AmeriCorps CEO Presents President’s Volunteer Service Award and Daily Point of Light Award to Washington, DC-based Volunteers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 03, 2023

National service agency recognizes two volunteers for their service to their community and the nation

WASHINGTON, DC – AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and Chair of the Points of Light Board of Directors Neil Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award and Daily Point of Light Award to two Washington, DC-based volunteers who have served more than 20,000 hours addressing critical issues in their communities.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award and Daily Point of Light Award were presented on Thursday, March 2 to:

Natalie Wilson, Black and Missing Foundation, President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award, 20,000 Hours
Natalie is the co-founder of Black and Missing Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color, and collaborator on the award-winning HBO docuseries, “Black and Missing.” Natalie has volunteered more than 20,000 hours over the course of 15 years to help find missing persons of color and bring awareness of this issue across the nation. She has helped provide vital resources and tools to missing person’s families and friends and helped educate communities of color on personal safety.
Joanna Glover, FEMA Corps, Daily Point of Light Award, Honoree Number 7,500
Joanna currently serves as a team leader in FEMA Corps, a partnership between AmeriCorps NCCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support disaster response and recovery. In her leadership role, Joanna has assisted with the deployment of 10 FEMA Corps teams to project locations across the country and supervised members on project sites. Joanna also has supported hazard mitigation for sites damaged by Hurricane Maria and disaster response planning and modeling for Hurricane Fiona. Additionally, she has supported database development to aid environmental historic preservation projects in Oakland, Calif.

“The President’s Volunteer Service Award continues to highlight the enduring spirit of service that unites Americans and transforms lives,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “I am honored to recognize Natalie Wilson and Joanna Glover for their innovative and impactful service to their community and the country.”

“The Daily Point of Light Award recognizes individuals who have made a deep impact in their community and today we celebrate a milestone honoring our 7,500th recipient,” said Neil Bush, chair, Points of Light Board of Directors. “It’s an honor to present the 7,500th Daily Point of Light Award to Joanna Glover, an AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps team leader, who has made incredible contributions to communities facing the challenging aftermath of natural disasters. Thank you, Joanna, for sharing your light with others when it’s needed most.”

Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over a 12-month period or a lifetime. The awards program began in 2003 and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires others to act.

More than 1,500 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers serve at more than 400 locations in Washington, DC. Last year, the city received more than $14.5 million in AmeriCorps funding, which was matched with nearly $4.4 million in local support.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 144 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.