Every person has light within them. Every person can create change and make a positive impact on their community and the world. And change is needed more than ever. That’s why Thrive has partnered with Points of Light on a special section, launching today, called Social Impact and Purpose. It will include stories of inspiration from real people who are doing extraordinary things, tips and easy ways to become more civically engaged and the latest research on how civic engagement is shaping our society. For more than 30 years, Points of Light has focused on volunteerism, and now civic engagement, and sits at the intersection of nonprofits, businesses and people who want to do good.
We’re at a time in history when people are the driving force of change. Those who want to do good and advance causes they care about have more options than ever before to take action. From using your voice, your vote and your purchase power to volunteering and making donations; choosing the company you work for, or choosing to work as a civil servant, serve in our military or do a year of service with AmeriCorps or Peace Corps. The options are endless.
And yet, we know getting started can be the hardest part. Points of Light’s civic engagement research from 2020 found that 44 percent of people said they didn’t know where to find opportunities or how to get involved. 43 percent said they were not sure what they could do that would be helpful.
That’s why we are creating this new section. For those of you who aren’t sure where to start, we have ways to do that. And if you’re already engaged, you can find more ways to take inspired action. Combining your actions around a cause can help accelerate change and make greater advances.
We can’t do it all, but all of us can do something. So if you’re involved in civic engagement, or simply interested in how you can get involved, please join us in the Social Impact and Purpose section. Please share your stories to encourage others. When we are able to act together, we can solve society’s toughest challenges.