National Days of Service in 2024

As a volunteer manager, it’s never too early to start planning your yearly days of service campaigns.

Volunteer days of service are a key time for volunteer programs to launch online fundraising and social media campaigns, host volunteer events, and build volunteer momentum. 

We know it can be a bit tricky to navigate which dates to acknowledge and which dates to pass, especially for the new volunteer manager. So, we’ve created this go-to guide on the key Days of Service in the upcoming year.

Mark these dates on your calendar, as they are the most important annual service days for volunteer programs! 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 15, 2024

MLK day is a designated US federal holiday that commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday. The holiday celebrates the life and work of Dr. King, a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. On MLK day, participants are encouraged to “reflect on the principles of racial equity and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King.”

This National Day of Service is celebrated by encouraging Americans to volunteer their time to improve their communities through acts of service. Participation has grown over the past decade, and more people than ever before are engaging in service projects like mentoring children, building homes, and delivering meals  in observance of this holiday. 

Below, we’ve listed resources that might be helpful as you plan your event:

• Resources: The King Center
• Toolkit: Americorps’ MLK Day Resources
• Article: How to Get Volunteers for an Event in 8 Steps

International Corporate Philanthropy Day

February 26, 2024

International Corporate Philanthropy Day, led by the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, is a day intended to honor the corporate giving community. This day seeks to build more awareness around corporate partnerships and to inspire businesses to engage in philanthropy within their communities.

For more practical tools on corporate partnerships, check out these free resources: 

• Webinar: Grow Your Volunteer Program by Building Corporate Partnerships
• Toolkit: Corporate Volunteerism: The Key to Increasing Your Company's Impact
• Article: Why Corporate Partnerships are Important for Nonprofit Organizations

AmeriCorps Week

March 10-16, 2024

AmeriCorps Week is a time to recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, those who volunteer for the cause, and the grantees who make it all possible. The goal is to inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps. For ways to celebrate, visit the ideas section of their website. 

César Chávez Day of Service

March 31, 2024

César Chávez Day was designated as an official holiday by former President Barack Obama in 2014. This day honors the life, work, and values of labor and civil rights activist, César E. Chávez. Organizations can celebrate César Chávez Day by hosting a day of service and learning that encourages others to get involved in their communities.

• Guide: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Create a Compelling Volunteer Recruitment Flyer

Global Volunteer Month

April 1-30, 2024

Global Volunteer Month, also called National Volunteer Month, falls in April every year. Originally held as a week-long event in Canada in 1943, the initial purpose was to pay tribute to the contributions of women during World War II, who would nurse wounded soldiers and collect supplies for the war effort. Points of Light, founded in 1990, has formalized this holiday and is a leader in providing resources surrounding the event.

Today, this month is one of the largest celebrations in the service community, and is a designated time to recognize volunteers, donors, and others who support their communities. Volunteer appreciation is a large theme, as well as special events that highlight the roles of volunteerism in the community. National Volunteer Month is a great chance for families, schools, and other groups to get involved, as many local organizations host large volunteerism events. 

These resources will help volunteer managers plan events and activities to encourage volunteerism, recognize volunteers, and raise awareness for their organization's cause:

• Webinar: Volunteer Appreciation: Prepare for Volunteer Appreciation Month and Beyond with Strategies that Work!
• Article: 5 Great Ideas to Celebrate During National Volunteer Month
• Article: 12 Inexpensive Volunteer Appreciation Gift Ideas for Volunteers

National Volunteer Week

April 14-20, 2024

National Volunteer Week, which falls during National Volunteer Month,  intentionally recognizes volunteer impact and the part that volunteers play in solving society’s greatest problems. National Volunteer Week takes place every April. It is a time to thank volunteers for donating their time, talent, and money in order to make a difference in their communities.

