William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-09-01 / 9. szám
Charitable Ideas Shining lights Daily Points of Light bring recognition to deserving volunteers MORE THAN 100 MILLION PEOPLE in this country volunteer their time, talent and energy to help others, solve social problems and build strong communities. These volunteers represent all backgrounds and beliefs and range in age from five to 95, but share the common goal of working to make a difference. The Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. It focuses on the goals for children and youth set by the President's Summit for America's Future. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award. The program dates back to the administration of former President George Bush, Sr. "A movement to engage all individuals, families, businesses, groups and organizations in America to solve community problems." Between 1989 and 1993, President Bush designated 1,020 Daily Points of Light which placed volunteer service at the top of its agenda. Individuals, families, youth, groups, friends, grandparents, businesses, nonprofit agencies, and religious congregations are all Points of Light. They hail from 45 of the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, and extend internationally. The Daily Point of Light Awards program was reinstated on Jan. 1, 1998, by the Points of Light Foundation, the Corporation for National and Community Service with full funding from the Knights of Columbus. Who may apply? Any individual, organization, group, family, business or labor union actively engaged in voluntary service directed at domestic or international problem-solving is eligible to be a Daily Point of Light. The only people not eligible for the awards are employees and members of the board of directors and committees of the Points of Light Foundation, employees and members of the board of directors of the Corporation for National Service, and employees and members of the board of directors of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council. What criteria must be met? The Daily Point of Light Awards are given to individuals who find innovative ways to meet community needs, efforts which often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. The following criteria are utilized in reviewing and judging nominations: • Community needs and Solution-Activity must meet a community need or concern and serve those who are disconnected from the larger community. Is there a long-term solution or does it give the recipient the tools they need to achieve a solution on their own? • Connection building-Hands-on service that results in building connections between the community and those who may be isolated from it. • Ongoing involvement—To be eligible, an activity should be at least six months in duration. One exception is the category of disaster relief. Nominations that do not meet this criteria may be held for later consideration. • Impact—Demonstrated impact from the activity. • Innovation—Activity should reflect innovative or unique approaches to solving serious social problems. Nominations for the Daily Point of Light Award are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Judging is conducted quarterly. For a nomination form, log onto the website of the Points of Light Foundation at: www. pointsoflight.org. Click on "Awards" then, once on the awards page, click on "Nominate." Mail the completed form to: AWARDS. Recognition Department, Points of Light Foundation, 14001 Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005. [jjp[ Charity Links For more information on the Daily Point of Light Award and other award programs sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, log onto: 3 www.joinhandsday.org 6 William Penn Life,September 2004
