membership - VFW Department of Illinois

2016-2017
Membership
Jonathan Cooper
Director
1800 S 58th Ct., Apt. 2
Cicero, IL 60804
Cell: (312) 909-8418
Email: [email protected]
Post 3940-3
It is my honor and privilege to serve as your State Membership Director for State Commander Dave Stout’s
“Veterans United” team for the 2016-2017 year. Our goal is to retain our existing membership as well as
increase by encouraging lapsed members to renew their membership and attracting new members.
Very simply, our membership IS the Veterans of Foreign Wars! Without our membership, we simply wouldn’t
exist as an organization. This great organization exists as the spearhead, point man and gatekeeper for how
our Nation’s veterans are treated.
It is only through our strength in numbers, represented by our membership rolls that we may continue to remain
relevant in the discussions, arguments and fights for proper treatment and representation of our veterans at
the local, state and federal government levels. Some of the discussions, arguments and fights are to provide a
more comprehensive and streamlined VA claim system; to improve care at our VA facilities; support “service
to civilian” transition programs for returning, discharging and retiring veterans; and to protect quality of life
programs for all service members, veterans and their families. We are “Veterans United”.
Our waning numbers have some believing that we are losing our battle, but we are more relevant now than
we have ever been in our history. This is the reason each and every POST and DISTRICT has the obligation
to actively seek out and recruit new members and to encourage our lapsed members their voice is important.
To continue our stand into the future, our membership numbers have the most important effect.
Our relevance goes beyond the political issues of the day. We are responsible to educate our communities
about our actions and our history, as well as display our pride locally during ceremonies to bring attention
to who we are. Everyone is related to or knows a veteran in your community. Be the lead throughout the
year. Put your facilities to good use for your community’s events to show your local presence. Organize a
local open house to include a membership promotion. Help your local veterans at the National Guard and
Reserve Centers. Visit these places regularly… “adopt a unit”. Represent a welcoming opening door to all
veterans in your area.
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Your Post will be attractive if you actively engage your community by participating in the programs reportable on your Community Activities Report Form. If you actively pursue opportunities to engage the public
by working your Community Activity Programs, then your Post will become more attractive to eligible
members, and they will want to become a part of what you are doing by becoming a member. Your local
Post is a tool to generate resources to focus and support the organization’s agenda of supporting veterans and
veterans programs. Be a good first impression to everyone who you come into contact with as well as those
who come to your Post.
To continue what has been said in the past, our membership team is available to support you at every level
of the organization to develop your membership program and to help you grow your Post. This is the only
way that we will achieve our goal of being “Veterans United”.
State Membership Recruiters
Thomas Bailey
708 S. Walnut St.
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone: (815) 842-3102
E-mail: [email protected]
Post 886-7
Matthew Willis
202 W. Washington St.
Athens, IL 62613
Phone: (217) 741-7493
E-mail: [email protected]
Post 6871-10
Student Veterans Liaison
Matthew Claussen
10304 N. Ralston Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64157
Phone: (816) 695-2061
Email: [email protected]
Post 2378-4
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George Foy, Jr.
629 Cambridge Way
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Cell: (630) 926-4026
E-mail: [email protected]
Post 9545-18
Student Veterans Liaison
Since Student Veterans of America’s founding in 2008, the chapter network has grown from 20 campuses
to more than 950 institutions of higher learning in all 50 states. Chapters provide a peer-to-peer support network that empowers veterans to achieve academic success.
By being involved with an SVA Chapter and your local VFW Post, you’re strengthening a relationship that
helps to ensure a brighter future for veterans.
The Student Veteran Liaison is the VFW’s primary person for interacting with Student Veterans of America
(SVA) chapters, and other student veterans groups and programs in that territory. The role of the Liaison
is to facilitate connections between VFW Posts and student veterans groups, helping to establish mutually
beneficial relationships.
The Student Veteran Liaison is prepared to:
• Increase the level of cooperation between SVA and the VFW to support student veterans on college campuses and in online educational programs worldwide.
• Reduce confusion felt by student veterans and their families by setting up clear pathways to local resources
and solutions.
• Coordinate the efforts of SVA and the VFW to help student veterans succeed in their academic goals and
continue to contribute as leaders within the community.
