Jane Ziebarth
2017-2018 National Chief of Staff/Extension Ambassador
Auxiliary Health Check – Eight (8) Traits of a Healthy Auxiliary
- Have you implemented a program to ensure your Auxiliary achieves and maintains good health?
- Have you implemented a mentoring program for new and tenured members?
- Have you researched and used the numerous materials located on the Programs & Publicity Resources webpage to achieve good health?
If you answered no to any of these questions, why?
Any day is a good day to research the tools available and bring suggestions on how to incorporate into your monthly meeting routine. The responsibility of sharing materials does not just remain with your Auxiliary’s Officers; YOU are also encouraged to engage in keeping your fellow members informed.
To assist in achieving good health, the following materials are an example of what is available:
- 5 Essentials of an Auxiliary Card
- VFW Auxiliary Mentoring Guide: Relationship Building for the Future
- VFW Auxiliary Acronyms and Common Terminology
- Welcome to the VFW Auxiliary Card
- VFW Auxiliary Sample Meeting Agenda
- Auxiliary Meeting Checklist (for the Auxiliary President)
- Healthy Communication Phone/Text Tree
Membership remains a significant source to the success of an Auxiliary and maintaining good health.
New member engagement is a critical component to retaining a member. Resources and best practices are available to assist local Auxiliary Officers in welcoming new members.
A new member is an engaged member, but someone who likely needs an orientation to the VFW and Auxiliary. It’s best to hand the New Member Packet to them personally at a meeting or social gathering, but it can be mailed as well.
While a strong focus is made making sure our new members receive up-to-date information and instructions, there may be a continuous member that hasn’t attended in quite some time that could reap value from this same type of information. Communication is key; the more we communicate, the more engaged our members will be.
Below are eight (8) traits of a healthy Auxiliary:
- Commitment – A strong commitment to the Auxiliary provides a base of volunteers and the opportunity to assist those in need.
- Appreciation – Reward your members with a simple gesture of thanks and strengthen the bond a volunteer has to the Auxiliary. Focus on the strength of each other and not the faults.
- Time – Recognize the value of a volunteer’s time. Some individuals may have more time available to volunteer but that does not mean those with limited time are not valued. Enjoy what time is available to meet; work together and create an opportunity to socialize.
- Communication – A member is more likely to volunteer and invest the time necessary to work on a project if there is open communication and they are able to share their thoughts. Remember that very individual’s opinion matters.
- Share – If activities and tasks can be shared, it can save time, alleviate stress, bring individuals together for a common cause and bring happiness to all involved.
- Common Interests – The more the members have in common, the more they are apt to work together, develop common goals, find opportunities to get together and plan for future projects.
- Serve Others – When volunteers serve others, they develop a sense of pride and appreciation for what they and your Auxiliary has done for others.
- Distraction and Good Health – While we like to think our Auxiliary will always be healthy, we understand we are not problem-free and there may be unpleasant distractions. Please do not let this situation overcome the positives that your Auxiliary possesses. Discuss and come up with a solution. An unhealthy Auxiliary often leads to a decline in meeting attendance, membership and volunteer opportunities. Do not let this happen to your Auxiliary!
My challenge for you this month is to compliment three people every day.
