Mistie Hammond
2018-2019 National Youth Activities Ambassador
Thank You for Engaging the Youth of America!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to take this time to thank all of you for your hard work getting the youth of your communities involved in your events. I love seeing all the pictures and reading the reports I’ve received.
Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans
The VFW Auxiliary Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans citation is a great way to recognize and honor the hard working youth of the community and of the Auxiliary. Remember this is for youth groups, not individual youth. Some information about the citation:
- Fill out the citation request form, email or mail it to your Department Youth Activities Chairman and they will send it on to National.
- They are FREE and will be mailed directly to the person you indicate on the form.
- Think about presenting the citation at an Auxiliary event or school assembly. I have received several pictures of the citations being presented and am so proud to see our members honoring youth in this way.
- There will be a special award given to one youth group in each Program Division with an outstanding project submitted to the Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans Citations.
Let’s all work this year to give more Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans citations than ever before.
Creating and/or Supporting Youth Groups
Chances are you have youth that help out around your Post/Auxiliary. Many after-school and youth programs across the country are experiencing budget cuts and/or disbanding. This is a perfect opportunity to get them involved in our great organization and teach them all about patriotism and teamwork. Several Auxiliaries have started their own youth groups, sponsored youth groups and supported youth groups this fall. It warms my heart to see so many Auxiliaries reaching out and embracing the youth of your community. Remember to fill out the Youth Activities Award for Auxiliaries No. 2 form available at www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources.
Use and /or Reuse of the R.A.P. Cards and/or Coins
Youth like to be recognized for a job well done! Giving out the R.A.P. cards and coins is a perfect way to do that. But what happens to them after the shine wears off? Chances are they end up in the garbage or the bottom of the toy box. In September I asked you to think about ways to reuse the R.A.P. cards and coins and I love seeing what you all came up with! From setting up a special store to using them at Halloween parties, ice cream sundae parties, movie nights and even a story time where kids can buy the book they like best, you all have come up with some great ways to reuse the R.A.P. cards and coins! Keep up the great work!
Create a Contest for Students in Grades K-5
It’s hard to believe that three months of the school year have passed and it’s already time for Thanksgiving break. There are so many great contests being created for elementary school students across the country. I am truly amazed at how many Auxiliaries and Departments have taken this goal and ran with it! Thank you for making this a fun way to promote and teach patriotism to our youth!
I can’t express how thankful I am for all that you are doing to engage the youth of America.
Happy Thanksgiving!
