In 1989, the vision of our nation coming together as a “thousand points of light” to serve one another was merely a dream. Today, 35 years later, Points of Light, founded by President George H.W. Bush, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing some of society’s greatest challenges. 

The Points of Light Conference was a three-day event hosted by the organization, bringing together social impact leaders and advocates in Houston. This event empowered them to foster a community rooted in service and strengthen their commitment to making a difference. The conference featured workshops, special guest speakers, and booths from various nonprofit organizations, facilitating introductions and building relationships. This year’s event was significant as it was held the week that would have been President Bush’s 100th birthday.  

Additionally, the conference held two service project opportunities. This year, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation was honored to feature the Raising a Reader initiative as one of the service projects Houston. Raising a Reader aims to empower families by equipping them with information and resources for parents to be their child’s first teacher by fostering brain development and early learning from birth. Reading, singing, talking and playing with their infants is vital to placing their child on a successful journey in school and life. Hosting one of the service projects was a great way to celebrate President Bush’s birthday and honor his legacy of volunteerism, while also celebrating Mrs. Bush’s cause of literacy in their hometown.   

The Foundation set a goal to pack 9,500 bags during the Points of Light Conference. Volunteers gathered at tables, each contributing by placing items in the bags, such as indestructible books, Harris County Public Library cards, and a prescription to read to their child daily. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the more than 200 volunteers from conference attendees and our community partners, including Hess, HCA Houston Healthcare West and Clear Lake hospitals, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas, Oxy, Phillips 66, our Ladies for Literacy Guild and Young Professionals Group, as well as Dollar Tree/Family Dollar. Through the collective effort of these many points of light, the Foundation exceeded the goal ahead of schedule and the bags have been delivered through the HCA Houston Healthcare system. 

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation is deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in and experience the 2024 Points of Light Conference as a service project opportunity while also sharing more with attendees about the Foundation’s efforts, witnessing everyone come together, eager to contribute, and becoming a point of light for literacy.

View photos from this year’s event here.