Many of you have seen in the news that Millard Fuller died unexpectedly Monday night. In the midst of our work and the day-to-day business, this passing marks an opportunity to reflect upon a service giant who changed our world through will, determination, vision, passion and faith. Millard not only lifted our sights and created new pathways for addressing poverty housing, but he also transformed how people are engaged in solving this problem. Habitat has been unparalleled in its growth as a nonprofit in the last thirty-plus years. In the process, the Habitat organization and movement has changed the expectations and possibilities for how people serve.

Points of Light had a number of points of intersection with Millard and Habitat. Ray Chambers wrote to me today and said that Millard was one of the founding board members of Points of Light Foundation. He and his wife Linda are also recognized heroes of the Extra Mile. About five years ago, all of our Hands On staff went down to Americus for a retreat and visited with Millard and his team in a visioning session.

I also had the privilege of knowing and meeting with Millard on a number of occasions and was profoundly impressed by his unyielding and visionary commitment. (I loved questioning him about how he set his goals: a mixture of faith and a really keen marketing mind- 2,000 houses by the year 2000 or 20,000 houses for our twentieth anniversary- you could be sure that the numbers rhymed even if they were not analytically gleaned and you could also be sure that somehow Millard would reach them!) He made the impossible- possible. And with all that big thinking, he managed to write touching and sweet personal notes to thousands of people like me who he encouraged and promoted over many years.

I know that others of you have personal stories of Millard, and I encourage you to share them with our staff- virtually and in real time with your colleagues. Millard’s passing is an opportunity to celebrate social entrepreneurship and service and the power of individuals to change the world.

Let’s take note and inspiration. Millard would have liked that.

Michelle Nunn
CEO, Points of Light Institute
Co-founder, HandsOn Network