Stories of Impact
Real People. Real Change. Real Inspiration.
Every spark starts with a story.
At Activate Good, we believe the best way to inspire more changemakers is to spotlight the ones already making a difference.
From first-time volunteers to seasoned community leaders, the stories shared by our supporters, partners, and friends show the many ways people have stepped up to do good—and the powerful ripple effects they’ve created across the Triangle.
See What’s Possible
For over a decade, Activate Good has helped connect people with purpose. Along the way, we’ve witnessed thousands of moments of impact—big and small—that show what happens when someone chooses to act.
Take a look at how people just like you have activated good in their own way:
Kids Helping Kids —Summer of Service
Youth-led DIY projects and donation drives proved that age doesn’t limit impact.
Urban Heat Mapping
Volunteers gathered data to inform environmental justice and policy decisions.
Virtual Story Time Readers
Community members brought joy and literacy to kids during the pandemic.
Operation Hand Up & Operation Access
Collaborations that ensured internet and benefit access for vulnerable.
Signs for Good
A simple sign campaign that spread kindness and reminded folks of the power of small acts.
Explore More Stories in Our Blog
9/11 Day of Service: How UNC Health Honors the Day Through Community Action
See how UNC Health honors the 9/11 Day of Service by volunteering with Activate Good. Join hundreds across the Triangle in giving back and building community.
9/11 Day of Service: A Day to Serve and Remember
Join Activate Good for the 9/11 Day of Service in Raleigh. Volunteer to honor the day with purpose, compassion, and community. Sign up for a shift today.
Gig for Good
We’ve spent two decades sparking change across the Triangle—now, it’s time to celebrate! 🎉 Join us for Play It Forward, our 20th Anniversary event, on June 27, 2025.
Inspired? We’d Love to Hear Yours
Have a story about how Activate Good helped you find your path to making a difference?
Whether it’s a powerful volunteer moment, a nonprofit breakthrough, or a personal connection, you never know who your story might inspire next.
Our Legacy of Impact
Each year, our community steps up, and we’re proud to document the difference we’re making together. See how our work has evolved and grown over time:
Our goal is sustained civic empowerment and participation. The stories you’ll find here prove that it’s possible.
2024 IMPACT REPORT
2023 IMPACT REPORT
2022 IMPACT REPORT
2021 IMPACT REPORT
2020 IMPACT REPORT
2019 IMPACT REPORT
2018 IMPACT REPORT
2017 IMPACT REPORT
VIRTUAL STORY TIME READERS (2020)
Mobilizing virtual volunteers to read to children to promote
literacy during COVID-19
OPERATION HAND UP (2020)
Teaming up with agencies serving the unhoused to ensure federal benefits reached clients without internet access during COVID-19
OPERATION ACCESS (2020)
Partnering with Wake County schools to ensure student technology access
during COVID-19
KIDS HELPING KIDS SUMMER OF SERVICE (2021)
Mobilizing youth to lead DIY service projects and supply drives for youth-serving causes from home during COVID-19
URBAN HEAT MAPPING
(2021)
Recruiting volunteers to map heat data in the Triangle to study socio-economic impacts of climate change and inform policy
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER EXPOS (2022)
Hosting virtual “volunteer fairs” during COVID-19 to raise awareness about local volunteer needs with Community Partners
LOOK FOR THE HELPERS
(2020)
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we teamed up with a photojournalist to capture stories of locals doing good.
SIGNS FOR GOOD (2018-TODAY)
In 2018, we launched an outreach campaign to spread kindness and raise awareness about Activate Good’s mission.
PRO HEROES (2013-2016)
Activate Good matched nearly 100 area professionals to skills-based volunteer needs for local nonprofits.