WASHINGTON, D.C. — The deadline for the 2005 Awards for Excellence in Workplace Volunteer Programs is March 18, 2005. Nomination forms are available by visiting www.pointsoflight.org/awards/nominate.cfm.

Presented by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, the Awards recognize businesses of all sizes and from all industries that meet the Principles of Excellence for Workplace Volunteering — standards for effective and sustainable workplace volunteer programs:

• Acknowledge that the workplace’s employee volunteer efforts contribute to the achievement of its business goals.

• Commit to establish, support and promote an employee volunteer program that encourages the involvement of every employee, and manage the employee volunteer program like any other business function.
• Target workplace volunteering at serious social problems in the community.

Any small, medium, large or international business that has an established company-supported employee/retiree volunteer program directed toward addressing community social issues is eligible. Companies with a recently established employee volunteer program are strongly encouraged to apply for the “fast-start” category. This new category will recognize workplace volunteer programs in operation three years or less. In addition, past Award recipients are now eligible to apply if five years or more have expired since receipt of the award.

The 2005 Awards will be presented in Washington, DC at The National Conference on Volunteering and Service, August 4-6, 2005.

The National Conference, convened by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, is a premier training and networking event that annually attracts 3,000 leaders from the nonprofit, business, government and national service, and education fields.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life – businesses, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults – to volunteer. By calling or visiting 1-800-Volunteer.org interested persons can get connected to volunteer opportunities within their communities.