THE POLICY OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH ON VOLUNTEERISM IN THE USA

DOI 10.17721/2521-1706.2026.21.2

Svitlana Polovyk

Ph. D. (Social Communications), V. I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5960-527
 

Abstract. The article examines the development of the volunteer movement as an integral component of the domestic policy of U.S. President George H. W. Bush and his administration, emphasizing its role in fostering civic responsibility and expanding public involvement in addressing societal challenges. The aim of this study is to analyze the policy of President George H. W. Bush and his administration regarding the volunteer movement, particularly the creation of the Points of Light organization aimed at addressing social problems and increasing the role of volunteers in public life through the promotion of community-based initiatives and partnerships between the state and civil society.

Methodology. The study employs general scientific methods such as the historical method (to examine the prerequisites, establishment, and functioning of the Points of Light organization), structural-functional analysis (to identify the features of President George H. W. Bush’s approaches to addressing the social crisis), and the axiological method (to reveal the value basis of the institutionalization of volunteering and its role as a form of social activity within the broader framework of civic culture formation).

The scientific novelty lies in providing a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the institutions and mechanisms shaping the volunteer movement in the United States, as well as in assessing their role and effectiveness in addressing social issues and strengthening civic engagement in the context of evolving state-society relations.

The author concludes that the establishment of the Points of Light organization was an important part of the legacy of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, particularly in the context of promoting a global culture of volunteering aimed at addressing the social crisis and restoring America’s vitality, as well as encouraging broader public participation in socially oriented initiatives and reinforcing the importance of collective action in overcoming social challenges.

Key words: volunteer movement in the USA, George H. W. Bush, Points of Light, domestic policy, U.S. President, social problems.

Submitted: 13.01.2026

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