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Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
GENERAL ORDERS #1 JULY 2018
"General Orders are to be read at the first meeting following receipt before being filed for reference."
1. APPOINTMENTS: Having been duly elected and installed, all previous appointments arenow null and void.
2. COMMUNICATIONS: All communications from National and/or Department Headquartersand Officers are official and shall be read and acted on accordingly before being filed.
3. PROGRAM BULLETINS and GENERAL ORDERS: There will be General Orders each month,however; Program Chairmen will have bulletins only if needed. Program bulletins are to begiven to the Auxiliary Chairmen prior to your meeting so the information can be shared withthe membership. Deadline for submission for General Orders will be the 15th of the priormonth, i.e. July for August, August for September, etc.
4. PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL PROJECT: My special project will be "Project Healing Waters" at theSt. Cloud VA Health Center. Project Healing Waters is a nationwide non-profit corporationdedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled service members throughfly fishing and fly tying education. Project Healing Waters began at Walter Reed ArmyHospital in Washington, DC in 2005. Donations will be accepted to help this project. Therewill be a seminar/booth at Fall Conference which will cover my program in detail.
5. ATS: Thank you to all who attended the Auxiliary Training Seminar (ATS) at the DepartmentConvention. There was a wonderful turnout and I hope everyone went away with a lot ofknowledge. Thank you to my Chairmen and presenters for a fantastic job!
6. COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING: The July C of A will be held on Saturday, July 14at the Sauk Rapids VFW Post #6992, 901 North Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. The telephonenumber is 320-252-3617. The meeting is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. Everyone isencouraged to attend.
7. NATIONAL CONVENTION: The 105th National Convention will be held in Kansas City, MOfrom July 21 -25. Minnesota will be housed at the Marriott Downtown. National Programbooks will be provided to those attending. The program information will be availablefollowing the convention on the VFW Auxiliary website, vfwauxiliary.org
8. INSPECTIONS: Inspections may begin on August 1, 2018. The District President or theInspector will notify the Auxiliary President. Please follow the guidelines you were given atATS and remember, Inspectors, be honest on the inspection form.
9. AUDITS: Second quarter audits covering the months of April, May, and June shall be conducted during the month of July with both the outgoing and incoming Treasurers and Trustees present. An approved copy must be sent to the Department Treasurer via mail, e-mail or fax NO LATER THAN JULY 31.
10. NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S VISIT: National President Sandi Kriebel will be making her visit on August 17-19. A full day is being planned for Saturday. A complete plan and schedule will be available at the July Council meeting. Mark this weekend on your calendars… Since it will be only one day, we would like to see many, many members in attendance.
11. MEMBERSHIP: All 2019 membership dues will be accepted in the Department office or can be entered in MALTA beginning July 1. If you have questions on the MALTA system, do not hesitate to call Department Treasurer Laurie Dale or Department Secretary Marilyn Sheffield, for assistance.
12. FALL CONFERENCE will be held in Willmar on September 14 - 16. Housing, banquet forms, etc. will be in the August General Orders.
13. SLOGAN AND SYMBOL: My slogan is "Working Hard to Turn Nightmares into Dreams", my symbol is the Dream Catcher and I am offering tee shirts and jewelry to raise funds for my project.
14. CONGRATULATIONS to our new Officers and Chairmen. I am looking forward to a fulfilling and successful year.
15. OFFICE CLOSED: The Department Headquarters will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, July 5th. The office will also be closed during National Convention from July 19 through July 26. The office will reopen on Monday, July 30.
"Working Hard to Turn Nightmares into Dreams"
By Order of: Attested to: Patches Presfield Marilyn Sheffield Department President Department Secretary
2018 Event Location
July 14, 2018 C of A Sauk Rapids VFW #6992
July 21 - 25, 2018 National Convention Kansas City, MOMN Hotel:Marriott Downtown KC200 W. 12th Street
August 17 - 19, 2018 National President Sandi Kriebel's Visit St. Cloud, MN
September 14 - 16, 2018 Fall Conference Willmar, MN
October 19 - 21, 2018 Big Ten Conference St. Louis, MO
September 8, 2018 Celebrating America's Freedom Event Gettysburg, PA(CAFÉ)
September 6 - 9, 2018 National President's Homecoming Hanover, MD
2019
January 17 - 20, 2019 Mid-Winter Conference Minneapolis, MNMarriott - City Center
Mach 2 - 7, 2019 Voice of Democracy/Legislative Conf. Washington, DC
March 14 - 17, 2019 National Mid-Year Conference Tucson, AZ
June 12 - 16, 2019 Department Convention St. Cloud, MN
July 20 - 24, 2019 National Convention Orlando, FL
TENTATIVE DATES
DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY
NAME BADGE ORDER FORM
2018 – 2019
AUXILIARY #___________ DISTRICT #______ PRINT: NAME: _______________________________________ TITLE: _______________________________________ YEAR: _______________________________________ ________ I WILL PICK UP AT JULY C of A (ORDER DEADLINE JUNE 25, 2018) ________ I WILL PICK UP AT FALL CONFERENCE (ORDER DEADLINE AUG 29, 2018) ________ PLEASE MAIL MY BADGE TO ME (ADD $1.90 PER BADGE TO SHIP)
COST $10 EACH TOTAL ENCLOSED $__________ CHECK #__________ MAIL THIS ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT TO: VFW AUXILIARY 20 W. 12TH ST. – 3RD FLOOR SAINT PAUL, MN 55155 IF SHIPPING COST WAS INCLUDED, PLEASE GIVE THE ADDRESS YOU WOULD LIKE IT SHIPPED TO: _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ CONTACT PHONE NUMBER (IF QUESTIONS) ______________________________
Nametag is rectangular Black and framed in silver
GENERAL ORDERS
General Orders will be e-mailed to Auxiliary Presidents, District Presidents and District Secretaries unless a request for a hard copy has been received.
