Points of Light, HandsOn: merger moving closer.

Volunteer Centers across the country are preparing for change as a merger between two of the nation's leading volunteer service organizations, the Washington, D.C.-based Points of Light Foundation (PoLF) and Hands On Network (HON) in Atlanta, Ga., grows more

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The announcement this past December that Robert K. Goodwin would retire from PoLF after 15 years, effective last month, initially prompted speculation that ranged from some form of program integration to a possible merger between the two organizations. With no real search for a permanent replacement for Goodwin under way, the stage has been set for the merger.

Both organizations have been reaching out to their local volunteer center affiliates for input about the possible merger and to address concerns. According to PoLF, the 300 or so volunteer centers nationwide are free and independent, thus will not be required to join the new entity should the merger happen. A deal could be announced at the PoLF's annual conference in July.

At its regional conferences, PoLF extended time to discuss the merger with affiliates. Interim CEO Terry Williams addressed the merger at a recent PoLF task force meeting in Washington, D.C. Hands On also has been meeting with its affiliates to begin discussing the merger, bolstered by ongoing telephone conversations with larger groups of affiliates.

Ellen Hargis, president and CEO of the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona, among the 24 dual affiliates nationwide, lauded the openness with which both organizations have held the merger discussions. "Both organizations have really, really done a good job of communicating with their constituencies." Hargis added that PoLF also has been "very open" about its decision to delay looking for a permanent leader during the talks. "I think that's the best possible way to do it. It's very difficult for two organizations to merge if two longtime CEOs are still there. When one leaves, it does open up that window of opportunity." Of speculation that Hands On Network CEO Michelle Nunn will head the new entity, added Hargis: "I would imagine that they would be looking at that as a top potential."

Williams commented on the merger talks in a late April edition of the foundation's e-newsletter, To The Point, distributed to volunteer centers, donors and other stakeholders. Williams said the goal "as we consider consolidation and the possible merger with Hands On" is to strengthen the foundation and the volunteer sector as a whole.