Washington, DC - To meet the growing demand by companies for increased workplace volunteering opportunities, The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network and Business Strengthening America today announced the creation of the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) Partners Program. The Partners Program, a Points of Light program, sponsored by Business Strengthening America, will support a national network of employee volunteer managers to share knowledge and resources to multiply their collective impact.

The goals of the CVC Partners Program are to support existing local CVCs and to expand the network into new communities. In addition, the Program will raise awareness about business involvement in community volunteering. With nearly 75 Corporate Volunteer Councils across the country, representing more than 2000 businesses, CVCs are local networks that businesses join to respond to social needs by sharing effective practices, organizing service projects, and providing professional development for employee volunteer program managers. CVCs are often affiliated with community-based agencies that help companies address social problems.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, volunteerism is on the rise. About 63.8 million Americans volunteered last year, up from 59.8 million the year before. Of this total number, 31.2% of employed persons volunteered.

"In line with current research, we are seeing an increased demand from companies requesting assistance in workplace volunteering," said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. "Corporate Volunteer Councils are the vehicle to harness the energy of employee volunteers. Through the support of Business Strengthening America, we're hoping to leverage the Partners Program to bring greater visibility to this local coalition and create more networks."

"Part of our mission is to promote a culture of workplace volunteerism and ensure resources are provided to local businesses for them to get engaged or deepen their involvement in the community," said Meagan Campion, executive director of Business Strengthening America. "We are excited about this partnership and see CVCs as one of the primary vehicles behind bringing resources and people together to make a difference in communities across the country. We hope businesses of all sizes and types will join us in this new program and become involved in their local Corporate Volunteer Council."

For more information on Corporate Volunteer Councils, visit www.PointsofLight.org. To learn more about Business Strengthening America, visit www.bsanetwork.org.

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