• Assist in organizational development for both SVA and the VFW in communities currently underrepresented through crosstraining and cooperation.
• Report activity to VFW National Headquarters detailing which student veterans groups and VFW Posts are
working together, and what projects they’re working on.
Integration: Many veterans seeking higher education may look to be a part of a group with similar interests
or seek out peer support. The VFW can provide this while reducing the aura of unintentional alienation felt
by some younger veterans.
The VFW must work to bring student veterans together with VFW Posts in order to link them to their educational benefits, disseminate information, collaborate on ideas, and increase the VFW’s appeal to younger
generations of veterans. These partnerships are mutually beneficial for the Post and the SVA Chapter.
Most VFW Posts offer a variety of activities, services and have event/meeting spaces available. Coordination
between VFW Post leadership, student veterans groups and similar clubs allows the VFW to improve their
image within the local veterans’ community, build relationships and allow for networking, mentorship and
recruiting opportunities. Meetings should discuss pertinent issues to student veterans such as VA benefits,
employment and training assistance, community and veterans’ service, volunteering opportunities and generally making a difference in the lives of other veterans.
Partnerships between VFW Posts and SVA Chapters provide:
• Networking opportunities with veteran business owners and community leaders.
• Participation in fundraisers that benefit your fellow veterans.
• Engagement in relevant community service activities.
• Camaraderie among veterans you can relate to.
• A welcoming place for student veterans to hang out.
• Advocacy on the local, state and national level.
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Illinois Membership Program
2016-2017
Dave Stout
State Commander
ILLINOIS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 2016-2017
VFW Membership Mission: State, District and Post Leadership must work hand-in-hand to retain and recruit
a stable membership base, comprised of all generations of veterans, that is informed and actively involved
at all levels of the organization. To ensure this mission, State Headquarters offers technical, logistical and
financial resources to make recruiting and retention in the field, a well organized procedure. State and District
leaders are the most qualified to prepare and implement our own state VFW programs. We have a responsibility to our membership to take advantage of the many resources available from the National organization.
VFW Membership Vision: Ensuring the organization remains a welcoming environment for our overseas
conflict veterans, as well as our active duty military service members and their families, for the membership
lifespan of today’s Current Conflict Veterans. All our goals must have a starting point and we believe that
our membership standings at the end of the previous year is the starting point. Unless we reach that point and
then grow from there, we are a dying organization. So, our goal should be our starting point and our following goal should be to surpass that starting point!
OUR GOAL THIS YEAR WILL BE 100%
We must maintain and grow these numbers in order to have the power to lobby for veterans rights at the local,
state, and national government levels. Remember…There can be no achievement without goals. Everything
starts at the Post level and without your commitment our organization cannot live up to our motto “No One
Does More For Veterans”
All awards will be presented based upon the membership numbers that are posted on the National
Membership Report on the morning following the cut-off date given. NO EXCEPTIONS!
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NEW AND RECOVERED MEMBER AWARDS
All individual members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who sign up:
• 5 new or recovered members will receive a VFW Dog Tag.
• 15 new or recovered members will be awarded a VFW Coin.
• 25 new or recovered members will receive a State Commander’s Padfolio.
• 50 new or recovered members will be awarded a State Commander’s Shirt.
• 75 new or recovered members will be awarded a State Commander Commemorative Medallion
• 100 new or recovered members by June 1, 2017 will be awarded $500 to attend the National
Convention in New Orleans, La. This award is not transferable.
POST COMMANDER & QUARTERMASTER AWARD
Each Post Commander and Quartermaster whose Post achieves 100 percent in membership by December
31, 2016 will receive a special embroidered State Commander’s Jacket. Forms must be sent to the State
Headquarters office by no later than February 15, 2017.
Each new Post can receive this award by signing up 50 new members by April 30, 2017.
ALL-STATE POST AWARDS
The 2016-2017 Membership Program is designed so that if a Post qualifies to be All-State, both the commander and quartermaster will be recognized for this achievement because…
THIS IS A VFW TEAM EFFORT!
The All-State Team of Post Commanders and Post Quartermasters will be made up of Posts who achieve:
100 percent plus 7 in membership
Posts must be 100% reported on the X-Sheet.