• Webinar: Successful Volunteer Communications: Engage, Appreciate, + Impact!
• Article: National Volunteer Week Ideas to Celebrate Your Volunteers
• Guide: Volunteer Appreciation: A Guide to Thanking & Recognizing Your Volunteers

International Good Deeds Day

April 14, 2024

International Good Deeds Day was first created in Israel in 2007 by Rauch Tova, a Points of Light Global Network member. Since its inception, millions of volunteers from over 100 countries have come together to do good deeds that will benefit others and the planet. Aimed at encouraging civic involvement, Good Deeds Day is for change makers who want to make their communities a better place. Take advantage of this day by offering ways for local volunteers to get involved in your program.

Here are some resources that can help as you organize your day of service: 

• Toolkit: Points of Light’s Tips for How to Participate in Good Deeds Day
• Inspiration: Get Ideas for Good Deeds Day Opportunities

Global Youth Service Day

April 16-28, 2024

Global Youth Service Day was established in 1988, and more than 2,000 youth organizations participate every year. As the largest youth service event in the world, Global Youth Service Day encourages youth from ages 5-25 to help our communities thrive through service. Global Youth Service Day encourages volunteer leaders to help engage the younger generation through community service.

Youth Service America, the main organizer of the event, has a goal for 50% youth participation in volunteer service and civic engagement by 2026, and 100% participation by 2036.

Here are some resources to ramp up for Global Youth Service Day this year:   

• Webinar: Smart Social Media for Volunteer Programs
• Article: Gen Z: How to Engage the Next Generation of Volunteers
• Guide: Service Learning Best Practices

Earth Day

April 22, 2024

Earth Day is an international day of service that is celebrated annually by millions of people around the world. The goal of this event is to promote awareness for the health of our environment, oceans, and planet. It is celebrated in a number of ways, from planting trees, to park clean ups, and encourages people to get involved in environmental change both politically and economically. Volunteer managers can design a clean-up event, or team up with local green organizations to design an event to get involved with. Head over to www.earthday.org to get more information.

Here are resources for Volunteer Leaders on Earth Day:

• Article: 8 Environmentally Friendly Volunteer Program Ideas & Principles
• Inspiration: Ways to Invest in Our Planet

9/11 Weekend of Service and Remembrance

September 10-11, 2024

The mission of the 9/11 Weekend of Service and Remembrance is to reclaim the anniversary of 9/11, and transform it from a day of terror into a national day of doing good. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, America witnessed an outpouring of kindness and a spirit of unity in the immediate aftermath. To continue the momentum, this event encourages millions of people annually to donate to charities, volunteer their time, and perform good deeds in the spirit of remembrance, unity, and community service. To learn more about ways to get involved, head over to 911day.org 

• Article: 7 Top Tips for Recruiting and Organizing Event Volunteers

Family Volunteer Day

November 23, 2024

Family Volunteer Day is an annual day of service that happens around Thanksgiving. This day encourages families to work together and bond over bettering their communities through service.

Family Volunteer Day encompasses many generations, so keep events and opportunities accessible for those with differing physical abilities. Volunteer managers may also consider offering virtual and remote volunteer opportunities, like making cards, collecting donations, or creating hygiene kits.

Use these resources to plan your Family Volunteer Day event: 

• Webinar: Virtual Volunteerism: Engaging Volunteers in a Digital World
• Article: How to Make Volunteering Family-Friendly
• Article: Volunteering as a Family: Tips for Giving Back to Your Community Together

GivingTuesday

December 3, 2024

GivingTuesday is an annual day for people to do good fueled by the power of radical generosity. It is also one of the largest fundraising days of the year! Beginning in 2012, GivingTuesday has grown into a global generosity movement, which inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer, and celebrate generosity.

The GivingTuesday movement believes that everyone, regardless of their background, has something they can contribute to building a better world- whether that be through an act of kindness, or donating their time or money. Head to givingtuesday.org to learn more.

Get ahead of the GivingTuesday campaign season with these resources:

• Webinar: Volunteer Engagement: Activating Your Supporters!
• Article: Volunteer Donorship: 5 Steps for Converting Volunteers to Donors
• Article: 4 Data-Based Strategies to Deepen Your Donor Relationships
• Article: How to Thank Your Holiday Campaign Donors