h o n o R E E S - Points of Light Foundation

President george h. W. Bush was the first president in american history to institute a
daily presidential recognition program from the White house, conferring 1,020 Daily Point
of light awards between 1989 and 1993. following his presidency, a team of researchers
selected 250 individuals from the 1,020 award winners to interview in depth. the purpose
of the effort was to explore the common journey of america’s first Points of light. Called
“the Community of light Project,” the work was supported by corporate, foundation and
individual funders. Researchers found that these Points of light demonstrated a set of
traits and behaviors that enabled their successful voluntary service.
Daily Point of light honoree traits*
able to act on faith. Points of light are capable of going forward despite
overwhelming uncertainty about the outcome.
Bored or restless at some level. although active, something is missing and
yearned for in their life.
likes to see others Do Well. they measure their own success largely by the
achievements of others.
independent and Quietly Confident. in a non-public way, they are remarkably sure
of themselves.
energetic and enjoys Practical, hard Work. hard work that they love is the key to
their success.
guided and sustained by Deeply-held Beliefs. Moral, ethical, spiritual
considerations matter deeply.
helping is not new. grew up in households or knew someone well where helping
was a way of life.
Positive and Patient. able to know progress is being made and see it before it is
apparent to others.
empathy Based on Personal experience. a special kinship is felt with those facing
a challenge.
ready to engage talents, interests and gifts. in what they enjoy is the power to
make a difference.