The General Orders will continue to be e-mailed to the Past Department Presidents, Department Officers and Chairmen, District Senior and Junior Vice Presidents and Deputy Chiefs of Staff.
If you are an Auxiliary President, a District President or a District Secretary and request a hard copy, you do not need to pay for the General Orders.
If you are a Past Department President, a Department Officer or Chairman, a District Senior Vice or Junior Vice President or a Deputy Chief of Staff and request a hard copy, you must pay $35.00 for the General Orders.
All other members requesting a hard copy of the General Orders will pay $35.00. Any member may request General Orders by e-mail at no charge.
Please complete the form on the reverse side and e-mail or mail to the Department Office.
Marilyn Sheffield Department Secretary
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RECEIVING GENERAL ORDERS
VFW Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
2018 – 2019 General Orders Order Form
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US Mail
A request for a mailed, hard copy must be received in the Department Office or you will only receive an e-mailed copy
Auxiliary # _________ District # ______ Name _____________________________ Telephone: _________________________ Address ____________________________________City _______________Zip__________
No Charge-Check One $35.00 Auxiliary President Others (Department Officers, District President Department Chairmen, Past District Secretary Department Presidents, District
Senior Vice, Junior Vice, Deputy Chiefs of Staff, other members)
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Any member may receive General Orders by e-mail at no cost
Auxiliary # _________ District # ______ Name ________________________________ Telephone____________________________ Title ________________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
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Mail form and check (if needed) to: VFWA Department of MN
20 W 12th Street, 3rd Floor St. Paul, MN 55155
2018-2019 JEWELRY & APPAREL ORDER FORM
All proceeds will benefit the Department President's Special Project "Project Healing Waters (Mental Health) – St. Cloud VA
Jewelry
Quantity
Cost
Total Due
Pin
X $4.00 = $ Earrings
X $6.00 = $
Total
$ Jewelry Shipping
1-30 pieces $3.29
Shipping
$ 31-75 pieces $6.52
76+
Call for cost
Jewelry Total $
T-Shirts
Quantity
Cost
Total Due
M
X $20.00 = $ L
X $20.00 = $
XL
X $20.00 = $ XXL
X $20.00 = $
3XL
X $20.00 = $ 4XL X $20.00 = $
2XLT X $20.00 = $ 3XLT X $20.00 = $
Total for T-Shirts $
Call for shipping cost for T-Shirts
Total Due
$
Name
Aux. #
Address
Dist. #
City, State, Zip
Phone
Cash
Check #
Postage will apply to orders that are mailed
VFWA, 20 West 12th Street, 3rd Floor, St. Paul, MN 55155
TREASURER'S TIPS Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Congratulations to all elected Treasurers! If you check the 2018 copy of the National Bylaws beginning on page 80, you will see a list of duties that you should read through so you are familiar with them. You may also want to look through the Booklet of Instructions (yellow pages) of the same 2018 Edition of the Bylaws beginning on page 15 for more helpful information about being the Treasurer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call and we will seek out the answer. Thanks to all who attended ATS during Department Convention, we had a tremendous turnout! If you were unable to attend ATS, please check out the National website and use the resources available to you there. Several videos and printouts are in the Online Auxiliary Academy and I am certain you will find it useful. DUES: Beginning July 1, we are able to accept dues for the 2019 Membership Year. Please make sure you or your Membership Committee are contacting any members that are currently unpaid for 2018, if their dues are not processed by midnight on June 30, they will have to rejoin our organization if they wish to continue to be members. Please note: As Department Treasurer I will continue to process dues for your Auxiliary if you would like me to. Please use the enclosed form to process any Continuous or Rejoin Annual Dues, please also include a check for $10 per Annual Member with this form. If you would like a new Annual or new Life Member processed, send me a copy of their application along with $10 per Annual Member or the appropriate Life Membership Fee for the Life Member. Accountable Officers Bonds: Please note: You will be able to purchase the Bond online. The offices of the President & Treasurer must be bonded for a sum at least double the amount of funds and value of property for which they may be accountable. Bonds cover the office and not the individual. The minimum amount of the bond is $10,000. The amount of the bond shall be approved by the body and the premium paid from the General Fund. The President shall hold the bond. If you are not bonded through National HQ, a copy of your bond receipt shall be sent to the National Treasurer.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Department of Minnesota
SIGNING INTO MALTA IS A BREEZE – ALL YOU NEED IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP ID#,
FIRST AND LAST NAME AND POSTAL ZIP CODE
WHERE DO YOU FIND IT ALL IN ONE
PLACE? ON THE BACK OF YOUR VFW AUXILIARY
MAGAZINE!
