Historian & Media Relations: Connect, Promote and Document

It is a new year and change is upon us all. COVID-19 has not gone away and we are figuring out ways to continue to work for our veterans. With all that is taking place, it is important to document what and how it was done. When members look back at this time in 10, 20 or 50 years (or more) in the future, they will have an idea of how we, as an organization, adapted and met the needs of our veterans and their families during this challenging time.

Connect with members:

• Prepare a monthly or quarterly newsletter or e-newsletter for your members. Give them ideas of how to help with Programs while they social distancing.
• Maintain an Auxiliary/Post Facebook page to share information.
• Recognize member anniversaries, birthdays and volunteer work.

Promote your Auxiliary’s activities and events:

• Use the VFW Auxiliary Publicity Guide.
• Use a fillable press/media release form for activities/events.
• Send a Communications Award to local media for covering Auxiliary activities/events.

Did your Auxiliary DO or does your Auxiliary HAVE PLANS TO DO any of the following:

• Educate youth about the Pledge of Allegiance (in-person or through video conferencing)?
• Host a “Buddy”® Poppy Drive?
• Partner with another organization to better your community?
• Drop off items for hospitalized veterans at VA and non-VA medical facilities?
• Participate in “Get out the Vote” efforts?
• Contact members of Congress regarding veterans’ issues?
• Host a drive-by school supply pickup, trick-or-treat, Santa or Easter Bunny visit?
• Fill stockings for homeless veterans?
• Participate in Wreaths Across America?
• Host food drives or donate food to a local food bank/food pantry?
• Donate gift cards so service members overseas can purchase items of their choice?
• Send Christmas or Valentine cards to soldiers overseas or hospitalized veterans?
• Donate books to your local library, school or literacy organization?
• Promote and participate in our youth scholarships and contests?

We know members and Auxiliaries are doing, plan to do and have done things listed above, along with many other things not listed. However, did they send the Department Historian photos and a description of what they did? It’s so important for members to take photos and keep a record of the projects they work on at home or in small groups in addition to photos at larger Auxiliary activities/events.

The who, what, when, where and why of an event is so important to the story – and history – of the VFW Auxiliary. Take pictures (and write down who is in them), keep newspaper articles or print out online news articles about what is going on in your community, your state, our country and the world.

Don’t forget to post on social media of the wonderful things you are doing in the name of the organization.

Are you capturing your Auxiliary’s history? If not, it is time to start.