HOPe Africa Responds to Temporary Pause of the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — HOPe Africa acknowledges the official announcement by AmeriCorps that the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program has been placed on a temporary pause, effective May 27, 2025. This decision, communicated via AmeriCorps and the official PVSA platform, affects all applications for new Certifying Organizations and new award orders.

As a longstanding Certifying Organization and proud promoter of volunteerism across the African diaspora and within the United States, HOPe Africa respects this administrative pause and encourages patience and continued community service during this time of transition.

“We remain deeply proud of every individual and group who has earned or supported the PVSA through HOPe Africa,” said Dr. Francis John, Executive Director of HOPe Africa and one of the recipients of the Gold Award Category under the President’s Volunteer Service Award program. “While the current program operations are paused, our commitment to recognizing and elevating the spirit of service continues undeterred.”

What This Means for Volunteers and Nominees:

• Any PVSA orders placed before May 27, 2025, 5:00 PM will still be processed and shipped as scheduled.
• New orders and certifications are not being accepted during the pause.
• Existing Certifying Organizations, including HOPe Africa, cannot currently access their PVSA accounts or issue awards until operations resume.
• Questions regarding previously submitted orders may be directed to support@pointsoflight.org.
• All other PVSA-related inquiries can be sent to PVSA@americorps.gov.

Continuing Recognition Through Alternative Channels

To continue celebrating our volunteers, HOPe Africa is exploring alternative recognition platforms, including the Daily Point of Light Award, also supported by Points of Light and rooted in the legacy of American volunteerism since 1990. We will also initiate internal honorary certificates and spotlight features through TipsNews.info, social media, and upcoming international conferences.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission,” Dr. John added. “Whether it’s feeding 70,000 people, distributing 10 million sanitary pads, or leading environmental and educational campaigns across continents—our work goes on, and so does our appreciation for the selfless individuals making it happen.”

Call to Action: Keep Volunteering, Keep Uplifting

HOPe Africa calls on all partners, awardees, supporters, and fellow Certifying Organizations to remain engaged. Volunteerism doesn’t pause—only platforms do. Our shared vision for a more humane, equitable, and empowered society will continue to shine.

We thank AmeriCorps and the PVSA leadership for their service and look forward to the relaunch of the program in due course.

For more information or to remain updated with volunteer recognition opportunities, visit:
🌍 www.hopeafricaintl.org
📩 info@hopeafricaintl.org

About HOPe Africa
HOPe Africa is a registered nonprofit organization and ECOSOC member of the United Nations, headquartered in the United States with projects across Africa. Its mission is to build friendly societies through humanitarian, health, education, and empowerment programs—anchored in volunteerism and inclusive development.

Signed,
Francis John, Ph.D.
Executive Director
HOPe Africa
Recipient, President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award