APPLICATIONS: It is the duty of the Investigating Committee to see that the applications are filled out completely before they are presented to the body for consideration. Please see page 1 of the Booklet of Instructions in the 2018 edition of the National Bylaws for all required fields. TRUSTEES: You should fill out completely the audit form using the Treasurer’s books and bank statements. Sign and date all pages attached to record books at the time of the audit, including the Secretary’s books. A minimum of two (2) Trustees should be in attendance, but a pro tem can be appointed to audit the books under extenuating circumstances. Submit and read the written audit report during a VFW Auxiliary meeting, a motion to accept the audit is required.
QUARTER MONTHS TO DEPT TREASURER NO LATER THAN
First January – March April 30 Second April – June July 31 Third July – September October 31
Fourth October - December January 31 If you have questions or concerns regarding anything, please feel free to call me or email me at the Department HQ Office in St. Paul. I am usually in the office Monday – Thursday and am happy to help you with anything you need. Thank you to all of you for your support and kind words of encouragement, I hope that all will go smoothly and we will have our best year yet! My in office hours for 2018-2019 will remain the same. Please contact me Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Laurie A. Dale, Treasurer Department of MN VFW Auxiliary 651-291-1759 [email protected]
REPORT NUMBER
20 19 MEMBERSHIP SUMMARY
MNSTATE DISTRICT AUX. NO. DATE
NEW……………………………………… NATIONAL $
REJOINED….…………………………… DEPARTMENT $
CONTINUOUS………………………….. TOTAL $
TOTAL ANNUAL MEMBERS (THIS REPORT)
DO NOT USE THIS FORM TO REPORT LIFE MEMBERS!
AUXILIARY TREASURER
PHONE NUMBER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
VFW AUXILIARY
LOCATION
ANNUAL MEMBERS DUES THIS REPORT
Member ID #Last Name (alphabetical)
I CERTIFY THAT THE ANNUAL MEMBERS IN
THIS REPORT HAVE PAID DUES TO 12/31
OF THE MEMBERSHIP YEAR LISTED ABOVE.
First Name
CHECK #
VETERANS AND FAMILY SUPPORT Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Our National President, Sandi, has said it all “Believe – We Can Do It “. This year National Home and Buddy Poppy are a separate Chairmanship, so they will not be included in this program. I’m going to start the year off with first explaining VFW National Veterans Service (NVS). NVS helps veterans, service members and their families obtain the benefits they deserve at no cost. They have a network of nearly 300 VFW Service Officers. These highly skilled professionals assist all veterans whether they are a VFW member or not in filing a claim. The assistants they give is for Disability Compensation, Rehabilitation & Education, Pension & Death Benefits and Employment & Training Programs. They also work to ensure Veterans receive quality, timely and accessible VA health care. This program is a donation program, so hold a fundraiser and send the money to National Headquarter earmarked NVS. Like I just said make a donation and you can do it one of a couple of ways.
1. Online – www.vfw.org/ways-to-help, select National Veteran Service, click “Contribute.”
2. Mail - VFW National Headquarters Attn: NVS 406 W 34th Street, 11th Floor Kansas City, MO 64111 Next month I will address the other aspects of the program. So by the time we get to year-end all your questions will be answered. Remember “Believe – We Can Do It” Jane Meland Department Chairman 6921 Grand Ave S Richfield, MN 55423 [email protected]
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Department of Minnesota
AMERICANISM Bulletin #1 - July 2018
“Americanism is an unfailing love of country, loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the Flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.” National Americanism/Patriotic Instructor Ambassador Patricia Leitner’s program goals for the 2018–2019 year are as follows:
• SAFETY IN AMERICA/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS – Being prepared for challenges and natural disasters. Future Bulletins will include suggestions of information and items that could be kept in a backpack in your vehicle or a container in your home.
• FLAGS ACROSS AMERICA – Our Nation’s Flag is a powerful symbol of our pride and freedoms. It is
important that we educate youth and adults about our Flag’s history as well as proper etiquette and care of the Flag. Encourage Auxiliary members to take advantage of the opportunity to fly the American Flag on patriotic holidays and to partner with their Post, local businesses, government offices, civic organizations and citizens to prominently display American Flags in their communities across the America. Recognize those who fly the American Flag by presenting certificates. Presenting American Flags, hand held size or larger, to youth, schools, community organizations, gravesites or government buildings also builds patriotism. Independence Day Celebrations are a perfect opportunity to encourage the display of American Flags – I trust every auxiliary will be participating in this National Holiday in some form in your communities.
