ASU Lodestar Center commits to National Volunteer Strategy
As a collaborator with Points of Light, the ASU Lodestar Center is supporting the organization’s “Reimagining Service 2035,” launched this week across the United States. Aiming to bring the benefits of volunteering—stronger connections, increased empathy and trust, and bridge building—to individuals, communities and societies, Points of Light seeks to double the number of people who volunteer by the year 2035. To achieve the bold goal, Points of Light seeks collaborations and partnerships with other organizations, such as our Center, who are inspired by the vision of Reimagining Service 2035.
The National Volunteer Strategy is about more than just numbers. It’s about creating a clear plan to make volunteering easier, more meaningful, and more accessible for everyone. That means:
- Supporting nonprofits who rely on volunteers
- Building systems that make it simple to get involved
- Strengthening connections in our communities and with one another
Building on these three key areas helps to define what it takes for purposeful volunteering to thrive. By investing in the ecosystem, impact, and engagement that support both volunteers and nonprofits, the strategy can make service more accessible, strengthen communities, and build a more connected and civil society.
A recent story about the new National Volunteer Strategy was featured in the Associated Press.
Dr. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of ASU’s Lodestar Center and Professor of Civic Enterprise, is a member of the National Volunteer Strategy Advisory Council and has joined with other leaders to help inform the vision for how volunteerism and civic engagement can be strengthened across the country. He is also co-chair of the newly formed Research Advisory Network (RAN) that brings together scholars in the volunteerism and civic engagement field to help inform the effort by leveraging strengths of RAN members through application of knowledge to effective practice in support of the initiative’s goals.
The ASU Lodestar Center’s capacity building portfolio, which includes the Service Enterprise accreditation program and trainings in strategic volunteer management through the Nonprofit Management Institute are part of supporting individuals and organizations involved in the volunteerism ecosystem across Arizona and well beyond.
Another Arizona collaborator of the initiative is Points of Light affiliate, HandsOn Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit volunteer management organization that connects volunteers with community needs. Our Center looks forward to working with HandsOn Greater Phoenix in this effort, as well as to amplify their work to match volunteers with board position opportunities through AZ Leaders On Board, designed to connect civic-minded professionals with meaningful board service opportunities for Arizona nonprofits. AZ Leaders on Board is but one example of many programs that will help meet the goals of Reimagining Service 2035.
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