Activate Good is celebrating 20 years of spreading goodness throughout the Triangle with a Play It Forward party June 27 at Marbles Kids Museum. We caught up with the nonprofit’s executive director to learn more about the organization’s mission, ways to help, and what’s in store for the night of celebration.
Introduce yourself!
I’m Rose Thompson, and I have an extensive career in the nonprofit sector across multiple states and disciplines. I’ve been activating good since 2013 in various roles with this grassroots nonprofit. Last year, I became the Executive Director of Activate Good, and I am excited to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead this growing nonprofit that I deeply love.
Describe the mission of Activate Good.
Activate Good improves our community through people-powered projects for good. We envision a world in which all people realize and act on their power to improve their communities.
What areas do you serve?
Activate Good serves the Greater Triangle — Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Johnston counties.
A lot has changed in the last 20 years. How has Activate Good evolved?
Over the past 20 years, our volunteer community has shown up. They’ve painted classrooms, packed supplies, pulled weeds, built gardens, served meals, lifted spirits, and ultimately built a movement rooted in compassion, action, and the belief that everyone has something to give. We now have over 71,000 volunteers in our database as well as 600+ Community Partners (nonprofits, schools, and other charitable causes).
We are also an affiliate of Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service.
Tell us about the impact you’ve had in the community!
Activate Good has spent the last 20 years connecting thousands of individuals, businesses, and community groups to causes that matter across the Triangle. Through meaningful volunteer opportunities, we’ve helped address urgent needs, including food insecurity, education, and disaster relief, while empowering everyday people to step into their role as changemakers. Our impact is measured not just in hours served but in lives uplifted, nonprofits strengthened, and neighborhoods transformed. Every action taken creates a ripple effect, and we’re proud to spark that momentum.
This September, we’ll continue that tradition with our 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, one of the largest community-wide volunteer days in the region. We’ll mobilize hundreds of changemakers to complete service projects that honor the spirit of unity and compassion in remembrance of September 11. Learn more: https://activategood.org/9-11-service-remembrance/.
What types of volunteer opportunities are there?
Activate Good facilitates over 26,000 volunteer connections annually with more than 600 community partners across the Triangle. We believe there’s a way for everyone to get involved, no matter your schedule, interests, or abilities. Whether you’re passionate about supporting local schools, helping animals, tackling hunger, mentoring youth, or protecting the environment, there’s a match for you. We offer one-time and ongoing volunteer projects for individuals, families, businesses, and civic groups. We continually add new opportunities through our nonprofit partners. Some roles are hands-on; others can be done remotely. If you want to make a difference, we’ll help you find your spark.
You’re celebrating with a Play It Forward anniversary event. What is in store for the evening?
We’re thrilled to invite the community to our “Play It Forward” 20th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, June 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. The evening will feature hands-on fun, a “Baked for Good, Baked Goods” bar, a silent auction, and heartfelt moments reflecting on two decades of impact. We’ll honor the changemakers, partners, and supporters who helped build this movement and spotlight the vision for the next 20 years of civic engagement in the Triangle. It will be a fun Friday date night for couples or families. Join us in celebrating the power of
people! Buy your tickets now or at the door: https://activategood.org/20th-anniversary-event/.
How else can people support your organization?
Beyond volunteering, there are many ways to support Activate Good. Donations directly fund our programs that connect people to service, provide resources to local nonprofits, and inspire youth and families to get involved. Businesses can become Corporate Partners to engage their teams and demonstrate community leadership. Supporters can also shop our colorful, impact-driven merchandise line, with every purchase helping to fund our mission. Whether you give time, funds, or amplify our message, it all helps fuel transformation for the Triangle.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just this: It takes you to make a difference. Now more than ever, our community needs people willing to step up. Whether you’re new to volunteering or a longtime changemaker, there’s a place for you at Activate Good. Every action, big or small, can light the way forward. We invite you to be the spark.