• FLAG EDUCATION – Showing Americanism and demonstrating a patriotic spirit includes the respect of
and caring of the U.S. Flag. For information about the Flag, go to ww.vfw.org/community/flag-etiquette. A very helpful booklet for all ages, Veterans of Foreign Wars Questions and Answers of the United States Flag is found online at the VFW Store – www.vfwstore.org or call 1-800-821-2606.
• PROMOTE PATRIOTISM – Celebrate Patriotic Holidays by involving families and bring community
attention to your Auxiliary through patriotic programs or fun events such as conducting a Family Freedom Festival and participating in community summer events, parades and County Fairs. Minnesota conducts Elementary School Age Americanism Contests for grades K to 5 to promote patriotism – details will be shared in the August Bulletin. The role of the Auxiliary Patriotic Instructor is not only to assist members in understanding traditions and ceremonies of the organization, but to educate the proper salute and the care and display of the American Flag to auxiliary members. A help sheet and video are available at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources.
• POW/MIA RECOGNITION – The Missing Man Table Ceremony or Display gives a visual demonstration
of the significance of POW/MIA Recognition Day, the third Friday of September, and honoring these special veterans. The ceremony and table set-up are found at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources.
• SMART/MAHER NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER AWARD – Teacher nominations in
three categories, grades K–5, 6-8 and 9-12 are submitted to VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. One outstanding teacher in each age category will be selected and forwarded to District-level judging and those winners will be forwarded on to the Department level for judging. With their winners forwarded on to VFW National Headquarters. Contest nomination instructions and forms can be found at www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education. Contact schools in mid-August to make arrangements to bring the forms to the schools, and if possible, present the program to the school district superintendent, school principals and teachers.
Gege Abraham, Americanism Chairman, Department of Minnesota VFW Auxiliary 507.475.1755 ● [email protected] ● 1738 Mosher Ave, Owatonna MN 55060
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Department of Minnesota
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
"BUDDY POPPY/NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN"
Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Greetings,
I was honored to have been asked by President Patches to assist in her 2018-19 year as Chairman of this Brand New National Program. Please remember through the year, Do Not confuse this with VFS (Veterans and Family Support) or with Americanism.
This program only deals with two (2) issues. They are possibly the oldest and most well-known programs of our organization. Because of that I will do my best to offer ideas and suggest promotions of both the VFW “Buddy” Poppy and the VFW National Home for Children, with the help of National Ambassador Renee Fulk from CA. It is up to us to show off what we can do to be the best most involved Department for President Patches.
The saying “Every Day is Poppy Day” is actually very true. Per National Headquarters we can distribute poppies every single day, or perhaps a monthly plan or quarterly plan can be made besides just Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Your Auxiliary can decide how to make the most out of the poppy program. We will want to know the number of Poppy promotions within your Post/Aux and separately of those promoted in the community. Donations received must be put into your Relief Fund according to page 18 of the National Booklet of Instructions. Interestingly, one Program covered by the Relief Fund is the VFW National Home for Children.
There were late night discussions with my peers to consider hosting a Poppy Tea or Lunch this coming year. Since so much preparation will be needed, I have not received permissions or made any final decisions. However, there will indeed be a Poppy Contest at Fall Conference and I have picked the “Buddy” Poppy Wreath as the theme. Please create a 12” wreath to donate to our VA Hospitals and Veterans Homes in MN. The entry form and details will come in the August Bulletin. Go ahead, get started. Use the Buddy Poppy Chairman’s Manual found on the National website and our Department Program Book. It was also a handout at the Department ATS (Auxiliary Training Session) 6/14/18. Please use media to promote the VFW National Home for Children, letting the public and communities know its purpose and its benefits. Also, inform the community of the National Home Military and Veteran Family Helpline 1-800-313-4200. Please raise your Health & Happiness donation to the National Home to $.25 cents per member. Bring it up with a motion at your monthly Auxiliary meeting and send directly to the National VFW Aux Headquarters or donate via MALTA.