Post must order a minimum of 1000 poppies.
THERE WILL BE NO LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF ALL-STATE AWARDS.
EVERY POST CAN BE ALL-STATE.
New Posts need to attain 100 members to become All-State.
The All-State Program runs through June 15, 2017.
To receive All-State Awards at State Convention,
the deadline for completion of All-State Criteria is April 30, 2017.
All-State Post Commanders will receive:
All-State Commander’s Cap
Distinguished Service Lapel Pin
All-State Post Quartermasters will receive:
All-State Quartermaster’s Cap
Distinguished Service Lapel Pin
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LIFE MEMBERSHIP
LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE
Age On December 31 One-Time Payment 11 Month Payment Plan
Through 30
$425
$38.64
31 – 40
$410
$37.27
41 – 50
$375
$34.09
51 – 60
$335
$30.45
61 – 70
$290
$26.36
71 – 80
$225
$20.45
Over 81
$170
$15.45
Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Life Membership Installment Plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a life membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and
(11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an annual membership card at the time of enrollment.
The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by mail or may set up a payment profile to make the
monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed
on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent life membership card
will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule
using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies
will be handled as follows:
Up to 30 Days
Up to 120 Days
Over 120 Days
DELINQUENCY PENALTIES
Continue to bill
Delinquency can be corrected through a makeup payment or the plan end date
may be pushed forward.
Member is dropped from the installment plan, all payments made to date, are
applied to future year’s dues.
LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Legacy Life Membership enables current life members to leave a lasting mark on this great organization by
helping to ensure that “No One Does More for Veterans.” Legacy Life Memberships in the Veterans of
Foreign Wars help support the Post, the State and the Organization.
Member Benefits Include: Plated, engraved life membership card, lapel pin, hat pin, distinctive Emblem &
Supply Line for Legacy Life Members, Emblem & Supply Discounts - for personal use only, depending on the
level of endowment - framed certificate, increased level of no-cost AD&D insurance, recognition on internet
and annual reports, recognition at kiosks at the Memorial Building in Washington, DC and the museum at
National Headquarters, as well as other benefits depending on the level of endowment. There are three levels
of memberships with payment plans available and benefits to the Posts:
Bronze
Silver
Gold
TOTAL
4 PAYMENTS OF
$400
$800
$1,200
$100
$200
$300
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ANNUAL POST
ENDOWMENT
$6
$12
$18
LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP POST AWARD
The Post having the largest increase in Legacy Life Memberships with a minimum of 3 new Legacy Life
Memberships by April 30, 2017 will receive a $100 credit for the Illinois Emblem & Supply Store.
DISTRICT COMMANDER AWARD
District Commanders who are 100% in membership by March 15, 2017 will be awarded a $1,500 cash award.
ALL-STATE DISTRICT AWARD
Districts must be 100% in membership to achieve All-State status.
The All-State Program runs through June 15, 2017.
To receive All-State Awards at State Convention, the deadline for completion of All-State Criteria is
April 30, 2017
All-State District Commanders will receive:
All-State District Commanders Cap
Distinguished Service Lapel Pin
CRAMER-SODEN AWARD
The 100% District Commander who has the highest numerical increase in membership from their 2015-2016
year to 2016-2017 year will receive a prestigious plaque noting their achievement, sponsored by our fellow Illinois Past Commanders-in-Chief, George R. Cramer and the late Ray R. Soden. The deadline for the
Cramer-Soden Award is April 30, 2017.
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CLEAR THE WAY
National Membership Program
2016-2017
Brian J. Duffy
Commander-in-Chief
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 2016-2017
Membership Vision
To show continued growth and thrive through the dedication and involvement of members at all
levels of the organization.
Membership Mission
Recruit, retain, and mentor a stable membership base, including all generations of veterans, which
is well-versed in institutional knowledge and actively involved at all levels of the organization.
