LAUNCH OF FIRST-EVER GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE MOVEMENT, generationOn, INSPIRES AND MOBILIZES YOUTH OF ALL AGES TO TAKE ACTION THAT CHANGES THE WORLD

Hundreds of Youth Leaders Gather in Washington, DC to Kick Off Movement

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 23, 2010) – Today, Points of Light Institute announced the official launch of generationOn, the first-of-its- kind global youth service movement that encourages all kids to discover their power and potential to solve real world problems through service.  generationOn is the newly-created youth service division of Points of Light Institute, an organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world.  The new division focuses on igniting the power of all kids (pre-school through 12^th grade) to make their mark by creating meaningful change in the world. generationOn is funded by a generous $5 million gift from the Hasbro Children’s Fund, the philanthropic arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS).

 “generationOn will be the platform for all youth service and community organizations to work together to help kids discover their potential through the transformative power of service,” said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute. “There are so many children and teens who want to make a difference, build their own identities and engage with others and Hasbro’s gift will help us bring this program to schools, community and youth groups, parents and teachers across the country and the world. generationOn is about empowering these kids to become leaders, community activists and compassionate global citizens in partnership with other youth organizations and schools.  We couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities and impact of this program.” 

To officially launch generationOn and celebrate Make a Difference Day (October 23), hundreds of youth leaders of all ages gathered at the Extra Mile - Points of Light Volunteer Pathway in Washington, D.C.to join generationOn.  There they walked the mile-long path bringing with them their personal commitment to service. They also participated in several service learning activities inspired by the work of American volunteer pioneers.  This event also marked the culmination of Kids Care Week (October 17-23), a generationOn program in which 26,000 kids from around the nation focused their compassion on a specific social issue and participated in a meaningful service project ranging from feeding the homeless to raising awareness about shark finning. 

generationOn has merged leading youth service programs including “Children for Children”, “The League” and “Learning to Give” under one umbrella to develop meaningful volunteer opportunities and resources for children, families and educators.  It also includes 1,800 Kids Care Clubs and thousands of schools that reach more than two million young people in all 50 states and around the world. In addition to the United States, generationOn will be working with youth service organizations in 16 other countries within its first year.   

generationOn is also a resource for nonprofits and communities.  Its curriculum features more than 1,400 service and philanthropic education lesson plans for all grade levels on topics ranging from the environment, to hunger and literacy, health, nutrition and animal welfare.  An interactive website includes programs, ideas, tools, and hands-on opportunities for kids to learn about and understand the issues in their communities—and to become part of the solution.  Other key program initiatives include: a national youth leadership program, recognition programs, a club model that allows kids to participate in service around the globe, a signature kid-powered volunteer week, grants for youth service, and significant support for the non-profit and education fields to ensure that all youth have the opportunity to discover their potential through service.  The Hasbro Children’s Fund is supporting the generationOn movement with a gift of more than $5 million over the next five years, the single largest commitment the Fund has made at one time to an initiative.

Recent research has identified the positive effects of service-learning for children and teens, particularly in addressing high-school dropout rates and lack of civic engagement.  Service increases attendance, builds stronger relationships between teachers and students, improves academic performance and motivates students. 

“We are so pleased to be helping launch this great global initiative, generationOn” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro Inc. president and CEO. “There are so many kids participating in service programs already and our goal is to raise the visibility, celebrate their great work and make it easy for others to do the same.  We believe in the power of youth, and want to help them recognize that each one of them has the ability to make a difference, to make their mark on this world and on their lives.”

For more information on generationOn and the youth volunteer service projects, please visit www.generationOn.org. 

About generationOn

generationOn is the global youth service movement igniting the power of all kids to make their mark on the world.  As the new youth division of Points of Light Institute, its mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize youth to take action that changes the world and themselves through service.  generationOn has brought the nation’s leading youth service organizations and programs under one umbrella including New York-based Children for Children, The League, Learning to Give, Points of Light’s KidsCare Clubs, HandsOn Schools and HandsOn Network’s youth-driven programs.  By partnering with teachers, parents, schools, community organizations and businesses, generationOn gives kids the opportunity to see firsthand the issues in their communities and the tools and resources they need to respond and become part of the solution. 

About Points of Light Institute
Points of Light Institute inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. The Institute has a global focus to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement for the 21st century, putting people at the center of community problem solving. Points of Light Institute operates three dynamic business units that share the mission: HandsOn Network, MissionFish and the Civic Incubator, which includes generationOn and AmeriCorps Alums. 

About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.  The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.  Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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