Building Stronger Communities Through Service and Connection: My Experience at the 2026 Points of Light Conference
By Nakia Williams, Community Engagement & Volunteer Manager
From June 22–25, I had the privilege of representing Roberta’s House at the 2026 Points of Light Conference in Washington, D.C.—the nation’s largest gathering dedicated to volunteerism, civic engagement, and community service. Surrounded by nonprofit leaders, volunteer professionals, educators, and community organizers from across the country, I was reminded that while every organization serves a unique mission, we all share a common purpose: strengthening communities through meaningful human connection.
I returned from the conference energized, inspired, and equipped with new ideas that will help expand volunteer engagement and community partnerships at Roberta’s House.
Addressing the Epidemic of Social Disconnection
One of the conference’s most impactful sessions explored the growing challenge of social isolation in America. The statistics were sobering:
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41% of Americans report feeling lonely.
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Nearly 60% never volunteer.
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More than two-thirds participate in social gatherings two times a month or less.
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Most people report having only a small circle of acquaintances.
These findings reinforced something we witness every day at Roberta’s House: healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community.
Whether someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, coping with trauma, or simply searching for belonging, supportive relationships are often the most powerful catalyst for healing. Volunteers play a critical role in creating those connections. Every conversation, event, and act of service helps build the kind of community where individuals know they are seen, valued, and supported.
Volunteerism Is About More Than Service
Another valuable takeaway centered on the evolving role of volunteer engagement professionals. Today’s volunteer leaders are relationship builders, strategists, educators, and community connectors.
The session highlighted essential competencies including:
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Building authentic relationships
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Active listening
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Collaborative leadership
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Volunteer experience management
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Data-informed decision making
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Capacity building
Investing in Youth Leadership
One of my favorite sessions focused on developing youth leaders through service.
The presenters challenged us to rethink leadership by recognizing that young people demonstrate leadership every day—often in ways adults overlook. Leadership grows when youth are trusted with opportunities to think creatively, solve problems, make decisions, and serve others.
At Roberta’s House, we already see this potential through our youth programs. The conference reinforced the importance of intentionally creating service opportunities that help young people discover their strengths, develop confidence, and become leaders within their schools and communities.
Service is not simply about giving back—it is one of the most effective pathways for developing future leaders.
Building Partnerships That Strengthen Communities
Beyond the educational sessions, one of the greatest values of the conference was the opportunity to connect with professionals from across the country. Conversations with nonprofit leaders, volunteer centers, service organizations, and community partners sparked ideas around:
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Innovative volunteer recruitment strategies
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Volunteer recognition and retention
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Community partnership development
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Youth engagement initiatives
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Leadership development programs
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Potential AmeriCorps collaborations
These relationships create opportunities to bring fresh ideas and new resources back to Baltimore while positioning Roberta’s House within a broader national network of organizations committed to strengthening communities through service.
Bringing New Ideas Home
As Community Engagement & Volunteer Manager, I am excited to begin applying these insights at Roberta’s House by:
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Expanding volunteer recruitment and retention efforts.
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Creating additional leadership opportunities for youth volunteers.
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Strengthening partnerships with community organizations.
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Exploring new national collaborations and professional development opportunities.
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Continuing to build programs that reduce isolation by fostering meaningful relationships through service.
Every volunteer who gives their time helps create a stronger, more compassionate community. Every partnership extends our reach. Every act of service brings hope to someone who needs it.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Points of Light Conference reaffirmed what makes Roberta’s House so special. Our volunteers, staff, community partners, and supporters are not simply providing services—they are creating spaces where healing, connection, and belonging can flourish.
I am grateful to Roberta’s House for investing in my professional growth and to everyone who made this experience possible.
I look forward to putting these lessons into practice as we continue building a stronger volunteer program, deeper community partnerships, and new opportunities for service throughout Baltimore and beyond.
Because I truly believe that when people come together to care for one another, stronger communities are built—and healing becomes possible.
Nakia Williams
Community Engagement and Volunteer Program Manager
Roberta’s House
