ATLANTA, GA "“ January 29, 2008 - Points of Light & Hands On Network announced today a unanimous decision by its Board of Directors to centralize its headquarters and move major operational functions to Atlanta, while maintaining a continued strong Washington presence. On August 1, 2007 these two premiere volunteer and civic engagement organizations-the Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network-merged to become the largest volunteer and citizen action network in the nation, with 370 affiliates in the US and 12 international locations.

After six months of organizational planning and re-structuring, today's announcement signals the completion of the first phase of merger integration. The organization has shared dual headquarters in Washington DC and Atlanta as it managed through the details of operational integration and alignment. Over the coming months, several operational functions will transition to Atlanta, while retaining key staff and critical functions in the Washington DC office. Modest staffing levels will also be maintained at a few other locations around the country in order to maintain a strong geographic presence and orientation to key stakeholders.

The Board action is intended to increase efficiency, reduce operational expenses and best steward donor resources, while at the same time, creating an organization nimble enough to develop and deliver the most innovative ideas in the volunteer sector-all merger promises made in August.

The newly merged organization is headed by CEO and President Michelle Nunn, long-time Atlanta community leader and co-founder of Hands On Network and Hands On Atlanta. Nunn's innovation and visionary, social entrepreneurial approach to leadership has gained the organization national acclaim for two consecutive years as Fast Company Social Capitalist Award winners.

Nunn said that the decision to locate the headquarters in Atlanta was also motivated by the city’s heritage as an epicenter of social change, offering an important combination of thought leadership and resources needed to achieve the mission of the new organization. "Our mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world," said Nunn. 'And the merger represents an unprecedented opportunity to create new scale, impact, and innovation investment in our nation’s most valuable resource--our people. We are inspired by the opportunity to create this new day in the home of so many of our nation’s greatest leaders."

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin welcomed the decision as an affirmation of Atlanta's commitment and dedication to creating healthy, vibrant communities. "I have admired Michelle Nunn and the work of the organization for years," said Mayor Franklin. "I have seen first hand the positive impact that happens when people get engaged in their communities. Volunteers become change agents creating the kind of communities they want their families and friends to live in-I am thrilled to have this organization call Atlanta home."

Points of Light & Hands On Network joins the ranks of several other large national and international nonprofits that have chosen Atlanta as their headquarter city in recent years. The Arthritis Foundation moved to Atlanta in 1977; the American Cancer Society in 1987; CARE in 1993; and Boys and Girls Clubs of America in 1994 and Habitat for Humanity International moved its administrative headquarters to Atlanta in 2006.

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.

More from Points of Light