Carol Kratz / MN Department Chairman “Buddy” Poppy & National Home [email protected] Telephone 651-245-1024
CHIEF OF STAFF/EXTENSION Bulletin #1 - July 2018
PROGRAM GOALS: RETAIN CURRENT AUXILIARIES RECRUIT NEW AUXILIARIES MENTORING It is the beginning of a new auxiliary year. Congratulations to all the new officers and chairmen. As your Department Chief of Staff, it is my responsibility to work with all auxiliaries and provide direction and assistance to those needing help to bring them back into good working order and also help RETAIN and revitalize our current auxiliaries. Keeping an auxiliary healthy is not an easy thing—it takes teamwork. Use your many media outlets available to you such as community newspaper, radio station, social media, etc. This will give your auxiliary exposure and you could spark interest from inactive members and/or recruit new members. One good resource included in this General Orders is the Strengthening Auxiliaries Calendar, which includes 30 ways to Recruit, Retain, and Mentor members. The Healthy Auxiliary Toolkit is another good resource. I will focus on it in August General Orders. Think about hosting a membership drive in order to RECRUIT new members. Hold it at a local store or event happening in your community. Every auxiliary should have some sort of MENTOR program. This is the best way to enhance chances of maintaining a stronger membership. A mentor should------ Be Informed. Be Patient. Be Kind. Communicate. National Chief of Staff/ Extension Ambassador Carole Betro is encouraging all auxiliaries to give a new type of welcome bag to every new auxiliary member—include educational information that tells our story. Also include contact information for auxiliary leadership and your mentor. Joyce Abers Department Chief of Staff/Extension Email: [email protected] Home Phone: 1-320-859-6504 Cell Phone: 1-320-491-2879
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Department of Minnesota
STRENGTHENING AUXILIARIES30 Ways to Recruit, Retain and Mentor Members
www.vfwauxiliary.org facebook.com/VFWAuxiliary
Be open to new ideas and
suggestions that may differ from
your own.
Compliment a member on a job well done.
Invite a National Certified Recruiter Trainer to host a
membership training.
Sit by a new member at their first meeting and answer questions
they may have.
Educate yourself. Learn about the
National Programs.
Visit a hospitalized veteran and take a new member
with you.
Have a Family Fun Night
and invite the public to attend.
Embrace diversity in your Auxiliary.
Share your veteran’s story and
listen as others share theirs.
Recruit a New Member Today!
Watch the “Auxiliary Traditions”
video clip on YouTube at your
Auxiliary meeting.
Send a thank you note to a member for their support.
Talk with members about conflict
resolution.
Sign up for the e-newsletter and encourage others
to sign up.
Talk with a prospective member
about how you’re involved with the
National Programs.
Vote to pay the dues of those
members facing financial hardships.
Review Sections IX, X, XI and XII of the Bylaws.
Volunteer in a school classroom
or childcare center and invite another
member to join you.
Host a membership drive at a local event or store.
Review Sections I, II, III and IV
of the Bylaws.
Plan to attend a District and/or Department
meeting, convention, etc. and invite a new member to join you.
Recruit a New Member Today!
Send a note of encouragement to a member having a
difficult time.
Set aside time today to do
something nice for a veteran.
Offer to co-chair a program with a
new member.
Act on all Legislative Alerts!
Recruit a New Member Today!
Volunteer to help at an Auxiliary or Post fundraiser.
Review Sections V, VI, VII and VIII of the Bylaws.
Call a member that missed the
last meeting and encourage them to
attend the next.
1 2 3 4 5
8 9 10 11 12
15 16 17 18 19
22 23 24 25 26
6 7
13 14
20 21
29 3027 28
HISTORIAN/MEDIA RELATIONS Bulletin #1 - July 2018
New National Program this Year!
1. This chairman keeps the memories and events in written format, photographs, memorabilia andprint news/videos.
2. They get the word out about the auxiliary to our community and inform the public about ourNational Programs.
3. Submits a report of the year’s history to his or her president at the end of the year.
Media Relations…what does this mean? Getting the word out to our community through media outlets.
o This is new to us, how do we do it? Training and Guidance.
• Department Chairman• Website• Publicity Guide• PowerPoint on how to share your Auxiliary Story
What can I do to increase interest in our organization? • Newsletter at Auxiliary and Department Levels (Low Tech)• Make our auxiliaries more visible
o Point them to the National and Department Websiteo National and Department Facebook siteo Use social media-Instagram, Twitter
• Promote the program at a Family Freedom Festivalo Invite local reportero List your local Facebook page or websiteo Display photo collage or video of members volunteering.
• Awards for Historian/Media Relationso Will award auxiliaries for best use of media relations at each department conference
Contact Information Department of Minnesota: National Ambassador: Twyla Bauch-Scofield Libby Dallatezza Historian/Media Relations Chairman 1751 Keysville Road S 59990 279th St., Litchfield MN 55355 Keymar MD 21757-9427 [email protected] (410) 259-1967 (320) 894-4275
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
HOSPITAL Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Welcome to the 2018 – 2019 year. I am excited for all the year has to bring and to teach us. Our Hospital Ambassador is Vicki Rosse from Brookings SD.
