Scholarships: Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk…

Let’s talk…I mean let’s really have a conversation. People don’t talk to each other much anymore. We tend to use text messages, email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but not have many face to face conversations.

Last week a nice young lady called our home and said she had her Voice of Democracy entry ready and wanted to know if she could drop it off. I said “Of course, come on over.” She arrived with her father who looked familiar to me, but I couldn’t place where I knew him from. While sitting in my living room I asked her how she found out about Voice of Democracy. She told me that last year her older brother and father had come over and submitted a Scout of the Year entry and while they were here I talked to them about other scholarship opportunities. Dad passed on the information and brought her to me to submit her entry. If we had just taken her brother’s Scout of the Year entry and said “thank you,” this family would not have known about the Voice of Democracy contest. Her father and I had a conversation last year that may now help this young lady’s dream come true.

Patty Palmer from the Department of Maryland relayed one of her conversations that went like this:

I have to tell you about a chance encounter that happened at my local Sam’s Club. I met a lady at the checkout who was throwing a graduation cookout for her son. Long story short, after telling her about the various scholarships that we offer, I snagged an invitation to the soiree. Of course, I immediately printed 100 copies of each scholarship application for distribution. There were more than 75 middle and high school students in attendance. Among the adults, I had the privilege of meeting the pastor of their church, who wants me to present the information to the church youth group. All of that from a simple “hello” at the grocery check-out.

How many dreams did Patty potentially help come true by having a simple conversation?

Marian Belaire from the Department of Michigan was at her favorite hair salon and in walked two teenagers. Marian began a conversation with them and gave them each a scholarships packet.

Every member of this great organization should know about our Continuing Education Scholarship, but they do not. We need to be talking about it! Talk about it at our meetings, talk to members that cannot attend meetings, talk to potential members and use it as a benefit to join the organization.

TALKING to art instructors, galley owners, and art supply store owners will help you sell Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Your passion will shine through! If you are excited, then they will be. Talk to your Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen winners and their families about this contest – chances are they have no idea it exists. Maybe they are not artistic, but they have a sibling or friend that is.

I am not saying you need to stop using social media, texts, flyers, posters, etc., but we also need to have face to face conversations with students, teachers, parents, our own members and our community.

I wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Check out this great stocking stuffer!

This amazing set of 8 note cards with envelopes features the 2018 first through eighth place national winners and is available for $4.00 from the VFW Store!