Fall Into Service: Inspiring the Next Generation

Inspiring the next generation through service, patriotism, and community! Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are making a difference in our communities today. Through the VFW Auxiliary Youth Activities program, we can encourage youth to volunteer, learn about patriotism, support our veterans, and discover the importance of giving back!

FALL INTO SERVICE: October is here everyone! Which means a busy time for all VFW Auxiliaries! We all know that once October rolls around, then so does all the other Holidays. But we will focus on October for the time being. October

offers many opportunities for youth involvement. Has your Auxiliary planned an event for youth for Halloween? Children love Halloween. Dressing up in their favorite costume and getting candy! Have you ever planned a trunk-or-treat event? It is so much fun. Get with your members at your local Post homes get the and line up cars/trucks all decorated with Halloween themes and let parents with children drive through so they can receive candy, flags, patriotic pencils, etc. And it is a great way to hand out applications for the Illustrating America Art contest! REMEMBER THE NEW DUE DATE TO LOCAL AUXILIARY: DECEMBER 15TH

CONNECT YOUTH WITH OUR VETERANS: Look for meaningful ways to bring youth and veterans together. A simple conversation, a card, a craft, or helping with a community project can create memories that last a lifetime! Take the opportunity to share the “why” behind what we do. Help youth understand that volunteering isn’t simply about completing a project, it is about “Serving America’s Heroes”, honoring those who have served our country!

“THE POWER OF ONE”: Never underestimate what one young person can accomplish. One young person can brighten a veteran’s day. One handwritten card can remind our veterans that they are appreciated. One act of kindness can inspire another person to serve. Use the re-sources available to you on MALTA and build relationships with youth in your community. That ONE youth may be your next lifetime member!

AUXILIARIES IN ACTION: Don’t just invite youth to watch, invite them to participate!

OCTOBER CHALLENGE: Reach out to ONE youth group this month. Invite them to participate in ONE Auxiliary activity, then send me pictures using the five W’s (Who, What, When, Where, and Why). You may have to get photo release forms signed for youth under 18 years old. You can find those on MALTA, under Historian/Media resources.

SEE YOU ALL AT FALL FEST OCTOBER 9-10TH

Teresa Price, Youth Activities Chairman