National Conference on Volunteering and Service Moves from New Orleans to Chicago

2012 Conference World's Largest Gathering of Volunteer and Service Leaders

NEW ORLEANS, June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 4,000 leaders from the service sector came together this week to share solutions, best practices and lessons for achieving greater community impact at the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS) in New Orleans. Building on the excitement and momentum in New Orleans, it was announced today the 2012 conference will be held in Chicago.

"By working together to serve others, we can overcome our nation's most difficult obstacles. In Illinois, we have taken an innovative approach to addressing challenges faced nationwide, most recently by passing an historic education reform measure,” said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. “We look forward to welcoming the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, so that we may continue working together to explore solutions to our nation’s toughest challenges.”

The 2012 National Conference on Volunteering and Service is scheduled for June 18 to 20. It will provide opportunities to learn, connect and be inspired through a range of plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects and more.

"Service is one of the most valuable tools we have to address the challenges we all face," said Neil Bush, chairman of the Points of Light Institute Board of Directors. "The National Conference on Volunteering and Service equips our service leaders to mobilize people, create effective and innovate programs and cultivate a strong ethic of service that recognizes that everyone can be part of the solution."

In response to the current fiscal environment, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has asked Points of Light Institute to take on full responsibility for convening the 2012 conference.

"We have asked Points of Light Institute to carry forward the National Conference on Volunteering and Service and lead the way as they have previously done in partnership with us for the past several years," said Robert Velasco, II, acting CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service. "We are confident that with Points of Light's leadership, NCVS will remain the premier forum in the volunteer service field and we look forward to continuing to have an active presence there."

CNCS will strongly support the 2012 conference by encouraging attendance, hosting workshops and engaging stakeholders in support of national and community service. In addition, CNCS and Points of Light Institute will continue to collaborate on initiatives to promote and recognize service and volunteer leaders.

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 divisions that share our mission: HandsOn Network, generationOn and AmeriCorps Alums. For more information, visit www.PointsofLight.org.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages more than 5.5 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.

Anne O’Neill
Points of Light Institute
Office: 404-844-5360
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Points of Light Institute