Veterans Outreach and Enrollment

Overview

• The Military Culture• Information Sources to Veterans and their

Families• Messaging to Veterans• Potential Outreach Sources

The Military Culture

• Promote strength, self-reliance, and independence.

• The need to be “Tough.”• Sense of Camaraderie• Associate and trust those that have military

experience or “been there.”

Information Sources for Veterans and their Families

• Families• Faith-Based groups• Friends• Neighbors• Tri-Care• Family Readiness

Messaging to VeteransLessons Learned Best Practices

Veterans are accustomed to DoD language that is forceful. Participation is often mandatory. While veterans and families/friends often prefer services provided by community based organizations, include endorsements and seals from endorsing National Guard Bureau/Reserves to increase comfort level.

Use language that is inviting and emphasizes choice. Use Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as an effective way to share facts. Use testimonials from peers of the target audience. Create informal partnership with and/or obtain endorsement from state National Guard Bureau or other veteran referral sources.

Flyers on bulletin boards in public places , armories, VA hospitals or clinics, and on base agencies require veterans to have a pen and paper to copy the contact information.

Create flyers or brochures with tear-off information tabs along the bottom of the flyers. Urge readers to enter the contact information into their cell phones.

Ensure the communication material design retains program branding and the look and feel of a military friendly program.

Use military related photos or graphics in communication material design and presentation. Hire or engage a person with military experience to promote the program.

Community Based Organizations

• Develop partnership• Veteran of Foreign Wars (Local VFW)• Head Start and/or other providers of child

care• United Services Organizations (USO)

Community Events

• Veterans Job Fairs• Veteran Service Office (County)• Community Veterans Recognition Events– Veterans Day Parade

• Community Veterans Entertainment Events– Veterans Day Concert– National Veteran Day Run

College Campuses

• Veteran Students Office or Veteran Services Office

• Reserve Officer Training Corps• Academic Counselors or Advisors

On Base Approach

• Active duty, Reserve, and/or National Guard Bases

• Military Separation or Transition Assistance Program

• Family Readiness Programs• Libraries and Information Service (MWR)

Summary

• The Military Culture• Information Sources to Veterans and their

Families• Messaging to Veterans• Potential Outreach Sources