Events, Media & Communications

World's Largest Conference on Volunteering and Service to Be Held in Houston in October

Key Houston Leaders Join Points of Light Founder, President George H. W. Bush, to Spearhead the Organization's Conference
Jun 29, 2015 4:45 PM ET

HOUSTON, June 29, 2015 /3BL Media/ – The Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service, providing the singular opportunity for thousands to come together to shape the future of volunteerism, will be held in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center Oct. 19-21. The 2015 Conference marks Points of Light’s 25th anniversary and will include some of the most recognized names in leadership, entertainment and philanthropy, all joining attendees to celebrate volunteering and service and highlight the impact of Points of Light, 25 years since it was established by President George H. W. Bush.

“It is only appropriate that the 25th anniversary of Points of Light be celebrated in my parents’ back yard, Houston, Texas, one of the most generous, giving cities in America,” says Neil Bush, Chairman, Points of Light. “We will be discussing topics of global importance and seeking meaningful and effective ways to further engage individuals and organizations across our great country to solve critical problems and lift up communities. This is about making a difference through people, and we are expecting the largest attendance in our history.”  

The Conference

Each year, thousands of people who care about the future of volunteer service convene during this conference – to learn from, share with and get inspired by one another – while working together to increase the number of volunteers in the world. This year’s Conference marks the 25th anniversary of Points of Light and will showcase the impact of the global volunteer service movement, which has grown exponentially since the founding of Points of Light.

Leaders from the nonprofit, corporate and civic sectors will gather for a wide range of workshops, forums, hands-on service opportunities and special events. Attendees will explore topics such as education, economic opportunity, faith, the environment and more – and participants will unearth concrete strategies for how to help their communities. The 2015 Conference will examine how the next generation of citizens is creating new pathways for direct action and unleashing their solutions with new levels of speed and scale.

This year’s Conference is a celebration of the change-makers of the future,” says Tracy Hoover, CEO, Points of Light. “Join us as we unite in service to help 21st century volunteers discover and use all of their assets – time, talent, voice and money – to build strong, vibrant communities around the world.”

Local Leaders Unite

Community leaders are gathering from across the city of Houston to spearhead the Conference and share their time and talents to ensure the most engaged and connected Conference in its 25 years of existence. The Honorable Ed Emmett and the Honorable Annise Parker are co-chairing the Conference, and the Host Committee members, who represent some of the largest organizations and corporations in Houston, are listed below.

“We couldn’t have asked for a Host Committee made up of stronger and more dedicated community leaders,” says Judge Ed Emmett. “The time and energy they are devoting to this event will give us a Conference that has huge impact in the Houston area, the nation and across the world. We are honored to host this most critical and exciting event, especially as it celebrates the generosity and spirit of giving of one of the great all-time Americans, President George H. W. Bush.”

An Example of Impact

One example of Points of Light’s impact is its Read Across the Globe initiative, which will be showcased at the Conference. On Oct. 19, global nonprofits, school districts, businesses, Points of Light and HandsOn Network affiliates across the U.S. and in 30 countries will join forces to establish a new world record for read-a-thons – thousands of volunteers will be readers and hosts at planned reading events. The initiative is sponsored by Deloitte, with support from the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and Volunteer Houston.

“By working across time zones and with hundreds of partners, we hope to read to the most children ever in a 24-hour period,” says Neil Bush. “Conference attendees will be encouraged to bring a book to donate to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to be placed in the hands of children and adults who need them most.”

For more on the 2015 Conference, visit www.pointsoflight.org or www.volunteeringandservice.org.

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About Points of Light
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Affiliated with 250 cities and partnered with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, we are so grateful for our top sponsors of this year’s Conference: The UPS Foundation, Deloitte, Target, Disney and United Airlines. Points of Light engages more than 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year – we put people at the center of change. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org. 

Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service
Host Committee Members

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