can still give us leadership lessons today. The New York Timeshighlighted the achievements of this Points of Light Extra Mile honoree in an article this week. They wrote, "Carson's life shows that individual agency, fueled by resolution and hard work, has the power to change the world."

Add a Documentary to Your MLK Day Plan

America's Sunday Supper, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is an opportunity for people from various backgrounds to come together and discuss pertinent issues impacting our communities. A creative way to spark this dialogue is through a documentary. Through a partnership with the Independent Television Service (ITVS), Points of Light has identified six possible films for you to use free of charge if you submit an order before Nov 9. Find more information about the films and how to register here.

Still Trying to Plan For Family Volunteer Day?

Family Volunteer Day, sponsored by Disney Friends for Change in conjunction with generationOn, is Nov. 17, but it's not too late to get your family involved. Getting your children started volunteering now can teach them compassion for others and can strengthen familial bonds. Unsure how to get started? Look at a suggested project here.

Invite Your Nonprofits: Apply Now for Free Exhibition Space at B4B

Points of Light has partnered with Business4Better, a conference and expo engaging midsize businesses and nonprofits to create a greater impact in communities across America. The inaugural conference and expo will take place next May 1-2. Nonprofits can apply now for a free exhibit space, booth and marketing services. Know of a great nonprofit, forward them this information and encourage them to apply. Exhibit space is first come first serve, so apply today.

Calling All Experts: Apply for Corporate Institute Leadership Faculty

Whether your focus is on global programming, recognition, skills-based volunteering or engaging businesses on a local level through Corporate Volunteer Councils, the Points of Light Corporate Institute invites experienced professionals from the business and nonprofit community to join them in sharing expertise to shape and create content that best meets the needs of the corporate community. Apply to become a Corporate Institute Leadership Faculty member today through Nov. 9. Click here to learn more about the roles and responsibilities and to apply. For questions, please contact Allison Bailey.

Corporate Service Council Members - Upcoming Committee Calls

  • Skills-Based Volunteering - Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m. EST. Join us as wewelcome incoming chair Daniel Horgan, Senior Director-Community Affairs at Capital One, and discuss the need to provide medium-sized companies with a tool to support the creation of effective, scalable skills-based volunteerism programs while developing meaningful, sustainable relationships with the nonprofit sector.This call will highlight emerging research and Capital One's Nonprofit Readiness tool for SBV and goals for corporate engagement in SBV for 2013. For more information, please contact Yvonne Siu.
  • Global - Thursday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. EST. Join us for the next Global Committee call which will highlight innovative practices in global employee recognition programs. Members will have the opportunity to hear from Ann Hurd of Intel, DezarieMayers of Pfizer and Gabriel Hartmann of SAP, who will share insights into how they are creatively recognizing employee volunteer efforts and strengthening their volunteer cultures around the world. For more information, please contact Gared Jones.
  • ROI & Standards - Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m. EST. Looking to design CSR activities that make measurable business, brand and societal impacts that yield benefits for vested stakeholders? Join Cone Communications' Executive Vice President, Alison DaSilva, as she shares new consumer research and a groundbreaking approach to CSR and cause marketing. Leave armed with the insights to help your CSR program prove your purpose and deliver robust returns for business and stakeholders. For more information, please contact Jennifer Highsmith.

Corporate Service Council Members - Save the Date for the In-Person Meeting

The next in-person meeting for the Corporate Service Council will take place Feb. 6 and 7, 2013, in New York City.Additional details regarding the agenda and hotel will be released soon, but please go ahead and mark your calendars. Members and special invited guests can expect two days of cutting-edge content, dynamic speakers, networking and even an opportunity to participate in a special volunteer project - all designed to support today's civic leaders in driving employee engagement. For more information, please contact Natalie Smith.

About the Corporate Institute

The Points of Light Corporate Institute is the go-to destination for companies of all sizes that want to engage their employees and customers in service to their communities. The Corporate Institute provides a suite of services for companies around the world seeking innovative programming through a range of services and opportunities, including: the Center for Employee Volunteerism, the Corporate Service Council, and the Corporate Volunteer Council Network, as well as training, consulting, and employee and customer activation. In conjunction with nationally recognized partners, it also leads a number of key initiatives, including The Civic 100 and the A Billion + Change campaign. For more information, visit: