Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement News
AL!VE at the 2025 Points of Light Conference - Connection, Learning, and Growth
The 2025 Points of Light Conference proved to be an energizing and impactful event for AL!VE, as members came together to elevate the volunteer engagement profession. With goals centered around increasing visibility of the association, deepening relationships with the board and members, and driving innovation, AL!VE’s presence was both strategic and inspiring.
Showing Up to Show Out: AL!VE had a strong showing with 12 current board members in attendance—including presenters Nicole R. Smith and Amy Pinger—as well as former board leaders like Michelle Raymer, Megan Vixie, and Dana Litwin, all of whom took the stage to share their expertise. In total, 9 AL!VE leaders and members presented at sessions with a combined estimated audience of 465 attendees. With the help of 16 enthusiastic AL!VE member volunteers, our booth became a vibrant hub of connection, welcoming an estimated 250 visitors. From the booth, 42 new individuals became new prospective members, and 7 individuals joined as AL!VE members during the post-conference engagement period.
Moments of Connection: Community-building came alive with standout experiences: from an AL!VE member group photo to a joyful Service Enterprise participant meetup, the spirited networking night with a Sweet Sixteenth birthday cake, and even an impromptu karaoke session and ghost tour that blended fun with fellowship. These moments fostered stronger bonds between current and former board members, members, and potential collaborators.
A Platform for Learning: The conference’s theme of innovation was on full display in sessions led by AL!VE-affiliated speakers, covering topics ranging from strategic volunteer leadership to equity in engagement. The Service Enterprise cohort was also strongly represented, with 20 participants engaging in training and dialogue throughout the week.
Building Brand and Relationships: The conference offered a prime opportunity to strengthen relationships with key partners and sponsors. AL!VE engaged with existing and potential allies from organizations like Dollar Days, GivePulse, Goodera, Volunteer Hub, YourCause by Blackbaud, Rosterfy, True Impact, and Submittable, among others. These interactions laid promising groundwork for future collaborations in sponsorship, fundraising, and thought leadership. AL!VE’s brand visibility grew not only through its physical booth presence and active networking but also through deepened connections with fellow capacity-building organizations like CCVA, VolunteerMatch/Idealist, and Better Impact–who co-hosted the well-attended networking happy hour on night one.
One Member’s Experience (shared by Yvonne Dunphe, CVA)
The beginning of June brought an incredible experience for Leaders of Volunteers at the Points of Light Conference in New Orleans. This was my second time attending, and what an experience it was! There was so much excitement, learning, inspiration, and connection, all centered around the power of volunteering.
I was introduced to AL!VE at my first Points of Light conference in Atlanta in 2018. Thrilled to have won an AL!VE membership, I joined committees and was inspired by many people I met virtually. Fast forward to this year, and I had the opportunity to meet some of the leaders of this impactful organization in person. Technology has been wonderful for connecting us over the years, but being in the same room and having the chance to talk with these committed leaders was priceless.
The AL!VE booth was filled with energy, staffed by board members and volunteers, and there was hardly a quiet moment. What a change in just seven years! As an AL!VE member, I felt inspired by the individuals I met, the growth the organization has undergone, and the excitement from those visiting the booth to learn more about the support AL!VE provides for our profession. The purpose-driven work being done fosters a deeper sense of belonging and community. With everything happening around us, attending this conference and being a member of AL!VE has given me a renewed sense of purpose.
It’s clear the 2025 Points of Light Conference was not only a moment of presence for AL!VE—but a sign of our momentum. Our community left the conference energized, with new members, expanded networks, and a renewed commitment to lead the volunteer engagement profession into the future. Read our original news post here and plan to join AL!VE at next year’s Points of Light conference in Washington, DC from June 22-25, 2026.
