CHIEF OF STAFF/EXTENSION

Program Goals: Maintain and Strengthen Current Auxiliaries • Present to Unaffiliated Posts to Establish New Auxiliaries • Recognize Red-Flag Auxiliaries

The Department Chief of Staff works with District Presidents and the Department President to maintain current Auxiliaries. They encourage members, promote teamwork, and provide guidance during challenging times such as suspension, consolidation or even the loss of a Charter. The Chiefs of Staff also work closely with their Department President and organizers to establish new Auxiliaries.

 

Maintaining Current Auxiliaries: The National Organization has developed many resources for members to use, including tools available in MALTA Member Resources. These resources have proven to be valuable tools in helping Auxiliaries be more productive.

The Healthy Auxiliary Tool Kit includes resources to assist Auxiliaries to identify issues:

  • Healthy Auxiliary Checklist
  • Healthy Auxiliary Member Questionnaire
  • Auxiliary Meeting Clinic 
  • Communication Phone/Text Tree
  • Good Job Certificate
  • Healthy Auxiliary Certificate
  • VFW Auxiliary Mentorship Guide 

Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation makes every effort to educate members on all aspects of the duties of Officers at all levels, how to be a chairman, the why of reporting, etc.

Saving an Auxiliary may be achieved by recruiting new members. Work with your Membership Chairman to help an Auxiliary become Healthy. (No new members = a true Red Flag) (See Membership in MALTA Member Resources for recruiting tools)

5 Essentials of an Auxiliary:  The National Organization requires only five (5) things of an Auxiliary:

1.       Auxiliaries should have at least ten (10) business meetings per year. (Sec. 210, A.) Five (5) members in good      standing (of that Auxiliary) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (Sec. 212, A.)

2.       Dues should be paid by at least ten (10) members on or before February 1 of the current year. (Sec. 207, C.)

3.       Quarterly Audits by Trustees must be submitted. (Sec. 814)

4.       Officers elected, installed and reported to National Headquarters no later than June 30. This generates the bond application via email. (Sec. 804A and 806A)

5.       The offices of President and Treasurer MUST be bonded by August 31. (Sec. 814, E.)

Establishing New Auxiliaries:  Whether a VFW Post decides on its own that it wants an Auxiliary or whether an auxiliary member or non­member sees the potential for a new one, the steps for creating an Auxiliary are the same.  A VFW Post must vote by 2/3 majority to have an Auxiliary. (An Auxiliary can never exist on its own without a Post and can never be started without that Post’s Permission. President Dawn and I here to help you with this process.             

Mentoring for Leadership

  •  Mentoring helps broaden leadership skills and leadership provides guidance for mentoring members; they work hand in hand.
  • A stronger membership on every level of our organization will be accomplished through mentoring. Mentoring for Leadership will enhance all types of Program activities.
  • Through the mentoring process, extending the hand of friendship to a new member or even a tenured member who has been inactive for a while can create a strong and vibrant organization.
  • Providing a positive and organized meeting experience will leave members wanting to come back, especially when good communication and respect for each other is demonstrated.

 Utilizing the Mentoring at VFW Auxiliary: Relationship Building for the Future document will help you get started in creating a Program for your Auxiliary.

Through this Program you will be encouraged to embrace and promote the CARE concept.

C - Catch the member when they first join.

A-Ask them to participate.

R- Remember what it felt like to be new.

E - Engage them in a Program that fits them.

Over time, a member may express interest in holding an office or chairmanship. Work with them to help them succeed. This will only make your Auxiliary and our Department better.                                             

Choose your mentor carefully. 

  • If the member is interested in floor work, choose an experienced floor worker. 
  • If they are interested in keeping books, have them work with the Secretary or Treasurer. 

The real goal here is to train your replacement and give them the tools they need to succeed.