The Hospital Program goals for this year: 1. Spotlight Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Issues2. Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition & Support3. Veterans Voices Writing Project
Where can we serve: 1. Local Hospitals2. Veterans Homes3. Nursing Homes4. Domiciliary5. Both VA & non-VA medical centers and clinics
Who can serve: 1. Members2. Non-Members3. Youth4. Family
Volunteering at the VA is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening. You decide when you are available and what you would like to do. Our VA facilities are always looking for new volunteers. Do you have questions about how to volunteer at a facility or questions about donations? Here is a list of our Representatives and Chairman from across the state:
• Fargo VA Assoc. Representative Karen Haugen 701-367-1518 [email protected]• Minneapolis VA Representative, Reva Swanson 612-817-8850 [email protected]• Minneapolis VA Deputy Representative, Doris Anderson 763-755-8273 [email protected]• Minneapolis VA Deputy Representative, Linda Borreson 763-717-1366 [email protected]• Sioux Falls VA - Luverne VH Representative, Lois Novosad 507-532-5236• Sioux Falls VA - Luverne VH Deputy Representative, Ann Krueger 507-629-3076 [email protected]• St. Cloud VA Representative, Karen Wolbeck 320-393-4398 [email protected]• Fergus Falls VH Chr Celia Pippo 218-385-3224 [email protected]• Hastings VH Chr. Barb Meyer 651-457-9156 [email protected]• Minneapolis VH Chr, Doris Anderson 763-755-8273 [email protected]• Minneapolis VH Ass't, Marilyn Harder-Brandt 651-224-5282 [email protected]• Silver Bay VH Chr, Lil LaVoy 218-499-8008 [email protected]
Watch for information from all the Homes and Hospitals in the General Orders.
Karen Haugen, Chairman 1810 17th St S. Moorhead, MN 56560 701.367.1518 [email protected]
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
LEGISLATIVE Bulletin #1 - July 2018
National VFW has set a very ambitious legislative agenda. Here are the National VFW Priority Goals for 2018. I will highlight one each month and describe what is under each topic. This month will start with the details about the budget agenda. National VFW Priority Goals
• Budget • Work Force Development and Accountability • Healthcare • Compensation and Benefits • Education, Employment and Transition Assistance • Defense and Homeland Security • Military Quality of Life • POW/MIA
Budget – Fully fund VA and DOD programs. End budget sequestration and outdated budget caps. Authorize VA to receive reimbursements from TRICARE and Medicare. Never reduce one veteran’s benefits to pay for another. Ensure POW/MIA accounting mission is fully funded.
August 14 is primary election day in Minnesota. Get out and vote! SOS! If you need election help in Minnesota, think SOS! The MN Secretary of State (SOS) website is full of information about voter registration, absentee ballots, where to vote and much more. Encourage a young person to register to vote. If you know someone who will be 18 on or before November 6th, they can register to vote online. All they need is an email address and a driver’s license number or the last 4 of their SSN. It is quick and easy. Here is the web address: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ Legislation is vital if we are to be advocates for veterans and their families. We need to keep informed on the issues related to veterans. Express your views to both our National and State legislators and local elected officials. Remember, they work for us, not the other way around. Cleo Bonham- Chairman 4727 White Oak Ct. Eagan MN 55122 651-208-3744 [email protected]
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Department of Minnesota
MEMBERSHIP & RECRUITMENT Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Department of Minnesota Membership Chairman Sonia Tatge 322 Trondheim Rd Kenyon, MN 55946 507-789-6240 [email protected]
National Membership & Recruitment Ambassador Nicole Koutz and her “Believe Team” of four Conference Coaches includes Terry Calabrese as the Big 10 Chairman. All have challenged Departments and Auxiliaries to reach the goal of 100 % Plus for the 2018-2019 membership year. This goal is part of the Circle of Excellence, also.
There are three key goals for the 2018-2019 Membership & Recruitment Program: • Recruit New Members: There is only one way to add members to our organization
and that is to ask them to join. Let a potential member know that “it is an honor to have a veteran in their family who makes them eligible for the VFW Auxiliary” and to honor that veteran’s service and sacrifice through membership
• Retain Current Members: Encourage participation in a variety of program activitiesthat focus on members’ strengths. Maintain communication with new membersand reach out to those that haven’t been to a meeting recently.
• Grow the Organization: Show members that our organization maintains theprinciples and traditions from our history yet is growing with the changes in society.Focus on those members from the past and ask them to rejoin.
Every member of this organization can be proud of what we have done for our veterans, their families, and the military. However, as our membership declines, the effectiveness of our organization will be affected. We have an opportunity to grow our numbers and to accept the challenge and set the bar of success high for the future by achieving 100% Plus membership. It will take every one of us working together as a team to build a strong foundation for the future of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
As our 2018-2019 National VFW Auxiliary President Sandi Kriebel’s motto states--- BELIEVE WE CAN DO IT
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
To ensure success with your membership campaign, you need the right “tools” or resources to use:
VFW Auxiliary Podium Edition of the National Bylaws, Booklet of Instruction and Ritual (Eligibility List)
The National Website---www.vfwauxiliary.org National Facebook/blog and other resources Auxiliary VFW Magazine 2018-2019 National Program Book 2018-2019 Department of MN Program Book Facts Leaflets Former member list Local VFW Post roster Auxiliary Membership Brochure---“Share the Joy” District Membership Chairmen Eligibility Wheel
Remember: Just one more member matters…every member has the opportunity to make a difference to our organization and recruit those potential members.
