Nicole Panteleakos
2019-2020 National Youth Activities Ambassador
Five Ways to Involve Youth in our National Programs
Only about six weeks left in this year – and in the decade – and I am so proud and excited to see all our members have done involving local youth! Thank you to those who have sent pictures and posted on social media using the hashtag #VFWAUXYOUTH. Please, keep them coming!
As we get into the holiday season, there are some great ways to get young people involved in our National Programs. You can report their involvement under Youth Activities while reporting your members’ activities under the specific related National Programs. However, please do not double report! Here are just a few ideas.
Serving Thanksgiving dinner to veterans at a shelter, VA, or VFW post?
- Provide books and/or activities for any kids who might be present!
- Report the work under the proper program. Report the kids’ activities under Youth Activities!
Christmas caroling at the VA?
- Bring your children and grandchildren!
- Report the visit under Hospital. Report the time kids spent singing with you under Youth Activities!
Sending care packages to deployed soldiers?
- Ask local Scouts to help gather and sort items!
- Report the activity itself under Veterans & Family Support. Report the time Scouts spent on the project under Youth Activities!
Making a donation to the VFW National Home?
- Invite local kids to help color and sign Christmas or Chanukah cards to send with it!
- Report the donation under National Home. Report the time kids spent coloring and signing cards under Youth Activities!
For Patriotism Through Literacy, read/donate the following books to local children’s rooms at libraries, to pre-schools, or to homeless shelters:
- The Soldiers’ Night Before Christmas by Trish Holland
- Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky
- Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon
- Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops by Jill Biden
- The Hawaii Snowman* by Christine Le
*This is not historical fiction, but teaches kids about the ALOHA SPIRIT embodied and encouraged by our National President, Peggy Haake, and our members from Hawaii.
Thank you for all you’ve done so far this Program Year. We’re looking forward to a productive and fun new year – and new decade!
