The Need to Act Now
The severity of the problems posed by the accelerating changes in the global climate are becoming increasingly evident. Heat waves are becoming more severe, droughts and downpours are becoming more intense, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising. The environment is facing increasing stress, including the spreading of disease, conflict over resources and humanitarian crises as a result of mass migrations.
Americans continue to generate around 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year from personal transportation, home energy use and from the energy used to produce all of the products and services we consume. Together, we can all take small steps in reducing carbon emissions, while maximizing energy efficiency, renewable energy and breakthrough technologies that are crucial for the environment.
The President's call to service highlights how citizen engagement is more critical than ever as both a cornerstone of our democracy and as an essential resource for solving some of our nation's most pressing issues. Volunteers can advance environmental stewardship efforts and help reduce our carbon footprint to help create a sustainable, healthy world.
The Response
Get HandsOn will mobilize the power of people to confront the climate change crisis through direct civic action. Our goal is to reduce the nation's carbon footprint through a neighborhood-based approach to conservation and greening projects that transform citizen's awareness of climate change. Specific and tangible environmental stewardship initiatives will influence the behavioral change required to preserve the earth. By providing the tools and talents, HandsOn Network will empower individuals who often are solely recipients of social services to also be the providers of these services to their neighbors and peers. The larger community benefits from skilled, empowered volunteers who can lead greening projects.
Partnering with Businesses to Create Lasting Impact
HandsOn Network's programs provide businesses and corporate leaders with opportunities to leverage their unique resources and expertise by sponsoring, developing and implementing environmental projects and national partnerships that impact the environment positively and inspire communities to engage as well. We aim to connect your employees to meaningful service projects that result in lasting impact.
- Neighboring is a form of volunteerism in which community members are empowered to lead projects instead of simply benefitting from service. Grassroots neighboring projects begin when one members of a community has an idea that can relieve strain on the environment.
- Kids Care Clubs provide parents, teachers and youth with tools and resources to promote civic values. Kids Care Clubs support elementary and middle school children in developing interest in service, volunteerism and the concept of social responsibility through meaningful hands-on service projects.
- Our new youth entity promotes service learning and provides students with the tools to create and lead activities that promote change and civic-consciousness.
Impacting the Environment through Signature Events
HandsOn Network helps corporations mobilize and engage employee volunteers through customized projects and national sponsorship opportunities. National signature service days celebrate the power of volunteers as change agents and direct public attention to the many ways individuals can become involved in their communities.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January) is an opportunity for Americans across the country to honor the legacy of Dr. King by volunteering in schools in their communities. From refurbishing schools to celebrating student leaders, HandsOn Network offers opportunities for businesses to continue to build upon the legacy of Dr. King and make a difference in public schools.
- National Volunteer Week (April) is a call to action for millions of Americans who volunteer and inspire by example. By partnering with HandsOn Network to sponsor elements of National Volunteer Week, businesses can showcase their commitment to education by engaging their employees in school revitalization projects.
- National Conference on Volunteering and Service (June) The world’s largest gathering of volunteer leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors is a prime opportunity for corporations to demonstrate their commitment to education. Corporations can sponsor the conference at varying levels and also attend sessions in the specialized corporate track to learn how to engage in employee volunteer programs.
- Corporate Season of Service (August - October) is highlighted by service projects throughout the country that demonstrate the power and purpose of corporate civic engagement through volunteer action. During this month, corporations and businesses leverage their resources to collectively engage employees, inspire other corporate leaders and increase public awareness of civic engagement.
- Make A Difference Day (October) is the nation’s largest day of neighbors helping neighbors. Corporations can mobilize employees to volunteer together on this day to revitalize a school or renovate a recreation area for children.
National Awards and Recognition Opportunities
Millions of volunteers give their time, talent and energy to help strengthen schools and their communities through employee and skills-based volunteer programs. It is through their stories that people are inspired to serve and begin to recognize their personal power to transform the world around them. Corporations, nonprofit organizations and individuals can celebrate these change-makers by nominating them for awards.
- The Corporate Engagement Award of Excellence recognizes the collective commitment and power to change the world that businesses and organizations contribute through their programs to engage their employees in volunteerism.
- Daily Points of Light Awards honor individuals and volunteer groups around the country that are helping to meet critical needs in their schools and create change every day.
- The President's Volunteer Service Award was created by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation and encourages ongoing involvement in service and civic engagement.