Robyn Kuznik
2021-2022 Hospital Ambassador

December is the month when volunteering means the most to our veterans and the VA staff. The holidays are just around the corner and our facilities will be getting busier. Now is the perfect time to ask your friends, family and colleagues to volunteer at local VA facilities and/or state veterans homes. It only takes a minute to ask, âHave you thought about donating some of your free time as a VAVS Volunteer? Our facility has a wide range of positions to volunteer for.â I have heard some say, âI have never been asked.â Contact your VA Chief of Voluntary Service to see which positions they need assistance with and provide some great examples to potential volunteers. As our hospitals and clinics are starting to reopen following COVID-19 closures, more volunteers are needed to assist the staff.
Have a volunteer recruitment event and invite those interested in volunteering. Invite your VAVS Representatives and Deputy Representatives (Reps and Deps) to the event to share their rewarding experiences and talk with potential volunteers. Ask yourself this question: âWhat is your WHY?â Share with them how you are passionate about serving veterans and making a difference in your communities. Request the VA Chief of Voluntary Service or staff attend so that they may answer any questions new volunteers may have.
I am looking forward to seeing an increase of volunteers and volunteer hours this year as we are starting to get back into the swing of things. VA Voluntary Service is celebrating 75 years of service to our veterans, and they have a new name: Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE). You may be seeing this change in your local facilities. For more information visit www.volunteer.va.gov.
There are three effortless ways to become a volunteer:
Ask you Department President about VAVS opportunities in your area. Auxiliary Department Presidents appoint VAVS Reps and Deps and will expedite certification through National Headquarters. For more information, visit the National Auxiliary website resources page, vfwauxiliary.org/resources/.
Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you. Ask for the CDCE (formerly Voluntary Service) office. Tell their staff of your interest in becoming a VA Volunteer. The staff will take care of everything else including your interview, orientation, and assignment. Locate the VA facility nearest you.
Fill out the Volunteer Now! form on the VA websiteâs CDCE Portal by selecting Volunteer or Donate. Someone from your local CDCE office will contact you with additional information.
Below are nine positive words that reflect our passion to serve our veterans and our communities. Share these valuable words with your volunteers and thank them for their time and dedication to our nationâs heroes.
V â Valuable
O â Ongoing
L â Loyal
U â Uplifting
N â Nifty
T â Thoughtful
E â Enthusiastic
E â Empathy
R – Resourceful
Wishing you all Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year!