Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow

YOUTH Is the Time to Explore Life and Talents!

August marks the beginning of a new school year for many of our young people. It is the perfect time to encourage youth to explore their interests, discover their talents, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Every child has unique gifts waiting to be discovered, and sometimes all they need is encouragement and the opportunity to try something new.

One of the easiest and most meaningful ways your Auxiliary can support youth is by creating a Lending Library. Whether it is a bookshelf at your Post, a book exchange in your community, or a small collection of books available at local events, a lending library provides free access to reading materials for children and families. Books inspire imagination, build confidence, and open doors to new possibilities.

Remember the saying, “Build it, and they will come.” A lending library doesn’t have to be large or expensive. Start with donated books, invite members and that community to contribute, and watch it grow. Purchase books off the Patriotism Through Literacy Booklist found on MALTA under Youth Activities.

As VFW Auxiliary members, we have the opportunity to invest in the future by supporting our Youth today! Let’s inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and provide opportunities for children to grow into confident, compassionate leaders! Together, we can make a lasting difference, one book, one child, and one future at a time!

CREATING, SPONSORING AND WORKING WITH YOUTH GROUPS:

The VFW Auxiliary is committed to investing in the next generation by creating opportunities for young people to learn leadership, patriotism, citizenship, and community service. By sponsoring and supporting youth groups, you help build responsible future leaders while strengthening your community.

Is your Auxiliary low on members who can participate on your yearly events? If your answer is yes, then why not get the assistance of youth groups? Examples of youth groups to work with:

• Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)

• National Honor Society

• Student Council

• Scouting programs

• Sports Teams

• Church youth groups

Your Auxiliary can sponsor or work with these groups by providing scholarships, recognizing student achievements, promoting patriotism, organizing service projects, and encouraging respect for veterans and military families. These partnerships help build the next generation of community leaders while strengthening ties between schools and local veterans.

“The Power of One” when teaching our youth about “Serving America’s Heroes”, is establishing leadership, success, mentoring, courage, for the future leaders of tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear all the exiting things your Auxiliary will be doing with youth!

Teresa Price

Youth Activities Chairman