Membership Awards 2018-2019 Department of Minnesota
All awards paid to District or Auxiliary Treasury (Subject to budget availability)
Department of Minnesota District Awards 1. District in 1st place each month receives $10 2. District reaching 100% in membership by December 31, 2018, receives $50. 3. District reaching 100% Plus (anything over 100.00%) by May 31, 2019, receives $100. 4. District Membership Chairman challenge: hold the best District level Membership and
Recruitment Training Session before March 15th for auxiliaries in your District and receive $25 for the District treasury. (Send proof, explanation, description, pictures, etc.)
Auxiliary Awards (Maximum of one monetary award per auxiliary) 1. Auxiliary reaching 100% in membership by August 31, 2018, receives $35. 2. Auxiliary reaching 100% in membership by September 30, 2018, receives $30. 3. Auxiliary reaching 100% in membership by October 31, 2018, receives $25. 4. Auxiliary reaching 100% in membership by November 30, 2018, receives $20 5. Auxiliary reaching 100% in membership by December 31, 2018, receives $15. 6. All Auxiliaries that attain 100% in membership by April 30, 2019, will be entered into a bonus
drawing at the Department Convention for $100. Auxiliary REJOINED Members Awards 1. For each rejoined member an Auxiliary brings in by December 31, 2018, the Auxiliary will
receive $1. 2. For each rejoined member the Auxiliary brings in by December 31, 2018, the Auxiliary will receive one (1) entry into a drawing at Mid-Winter Conference for $25. Auxiliary is responsible for sending the names of rejoined members to me along with Auxiliary and District number for verification no later than January 6, 2019. Auxiliary Membership Recruitment Fact Sheet or Brochure Awards 1. Most outstanding Fact Sheet or Brochure created and used as a membership recruitment tool in each of the 5 MN membership categories will receive $25. Deadline to me by December 31, 2018. Please send two copies. Membership Categories Category 1: 50 or fewer members Category 2: 51-85 members Category 3: 86-130 members Category 4: 131-200 members Category 5: 201 or more members
Individual Member Awards---Department of MN
1. Recruit 5 new or rejoin members 5 members will receive $10 each 2. Recruit 10 new or rejoin members 5 members will receive $10 each 3. Recruit 20 new or rejoin members 5 members will receive $20 each
Criteria for Individual Member Awards: • Deadline: April 30, 2019 MN Dept. Membership Chr Sonia Tatge• Official form required (copies in National Program Book)
National Individual Member Awards Each VFW Auxiliary and VFW member who recruits five (5), ten (10), or twenty (20) or more new and/or rejoined members from July 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019, will receive a National award. Official form required. Due to National Headquarters by May 31, 2019.
National Award to Auxiliary Membership Chairman Share your successful recruiting campaign with members within your Auxiliary. Send exact information on how you trained your Auxiliary members in the art of recruitment (training materials, Power Points, handouts, etc. Send this information to the Department Membership Chairman, Sonia Tatge, by December 31, 2018. Then, one winner will be forwarded to the National Ambassador by January 31, 2019.
National Award to an Auxiliary---Fact Sheet/Brochure Create a fact sheet or brochure that you/or your members used for potential or new members. When creating these fact sheets or brochures be sure to include information you would have loved to have received yourself as a brand new member. Deadline is December 31, 2018, to the Department Membership Chairman, Sonia Tatge. One entry from each Department will be sent to the National Membership Ambassador to be judged. Winner will be named at the 2019 National Mid-Year Conference. Criteria guide sheet will be available at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources.
Other National Awards to Departments/Auxiliaries will be outlined in future Department Membership General Orders and at a Fall Conference Workshop. Information is also available in the National 2018-2019 Program Book under Membership & Recruitment.
SCHOLARSHIPS Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Another Department Convention in the books and now it’s time to get ready for the upcoming year. President Patches has asked me to be the Department Scholarships Chairman for the 2018 -19 year.
Chrissy Harlan, National Scholarships Ambassador, says it’s crucial the VFW Auxiliary Scholarships Chairman at each level work together with their VFW counterpart to ensure a successful outcome. As with all of our Programs, when you promote our Scholarship Programs, you should also be speaking with family members about our great organization using those contacts as recruiting opportunities. Please be sure you thoroughly understand the rules and eligibility of each scholarship contest before you speak with teachers, students and/or parents about the contests.
The following is all of the Scholarships that are available under the program. You will find the Themes, deadlines, eligibility guidelines for each. Please make sure and contact your schools early so that you can get this information out at the beginning of the new school year. The applications will be on the MN VFW Auxiliary webpage and the National VFW Auxiliary webpage. Please read through the application and make sure that you are providing all the criteria for your winner.
This program is unique because it can involve the whole family. There are opportunities for school aged children to adults to participate. Make sure to promote all of these scholarships to people in your community.
