The Need to Act Now

In today's economic climate, civic engagement plays an even greater role in responding to communities in need. Thirty-seven million Americans currently live in poverty, and low-income Americans also run the highest risk of being uninsured. In 2003, 45 million people lacked health insurance, and the numbers have only increased since then.

Individuals and families gain access to greater opportunities when they identify ways to increase income, grow savings and increase their overall assets, such as home ownership and college education. By strengthening financial circumstances and stabilizing wealth, volunteerism, family philanthropy and overall social capital are improved in communities.

The President's call to service highlights how citizen engagement is more critical now than ever as both a cornerstone of our democracy and as an essential resource for solving some of our nation's current economic challenges. The economic downturn has resulted in an outpouring of displaced or downsized citizens volunteering at HandsOn Action Centers, as well as a surge in citizens in need of basic services. The combination of these circumstances means that now is the time for renewal and innovation. Volunteers can significantly impact today's economic crisis at the community level.

The Response

Through Get HandsOn, HandsOn Network aims to support economic security for families by facilitating access to resources and dollars. By providing 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. Through the network of HandsOn Action Centers and nonprofit partners, HandsOn Network will pilot and demonstrate scalable community and volunteer-based initiatives that will help alleviate poverty. Financial literacy, housing and shelter are all examples of areas in which volunteers can make a difference in their community.

National Programs

HandsOn Network's national programs provide corporate leaders with the opportunity to leverage their unique resources and expertise by sponsoring, developing and implementing projects and national partnerships that allow families to increase wealth, improve levels of financial literacy and gain access to higher-quality resources such as food and shelter.

• Neighboring engages families from low-income and underserved neighborhoods as volunteers.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Initiative promotes volunteer-driven services for families that seek to permanently change their wealth status by focusing on budgeting, short and long-term savings, asset building and wise philanthropy.
• HandsOn Schools transforms schools into community centers where volunteers can come together to address economic issues in their area and assist one other.
• AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty by offering 6,500 opportunities at more than 1,200 projects across the country.
• Skills-Based Volunteering matches a person's professional skills and experience with a nonprofit organization in need of help. HandsOn Network is the leader in developing customized high-impact, skills-based volunteer programs.

Impacting the Economy 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.