Introduction
For the past several years, the VFW has been relatively successful in recruiting members aged 39
and younger. The only way to make this success permanent is to retain those members, recover
past members, and recruit new members. We must improve the way we communicate with our
members at all levels of the organization. Does your Post, District, State or Department have a
newsletter, email, or an outreach team that visits fellow members? In many cases, we have lost
touch with our members. We need to know who they are and what their needs are. Let’s get back
to basics—our first priority is taking care of our members and the veteran community as a whole.
Membership Goals
1.
Build a strong organization for the future.
2.
Work together to achieve the VFW’s goals. The VFW National Headquarters staff is here to
assist in coordinating programs, developing new membership initiatives and building awareness
among our membership and the entire veteran community.
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RECRUITING BENCHMARKS FOR 2016-2017
•
•
•
•
Recruit new and recover unpaid members
Retain existing membership
Increase life membership
Increase legacy life membership
RETENTION DEFINED
Although retention is not a prerequisite for the All-American program, it is extremely important
to understand how retention is derived and the important role retention plays in accomplishing
growth. The number of paid annual members in your Post on July 1 is your ensuing year’s “prior
year total.” One more new or recovered member is required to make up for each prior year annual
member the Post fails to retain.
Your Post retention is derived from six types of payment components based on your prior year total
of annual members:
• A prior year annual member pays his or her annual membership dues.
• A prior year annual member pays the life membership installment fee.
• A prior year annual member pays for life membership dues.
• A prior year annual member transfers to another Post and pays his or her annual
membership dues.
• A prior year annual member transfers to another Post and pays the life membership
installment fee.
• A prior year annual member transfers to another Post and pays life membershipdues.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP AMNESTY
All Life Members who are reported deceased between July 1, 2016 and Aug. 31, 2016, will be removed from the Post rolls and the Post’s prior year membership count will be adjusted accordingly.
RECRUITING AWARDS
• For signing up 5 members: 5 Member Pin
• For signing up 10 members: 10 Member Pin
• For signing up 15 members: 15 Member Pin
• For signing up 25 members: Commander-in-Chief membership coin & citation
• For signing up 50 members: National aide-de-camp cap and citation
• For signing up 75 members: VFW leather travel bag
• For signing up 100 members: Century cap and citation
• For signing up 175 members: Commemorative medallion set
EARLY BIRD AWARD - D.C. LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
The top three Post commanders and quartermasters and the top two District commanders in each
division on Jan. 1, 2017, will be awarded:
• A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW Legislative Conference, Washington D.C.
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POST COMMANDER & QUARTERMASTER
NEW AND RECOVERED MEMBER AWARD
The top 10 Post commanders and quartermasters in each division who report more than 50 new
and recovered annual members by Jan. 1, 2017, will each be awarded:
• A distinctive leather zippered Padfolio.
KANSAS CITY SPREE
The top two Post commanders and the top two District commanders in each divisions who achieve
100% membership by April 1, 2017, along with their spouse or guest, will be awarded:
• Round-trip airfare to Kansas City, Mo, from the airport nearest the awardee’s home.
• A fun-filled weekend that may include but is not limited to - touring, shopping, and a
complete tour of the VFW National Headquarters.
100% POST, DISTRICT AND DEPARTMENT
A distinctive streamer will be awarded to every Post, District and State/Department that achieves
100% or greater in membership before July 1, 2017.
100% COMMANDER DRAWING
Each Post and District commander that exceeds 100% in membership by July 1, 2017, will be
placed in a drawing. 20 post commanders and 12 district commanders will be drawn to receive:
• A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention.
LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP ACQUISITION
Each Post that achieves the designated benchmarks of 25, 50 and 75 Legacy Life Members will
be awarded:
• A Legacy Society Post Proclamation.
Each Post that achieves the distinctive benchmark of 100 Legacy Life Members by July 1, 2017,
Commander or post representative will be awarded:
• A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention.
• Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session.
• Legacy Society Post Proclamation.
ELITE RECRUITER AWARD
Any VFW member who signs up 250 or more new and/or recovered annual members by July 1,
2017, will be awarded:
• A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention.
• Distinctive cap, citation, and name badge.
RECRUITER OF THE YEAR
The VFW member who signs up the greatest number of new and/or recovered annual members
greater than 250 by July 1, 2017, will be awarded:
• A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention.
• Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session.
• Distinctive cap, citation, and name badge.