Now is the time to start your plan of attack. School teachers will be planning their yearly curriculum. Make an appointment to visit with the teachers in grades 6-8 for the Patriots Pen Contest, and grades 9-12 for the Voice of Democracy Contest. All kids have the chance to win some money. Who doesn’t like money? Getting into the schools early is the key to getting the students an opportunity to participate in these contests. Teachers and schools cannot promote these if they do not have the information.
Please find below all of the contest and scholarship information. It includes the ages, deadlines and the themes for the 2018-2019 year. Please make sure that you share this information with your Auxiliary and District National Scholarships Chairman. This information is all they need to know to promote this in your communities.
I am looking forward to the new program year and I am looking forward to hearing about all the students participating in this wonderful program.
Tim Haugen Department Scholarship Chairman 1810 17th St S Moorhead, MN 56560 701.261.6973 [email protected]
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
2018-2019 Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest
All students grades 9 – 12
Theme – Why My Vote Matters Deadlines:
Entries to VFW Post - Midnight, Oct 31 Completion of Post Judging - Nov 15
Completion of District Judging - Dec 15 Completion of Department Judging - Jan 10
Department Winner to VFW National Headquarters Jan 15
2018-2019 Patriots Pen Essay Contest All students grades 6-8
Theme - Why I Honor the American Flag Deadlines:
Entries to VFW Post- Midnight, Oct 31 Completion of Post Judging - Nov 15
Completion of District Judging - Dec 15 Completion of Department Judging - Jan 10
Department Winner to VFW National Headquarters Jan 15
Continuing Education Scholarship
Deadline: February 15 Any Auxiliary member {who has been a member for at least a year},
or their spouse, son or daughter with a financial need. Must be 18 years old, complete the application and submit an essay of 300 words or less.
Mail to:
Administrator of Programs VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters
406 W 34'" St. 10th Floor Kansas City, MO 64111
Or email it to: [email protected]
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
All students grades 9 - 12, (no older than 18}
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. No Digital Art or Photography.
Artwork must be on canvas or paper. It will be judged on patriotic theme and technique.
Deadlines:
Entries received by local Auxiliary March 31
Entries received by Department April 15
Entries received by National Headquarters May 5
Marcella Arnold Nursing Scholarship
Deadlines are April 1 and October 1
Applicant must be a full time Nursing student in an Associate or Bachelor Degree School of Nursing.
Applicant must be a member or eligible to join the VFW or VFW Auxiliary or a child or
grandchild of a member of the VFW or VFW Auxiliary resident of Minnesota, non-resident of MN with a membership in the MN VFW Auxiliary, attending a nursing school in Minnesota
YOUTH ACTIVITIES Bulletin #1 - July 2018
Every Kid is one caring adult away from being a success story
3 Big Changes for Youth Activities this year for Minnesota
1. Patriotic Art Explorers Contest has been renamed…
MN Middle School Creative Art Contest The theme will be their choice of the 5 branches of the service for 2018-19. The details and application form for the contest will be in upcoming General Orders.
2. Changed the Due Dates• January 15, 2019 Entries Due to Auxiliaries• January 31, 2019 Entries Due to District• February 28, 2019 Entries Due to Department
3. At Fall conference, Youth Activities breakout session will includethe Auxiliary.
Youth Activities National Program Goals: • Creating, Sponsoring and Working with Youth groups - Involving youth in service to veterans in
conjunction with your Auxiliary can bring new membership to your Auxiliary. When youth and the whole family are included, members feel more invested in your Auxiliary.
• Youth Groups Supporting our Veterans National Citations - Recognize a youth group in yourcommunity by applying for a citation. Citation applications are available at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources
• Patriotic Youth Award - The Patriotic Youth Award is designed to recognize individual youth fortheir patriotism and/or support of our veterans, active-duty military and their families.
• Random Acts of Patriotism (R.A.P) - See a child thanking a veteran? Witness a youth place theirhand on their heart correctly? Give him or her a R.A.P. card and/or coin. The cards can be downloaded for free and printed at home. The template is available at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources.
• Veterans History Project - The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of CongressAmerican Folk Life Center collects and preserves the firsthand interviews and narratives of United States military veterans from World War I through the present.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of Minnesota
How we will be successful this year. • Communication
o I will be communicating directly with the District Youth Chairman directly and make surethey know who their counterparts in the auxiliaries are and make sure they arecommunicating with them also. Make sure they all know what’s important in the programand what support they need.
• Working with the VFW Chairperson and making sure we are on the same page with each other’sprograms and working together to help each other out.
• Incorporating it with Americanism and the Freedom Festival: Double UP!”• Keep it simple and easy. While forms are on the website and easy to find.
All you need to remember is bring a kid to any event or function. That’s it. Involve them in Buddy Poppy Sales, Freedom Festival anything that helps vets and you’re doing the youth activities program. So no ZERO’s on the end of year report.
Contact Information Department of Minnesota: Dave Scofield Youth Activities Chairman 59990 279th St., Litchfield MN 55355 [email protected] (320) 894-4246
National Ambassador: Mistie Hammond 1430 E. 14th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 [email protected]
