The United Nations proclaims 2001 the International Year of the Volunteer. Points of Light Foundation joins nearly 1,000 national and international partners participating in the year of service.

The Year of the Volunteer provides a unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of millions of volunteers worldwide and the initiative also aims to encourage more people to engage in volunteer activity.

The premise underlying the Year of the Volunteer is that voluntary service is an indispensible part of solving social problems and to encourage more people to serve as volunteers.

As one of 1,000 participating organizations encouraging voluntary action throughout the Year of the Volunteer, Points of Light Foundation engaged its large network of individuals, groups and corporate partners in service to others.