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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NCThis Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NCAuxiliary Community Outreach Program 2020-2021The VFW Auxiliary has been and always will be about volunteering. It is who we are and what we do. National President Sandra Onstwedder has made the decision to implement this new program this year. Though this is new this year, it is really not new as we have done this work in the past under the titles of Community Service, and Community Activities. It has been given a rebranding and updated to show what the Auxiliaries are all about- Community Outreach. Focusing on this gives Auxiliaries the opportunity to do more with local communities, schools, civic organizations, faith-based, youth organizations as well as many other wonderful organizations that are in your communities. This program gives us a way to be more active and visible within our communities.Most of the volunteer work our members do focuses on our core programs yet many of us participate with other organizations in our community. When we do volunteer work outside of the VFW or Auxiliary that benefits the community, members often wonder where to report their hours. This is where this program will help with munity Outreach is volunteer work performed by an Auxiliary member or members that benefits the community. Auxiliary Community Outreach is for projects NOT AFFILIATED with VFW or VFW PROGRAMS.According to National Ambassador, Diane Pencak, the following is considered Auxiliary Community Outreach: “When an Auxiliary member, group of members or an entire Auxiliary volunteers for an organization outside of our own, it should be considered Auxiliary Community Outreach if the project was approved by the Auxiliary and recorded in the meeting minutes prior to the project.” This program gives Auxiliary members a chance to have a positive presence in their communities. Be visible and positive at any community event that the Auxiliary is involved in. Be sure to proudly wear your VFW Auxiliary attire. This is a great way to show others in our community that we are not just a canteen. You may find yourself engaging with others about who are and what we do. This is a great way to get out information about our programs and possible attract new members who have a similar passion in our mission.Examples of projects that could be considered as Community Outreach are: Participation in walks such as Relay for Life; working with local responders to help with child ID kits, fire safety or having CPR/First Aid training; adopting a street; working with food pantries or helping with Meals on Wheels. During the recent crisis caused by the virus, many Auxiliaries have been donating to food banks or cooking meals for the community at no cost. If you have a dedicated youth group, you may be able to engage them in some activity as well. The list is endless. Think outside of the box and be creative. Be sure to make a motion and get approval at your meeting for the Auxiliary to be involved in any Community Project.While what is a Community Outreach Project has been addressed, it is now time to focus on what it is not. Volunteer work that is performed for the benefit of the Post or Auxiliary such as Buddy Poppy drives, cooking/serving meals for an Auxiliary or Post fundraiser, or cleaning or making repairs to the Post home are not considered community service. It also cannot just be writing a check to an organization. If you are doing a project that is only about helping Veterans or their families such as lap robes for VA patients, then this is not considered an Outreach program. Keep in mind that the idea behind this program is Community. The project you do needs to have the community as a whole as its focus, not just one subgroup of the community. If you have an idea but are not sure if it qualifies, please email me or call. If I am not sure, I will send it on to the National Ambassador for guidance.There is a place on the new PAR for you to get credit for doing a Community Outreach Project. You can do as many during the year as you like. Be sure to take pictures and write up your project on the Department Project Report and send it to me. This is how Department awards will be decided this year. Pictures will also be uploaded to the Department webpage and Facebook so that ideas can be shared among all of the Auxiliaries.Department Awards:*The 6-8 most Outstanding Community Outreach Projects submitted by Auxiliaries will receive a plaque. *Every Auxiliary that submits a project will receive a citation.National Awards:*Citation to every Auxiliary that participates in a community event. Auxiliaries must send a Project Report Form to the Department Chairman by March 31, 2021. Form is available on the Department webpage – under Resources/Forms. Citation will be mailed directly from National Headquarters.*Citation and $25 to one Auxiliary in each of the four Conferences with the most outstanding Auxiliary Community Outreach Program. ................
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