HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, is an international nonprofit organization whose core mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world.
Our vision is that one day every person will discover their power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant democracies around the world.
What We Do
The strategy of HandsOn Network is to build a network with diverse connection points for citizen action, offering many ways for people to align their interests with community needs. At the center of the network are our more than 250 Action Centers serving 83% of the American population and 12 international communities. It is also a “network of networks” that includes our partnering nonprofits, government agencies, faith-based organizations and companies seeking to engage in service.
HandsOn Network has reported a 43% increase in volunteers registering to serve with our network this year and a 58% increase in people signing up for new volunteer opportunities. In the first six months of 2009, our Action Center network made more than 100,000 unique opportunities available for volunteers to serve, which represents a 29% increase from the same time in 2008. We are thrilled that the service movement is building steam and that the demand from volunteers to serve is steadily on the rise.
In 2008 we partnered with more than 70,000 organizations to implement volunteer projects that meet real community needs, and we challenge more organizations that need volunteer support to join us now!
Our Growing Movement
We call all Americans to Get HandsOn and demonstrate the power of citizens in changing our world and solving problems in the areas of education, environmental stewardship and poverty alleviation.
Our inspiration to Get HandsOn is driven by three concentrations:
§ Recognize our Youth - Reduce the drop-out rate by leveraging the power of service in every school.
§ Renew our Planet - Reduce the carbon footprint through neighborhood-based conservation projects.
§ Revive our Economy - Support economic security for families by facilitating access to resources and dollars.
Every Day is a Day of Action
Throughout the year, HandsOn Network inspires, equips and mobilizes community leaders, corporations and their employee volunteers and nonprofit organizations to get more involved in supporting communities where they live and work.
Today's leading companies and nonprofit organizations are partnering with HandsOn Network to create positive change in local communities. Our year-round signature events focus on initiatives designed to meet the most pressing needs of our time and ensure maximum community impact.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service- January
Each year millions of Americans honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering in their communities. HandsOn Network supports this day through meaningful projects in the spirit of Dr. King’s work and legacy to create a “beloved community.” From building homes and delivering meals, to refurbishing schools and reading to children, there are opportunities for everyone to continue this legacy.
National Volunteer Week - April
National Volunteer Week is a call to action for Americans to volunteer and to inspire by example. Since President Nixon created this event in 1974, millions of Americans volunteer and demonstrate the positive community impact that engaged individuals, businesses and organizations create year round.
Season of Service - September
September kicks off the Season of Service with projects throughout the country that demonstrate the power of corporate civic engagement through volunteer action. During the event, corporations and businesses collectively engage employees, support neighborhoods, inspire other corporate leaders and increase public awareness about the impact of volunteering.
Kids Care Week – October
Kids Care Week is dedicated to recognizing the power of children to reach out
and help others in their local community. During the week, young people focus
their compassion on a specific social issue through a service project.
Make A Difference Day – October 24
Make A Difference Day is a celebration of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, this international day of service is held every year with more than three million people volunteering to make a difference in their own communities.
Family Volunteer Day - November
Family Volunteer Day is a day of service designed to demonstrate the power of families. Volunteering as a family provides quality time and strengthens communications while having a positive impact on local communities across the country. Celebrated annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Day “kicks off” the holiday season with giving and service.
About Points of Light Institute
Points of Light Institute inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. The Institute has a global focus to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement for the 21st century, putting people at the center of community problem solving. We are organized to innovate, incubate and activate new ideas that help people act upon their power to make a difference. Points of Light Institute operates three dynamic business units that share our mission: HandsOn Network, MissionFish and the Civic Incubator.
HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, is the largest volunteer network in the nation and includes more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers that reach more than 83% of the nation’s population and extend to ten countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and nonprofit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating scaled impact. In 2008, the network delivered approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at $615 million.
MissionFish is a social enterprise of Points of Light Institute that provides people a vehicle to use their purchasing power to support causes that matter to them. In partnership with eBay, MissionFish enables people to designate a portion of their online sales and purchases to charity. Since 2003, more than 130 million charitable dollars have been raised for over 19,000 nonprofits worldwide.
The Civic Incubator is the newest business unit of Points of Light Institute with a purpose of creating innovation in civic activation. The Incubator brings together and supports emerging service solutions and new ideas through social enterprise, mergers and joint ventures. Currently, we are incubating AmeriCorps Alums, a new Youth Network, an Interfaith Service Initiative, and ventures to redefine civic action online.
