Jane Ziebarth
2017-2018 National Chief of Staff/Extension Ambassador
Embrace TODAY and Six Other Things I’ve Learned as an Auxiliary Member
TODAY is going to be a great day! Accept what is. Let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.
T: Take time to teach members about the many benefits of membership and MALTA.
O: Open the door to opportunities found within the Program and Publicity Resource page.
D: Discover the Online Auxiliary Academy.
A: Acknowledge and appreciate volunteers.
Y: You make the difference by opening your eyes, listening and taking action.
Are you observing and obtaining good results through your Auxiliary mentoring program? I hope the answer is yes. Please share the success by submitting an entry for Extension Award for Members No. 2 and Extension Award for Auxiliaries No. 2.
If you have not implemented a mentoring program yet, there is still time to do so. Mentoring members has no time limit and is not contained only in a meeting room. Please review the VFW Auxiliary Mentoring Guide: Relationship Building for the Future (C.A.R.E). You will find this guide is an easy, clear and concise plan for the Auxiliary to implement.
C: Catch the member when they first join.
A: Ask them to participate.
R: Remember what it felt like to be new.
E: Engage them in a program that fits them.
Mentoring can provide a wealth of information, a positive experience and enhance a member’s involvement. Listed below I reflect on some things that I have learned over the years as a member of the Auxiliary. Maybe a few of these thoughts will trigger your memory or give you some ideas to think about. Remember, a silent mentor may be the strongest influence on a member. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
I ask you reflect and see if we’ve had similar experiences.
- I have learned respect for the individual and to care for the well-being of others. I have learned not only the value of tolerance, but to celebrate diversity.
- I have learned to listen to others, to value their opinions, and to work together in cooperation toward a common goal.
- I have learned every person, regardless of their situation or circumstances, has something to offer. Every individual has the capacity for caring and the capacity to work for a common cause and to care for our veterans, active duty military, families and communities.
- I have learned you don’t have to be afraid of change. You don’t have to worry about what’s been taken away, just look what has been added.
- I have learned the freedom to speak can be a license to destroy. That a person is free to diminish, to demean, to depress, but at the same time, a person is equally free to uplift, to teach, and to encourage. The choice is my own, but the people that surround me inherit the results.
- I have learned to take risks, along with that, being willing to fail or succeed and learn from the experience.
In short, I can say that my association with the Auxiliary and its members has provided great opportunities and learning experiences. How about you?
TODAY I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. At the next Auxiliary, District or Department meeting, chose to find someone new to sit by during the meeting, when having a meal or in a social setting instead of always being with your best friend or group of officers. Engage in conversation with someone new. Today you just may gain a new friend. Your interaction may be what a member was looking for to reinforce why they should return to a meeting. Your friendly smile and cheery disposition may be just what it takes to brighten a person’s day. This is a great way to learn from each other (silent mentoring). Try it!
Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen. Make TODAY a great day!
