We’re building a national strategy to transform volunteering in America – and we need your voice.
Reimagining Service 2035 is a cross-sector effort, led by Points of Light and partners across the country, to double the number of people who volunteer by 2035 and make service easier, more meaningful, and more accessible for everyone.
Over the next year, we’re listening to people and organizations across the United States to design a shared roadmap for the next decade of volunteer engagement. The final national volunteer strategy will be shared in 2026, ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
We’re building a national strategy to transform volunteering in America – and we need your voice.
This engagement effort includes two surveys based on how you participate in your community—either as an individual or on behalf of an organization that works with volunteers or community members.
Choose the option that best reflects how you’re responding today.
OPTION 1: COMMUNITY SURVEY
We want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences, including those who:
- Volunteer with local nonprofits or community organizations
- Help through schools and faith communities
- Participate in mutual aid or neighborhood support
- Connect through civic or cultural groups
- Support community efforts informally or locally
- Used to be involved but stepped away
- Are curious but unsure where to start
- Have reasons for not getting involved
Whether volunteering is part of your life, used to be, could be someday, or isn’t right for you, your perspective matters.
Reimagining Service: Community Survey
Thank you for taking part in this survey. Points of Light is conducting a national study to learn more about how people experience volunteering today and what might encourage greater involvement in the...
OPTION 2: ORGANIZATION SURVEY
We also want to hear from organizations and partners that engage, rely on, or are exploring ways to involve community members, including:
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Volunteer engagement professionals
- Schools and universities
- Faith communities
- Local governments and public institutions
- Groups who use volunteers or are considering it
If any part of your work includes engaging volunteers or understanding why people do—or don’t—get involved, we want to learn from your experience.
Reimagining Service: Organization Survey
Thank you for taking part in this survey. Points of Light is conducting a national study to learn more about how organizations engage volunteers today and what could help strengthen volunteer participation...
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re asking for your perspective because every experience matters—whether you volunteer, hope to get involved, work with volunteers, or represent an organization that depends on them. Your insights help us understand what’s working, what’s not, and what would make it easier for people and organizations to strengthen their communities. Your feedback will directly shape a national volunteer strategy designed to improve volunteer experiences and support the organizations and communities that rely on them.
Your responses will be combined with feedback from individuals and organizations across the country to identify common needs, challenges, and opportunities related to helping or volunteering. These findings will guide recommendations and actions within the national volunteer strategy.
As we approach America’s 250th birthday, we have an opportunity to do something historic: reignite a national movement of helping, connection, and community. Volunteering has always been part of the American story, but participation is slipping, nonprofits are under-resourced, and too many communities are struggling alone. A national volunteer strategy provides a shared vision and roadmap for reversing these trends—so more people can serve, more organizations can thrive, and more communities can experience real, lasting change. This is our chance to build the next era of civic engagement together.
Yes. Individual responses are confidential. You will not be identified in any public reports or recommendations.
No. We are looking for different perspectives from a variety of people, including: Experienced volunteers, new volunteers, former volunteers, and people who haven't volunteered but have considered it, as well as staff or leaders from nonprofits, community groups, schools, workplaces, or faith communities. Every viewpoint helps us understand the full picture.
To learn more about Reimagining Service, visit https://www.pointsoflight.org/reimagining-service/