• Commander-in-Chief’s Crystal Eagle.
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ALL-AMERICAN PROGRAM
The All-American leadership program exists to recognize exceptional leadership, authentic accomplishment in membership growth and VFW core programs.
ALL-AMERICAN POST CRITERIA
To achieve All-American status, Posts must:
•
•
•
•
Designated a 2016-2017 All-State Post
Greater than 50 members on July 1, 2017
Membership greater than 100%
Finish in the top 35 posts in your respective division
ALL-AMERICAN POST LEADERSHIP AWARD
All-American Posts will receive:
•
Acknowledgment in VFW Magazine
•
Framed All-American Post citation
•
All-American Post streamer
•
All-American citation - Commander
•
All-American name badge - Commander
•
All-American cap - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase cap
•
All-American lapel pin - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase pin
•
The top five Commanders in each division will also receive:
o
A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention.
o
Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session.
ALL-AMERICAN DISTRICT CRITERIA
To achieve All-American status, Districts must:
•
•
•
Designated a 2016-2017 All-State District
Membership greater than 100%
Finish in the top 15 Districts in your division
ALL-AMERICAN DISTRICT LEADERSHIP AWARD
•
All-American District streamer
•
All-American District citation - Commander
•
All-American name badge - Commander
•
All-American cap - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase cap
•
All-American lapel pin - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase pin
•
The top two District Commanders in each division will also receive:
o
A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention.
o
Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session.
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ALL-AMERICAN DEPARTMENT CRITERIA
•
Membership must be greater than 100%
•
One new post or increase the membership of three posts of 50 members
or less to over 50 members by July 1, 2017
•
Mail, fax or e-mail a list of State/Department, District and Post 2016-2017
All-State commanders to the National Membership Department, must be
received on or before July 1, 2017
National Legislative Service
•
Complete National Legislative Service chairman quarterly reports
•
Monthly National Legislative Service committee member/chairman reports
must be submitted to National Legislative Service in Washington, D.C.
National Veterans Services
•
Must have a State/Department service officer and submit his or her name
and contact information to National Veterans Services in Washington, D.C.
by July 31, 2016
•
Monthly National Veterans Services committee member/chairman reports
must be submitted to National Veterans Services in Washington, D.C.
Programs
•
Voice of Democracy - An entry advanced to national judging
•
Patriot’s Pen - An entry advanced to national judging
•
National Citizenship Education Teacher Award – submit an entry in all three
categories (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) and entries must advance to national judging
•
Veterans & Military Support Programs – Must complete a State/Department
fundraiser and proceeds must be donated to: Veterans & Military Support
Programs, Kansas City, MO
•
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
o
Select a state/department SVA liaison, and submit their contact
information to the VFW Programs Department, Attn: Lynn Rolf III, no
later than July 31, 2016.
o
Complete three (3) or more SVA events spanning at least two of the
three semesters (fall, spring and summer) and submit each of the
three (3) or more activity reports to the VFW National Programs
Department, Attn: Lynn Rolf III, no later than June 30, 2017.
Event defined: A planned public or social occasion.
ALL-AMERICAN DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All-American Department streamer
All-American Department citation - Commander
All-American name badge - Commander
All-American cap - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase cap
All-American lapel pin - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase pin
$1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention
Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session
CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP AWARD
The state/department leading each conference will be entrusted with the conference membership
colors for the following year. Transfer of colors will occur at each subsequent National Convention.
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ALL-AMERICAN POST DIVISIONS & TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
Division
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total Membership
750
And up!
356
749
246
355
185
245
143
184
112
142
88
111
68
87
51
67
1
50
Min. Qualifying %
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Top 35 Posts in each division eligible
ALL-AMERICAN DISTRICT DIVISIONS & TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
Division
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total Membership
5,000
14,000
3,282
4,999
2,172
3,281
1,447
2,171
906
1,446
1
905
Min. Qualifying %
100
100
100
100
100
100
Top 15 Districts in each division eligible
IMPORTANT NOTES
• To receive stipends, awardees must be in attendance at designated events
• Only one National paid stipend per event (national convention, legislative conference, etc.)
• All awards are non-transferable
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