Mary Ryser
2021-2022 National Auxiliary Community Outreach Ambassador
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of September 11, a day when an unthinkable tragedy struck our nation. Firefighters, police officers and EMTâs rushed toward, not away from, the burning towers. Some gave their lives to save others; all are amazing heroes.
To commemorate that date, we are adding the initiative of volunteering with a group of or for an organization that supports first responders to the Auxiliary Community Outreach Program. NOW is the time to start planning to participate in events, projects or programs within your community to support and/or recognize first responders.
Talk with your Auxiliary members on what to do for, or with, first responders. Examples include:
- Have the community meet at the local fire station or park and throw a big BBQ.
- Work with another organization to host a large event.
- Judy Quinn, Life Member of VFW Auxiliary 7635 in Gustine, California, worked with other community organizations to put together a candlelight walk through town. The event started small and has grown over the years. More than 300 people now attend and multiple organizations, including the local fire department, work together to host the candlelight walk in memory of those who lost their lives that day.
I look forward to hearing about the events, projects and programs your Auxiliary works with other organizations on to support and honor first responders in your community.
There is a lot of confusion about this Program, and about what does and does not qualify as Auxiliary Community Outreach. National Headquarters is working on a guide to better explain and give examples of how to work this Program in your community. It is to be available around Labor Day.
Please note:
- The Auxiliary Community Outreach Program is when you, the member, volunteer with another organization. Itâs about service with other organizations in our communities and offers us another way to help improve where we live.
- Vote in your meeting on the specific Example: âOur Auxiliary moves to participate with the American Legion to put a BBQ at our local park to invite first responders and our community. We will help cook and serve the community.â Or our member Susan and Joe will be volunteering, etc.
- Community Outreach is about hours worked in the community. Not monetary donations made/given. Though money may be spent, you are not required to report it for Auxiliary Community Outreach. However, you need to report that to your Post for their Community Service report.
- Hours VFW Auxiliary members volunteer for the VFW Auxiliary Community Outreach Program ARE REPORTED to the VFW for their Community Service report.
- Additionally, any activity that includes community involvement for all other Auxiliary Programs (e.g., Americanism, Youth Activities, etc.) is reported to the VFW for their Community Service report.
- You must go out into the community. Events at the Post are not considered for Program. You must volunteer in the community.
- Whatâs New? Doing something with another organization to honor first responders or working with first responders.
- Remember to take pictures! Your Auxiliary could win $25 for the most outstanding photo collage featuring Auxiliary members volunteering with first responders at their community activity and/or event.
- Read the Awards for Auxiliaries on page 14 of the 2021-2022 National Program Book for more information.
Remember that Auxiliary Community Outreach isâŠ
- Volunteer work performed by one member, a group of members or an Auxiliary for the benefit of their community or its institutions.
- Volunteer work that is not related to current Auxiliary Programs.
I canât wait to see how your Auxiliary participates in the Program this year!