1. We are in very challenging times in our organization, especially at the Post level. Although we have accomplished many things, many of us are fighting a losing battle against member attrition and retention. In my opinion, this is happening because we maintain the "status quo” every year; we fight against change, and we lean into the statement "We’ve always done it this way”. We are becoming stagnant. If you look at our District Calendar for the last 5 years, since I’ve been actively involved at the Post level or District/Department level, the only things that have changed are the dates (and that’s because of how the Julian Calendar works). We’re just recycling the things we do every year. I feel like many of us are just plain bored with what we are doing (and not doing). We have to bring back FUN. This is how we will get folks involved again.
2. My goal as your District Commander is to do my best to give you all a reason to want to stay involved, and to spread positive energy to all of our Posts and Auxiliaries – so much so that our energy inspires our latest generation of Veterans and their families to join our organizations and be active members. IAW section 230102, paragraph #1, which we say at every Post meeting: our purpose is to preserve and strengthen comradeship amongst its members. That being said, is your energy and the energy at your Post and in your Auxiliary positive or full of doubters and complainers?
a. FACT: Energy is contagious; both good and bad. Don’t forget that. If you’re pissy and annoyed all the time, well, your members will reflect that. I’ve heard from Veterans that they were interested in joining our Posts but changed their minds because of the negativity and side-eyes they observed when coming in (breaking news: I have actually been told this folks – I won’t throw any of you under the bus but I have been told this by no less than 10 potential members over the past few years).
3. I’m asking all of the Post Commanders and Auxiliary Presidents:
a. Why did you decide to run for the office of your position?
b. What are your goals for your Post or Auxiliary?
c. Have you ever put together a strategic or business plan?
d. What will you do to improve upon your Post’s or Auxiliary’s weaknesses?
4. We have the 3rd highest number of Veterans and Military Servicemembers in the United States here in Northeast Florida. What are we doing for them? We mention our programs, like the Youth Programs, Buddy Poppies, etc., but are we engaged with our local governments? Are we engaged with our County officials? Are we involved with our local military bases? Are we doing what we can to make a difference – think about that introspectively.
5. Have you ever tested the theory of the VFW’s perception by asking someone not affiliated with it, "When I mention the organization, "VFW”, how would you describe it?” How do we change that perception? What will you do to change that perception at your Post or Auxiliary?
6. Do any of your Posts or Auxiliaries encourage younger, newer members to run for elected office in your organizations? Do you have a system that provides mentorship to members who wish to get into elected offices? Are folks running for office because no one else will? If that is the case, why? What can we do to improve upon that?
7. Engage the community and invite outside organizations to participate in your meetings. Wounded Warrior Project, Irreverent Warriors, Carry the Load, Team Rubicon; these are just a few of many organizations and community partners that you can invite in to brief your members on things that are available for them in the Veteran Service Sphere. There are ways to get those other organizations involved with our posts and give our members information about other organizations that may be of benefit to them, and heck, we can recruit these folks to join our ranks in the VFW!
8. Speaking of: Membership: I know you’re sick of hearing of that term. But what will you do to make your Post a draw for new members and a reason for annual members to re-up or upgrade their membership to life or legacy life? If you don’t give folks a reason to join or stay active, you will struggle. Something I loved doing at our Post that I encourage every Post to do – when you have new members present at the meeting you vote them in, use the "Member’s Obligation” from the "Initiation Ceremony (Brief Form)” and tailor it how you’d like. Make a big deal of our new members. Use Post funds to purchase VFW Member lapel pins, and, after your Post Commander’s reading-in of the new members, have the Post Commander or Membership chair pin that pin on the new member, and lead the Post meeting attendees in a round of applause! Make it mean something to them!
9. I would like to appoint a special or ad-hoc committee for District Bylaws review. Before the end of my term as your District Commander, I want us to have updated and optimized bylaws that go along with the National and Department of Florida Bylaws. Please let me know if you are interested in being on this committee ASAP.
10. My phone and email are ALWAYS open for you. If you have any issues at your Posts, or with anything, don’t let things get too bad. Call or email me. You will not be judged, and, if I can’t help you personally, then I will help you find it.
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