ATLANTA, GA - January 29, 2008 - If your company has an employee volunteer program, you probably have some great stories to share about the impact your volunteers have had in communities across the country. Points of Light & Hands On Network wants to recognize the companies that consistently demonstrate excellence in their workplace volunteer programs with the 2008 Awards for Excellence. Given out annually by Points of Light & Hands On Network, the awards are the most respected endorsement of businesses that demonstrate the values of corporate social responsibility through their employee volunteers. Launched 15 years ago, the awards were part of an effort to elevate those employee volunteer programs that meet the Principles of Excellence for Workplace Volunteering. As part of an ongoing, Points of Light & Hands On Network also provides consultation and other services to help strengthen employee volunteer programs.

Each year, thousands of corporate volunteers use their time to serve their communities, and over the past 15 years the Awards for Excellence have highlighted employee volunteers who have become an increasingly critical force in serving communities through their sweat equity. The Awards for Excellence are designed to spotlight the most exceptional examples, and encourage increased adoption of best practice models by sharing the success stories of the most entrepreneurial approaches. Past winners of the awards include, Accenture, Citi, McGraw-Hill, Microsoft, The Home Depot, Timberland, and UPS.

"The trends continue to indicate that our corporate partners have a genuine desire to invest not only financial resources, but the human capital of their company's volunteers, truly becoming investors in our cause" said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light & Hands On Network. Points of Light & Hands On Network was a repeat winner of the 2008 Fast Company Social Capitalist Awards, recognizing the innovative approach of social entrepreneurs who are utilizing business tools to solve some of the most pressing social issues. "As we encourage more of our partners to embrace workplace volunteering as fundamental to their organizational philosophy, it is important to recognize and celebrate these contributions as the embody the commitment our partners have to the community."

Companies of all sizes are encouraged to apply by visiting the website www.PointsofLight.org/Awards. The deadline for nominations is February 29th, 2008. The awards will be presented at the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Atlanta, GA, on June 1st through 3rd. In collaboration with The Corporate for National & Community Service, the National Conference on Volunteering and Service is the premier gathering for nonprofit, corporate, national service and education leaders.

About Points of Light & Hands On Network

Points of Light & Hands On Network inspires and mobilizes people to become engaged, take action and solve community problems. The organization supports a robust network of 370 affiliates, covering 83% of the US market, with 12 international locations. Collectively, they mobilize millions of volunteers who partner with thousands of nonprofits, schools and community organizations every year. By cultivating a dynamic network of linked civic hubs, corporate partners, nonprofits, and citizen leaders who engage volunteers in meaningful community change, they are building a change movement - achieving scale and impact by inspiring a culture of service and offering practical tools, new ideas and innovation to the civic space.

For more information, visit www.HandsOnNetwork.org or www.PointsOfLight.org.

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

Partnering with Points of Light means you’ll have the expertise and support you need to mobilize your colleagues and create community impact using all aspects of civic engagement. We've helped companies with a variety of needs including implementing large-scale employee volunteer events, tackling your larger social impact vision, expanding how you engage communities and consumers, infusing new ideas to your annual employee engagement programs, connecting with peers to bring the latest and greatest ideas on impact measurement, and getting company leadership investment and buy-in. Learn more today.

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