Children & Youth
Gloria Garrett, Co-Chairman
Purpose: To protect, care for and support children and youth, particularly those of veterans families and Military families.
Some programs available:
ALA KIDDSKids in Danger of Depression and Suicideis an Auxiliary project that builds referral networks of public and private support at the community level for the social and mental well-being of military children.
Some things you can do to help with this program include:
- Give an Hour or other mental health organization volunteers
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Big Brothers and Sisters (BBBS)
- Guard/Reserve Family Readiness Group
- Any other individual, group, or organization with a stake in military child wellness
Developing and implementing ALA KIDDS public awareness events to raise community knowledge and support of military children.
Events could include the following:
- Participation in National Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day in May
- Having Community events and gatherings that bring together military and non-military families, such as unit-hosted dinners, game nights, community fairs, charity walk/runs, etc.
- Introduce military families to mental health and social support services in their community, as well as military family support.
- Juniors program of the Auxiliary and Legion can be a huge help as well by being involved in programs like our senior mentors by helping with:
- Operation: Military Kids
- Faith-based organizations
- Work with the local BBBS organization to create educational or recreational group event for unmatched military children.
- Support the military mentoring program of the BBBS by sponsoring, organizing or delivering a REACH activity to youth enrolled in a BBBS. REACH activities are structured group activities that BBBS agencies organize and deliver for their youth.
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) OMK supports military children and youth through community awareness, community capacity building and outreach support services.
Potential activities that units may undertake with OMK include the following:
- Promotion of the Speak Out for Military Kids project.
- Assemble Hero Packs at Junior meetings and/or
Here are some awards I would like to see given out this year to Alaskans! PLEASE submit at least one from each Unit!
Youth Hero Award Local/Unit and National Level - A national award for youth, under 18 years of age, who perform a heroic act of physical valor. Nominations are to be completed at Unit level and mailed to the Department Secretary, who certifies and mails the application to National Headquarters. (Applications should not be mailed directly to National Headquarters.) The National President will sign the award certificate and it will be returned to the Unit to be presented on behalf of the Unit and the National Organization. Department Children & Youth Chairmen should be notified of the award. Recipients are awarded a certificate and Youth Hero Award Medal.
Good Deed Award Local/Unit and National Level - An award for youth, under 18 years of age, who do not meet the Youth Hero Award criteria but who are great examples of community service. This award is submitted on the same nomination form as the Youth Hero Award.
Other Children & Youth Awards
1. Best Overall Program - Department Award
A citation plaque will be awarded to the Department Chairman in each Division conducting the best overall promotion of the Children & Youth program. Entry must be in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words, and may include pictures, news articles, press releases, etc. A cover sheet, including the name of the award and name and contact information for the Department C&Y Chairman, should be included. Entries must be to Christie Hill, Department Children & Youth Chairman by May 1st. 2012.
2. Outstanding Promotion of Supporting Activities Unit Award
A citation plaque will be awarded to the Unit Children & Youth Chairman in each Division for the most outstanding program promoting the Children & Youth program activities. Entry must be in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words, and may include pictures, news articles, press releases, etc. A cover sheet, including the name of the award, Department, and name and contact information for the Unit C&Y Chairman, should be included. Entries must be to Christie Hill, Department Children & Youth Chairman by May 1st. 2012.
3. Honoring Their Service Award
The children of military parents and of activated Guard and Reservists are also serving their country. We can honor their service by providing support for these children. A plaque citation will be awarded to a Unit in each Division with the best innovative program supporting military children. Entry must be in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words, and may include pictures, news articles, press releases, etc. A cover sheet, including the name of the award, Department, and name and contact information for the Unit C&Y Chairman, should be included. Entries must be to Christie Hill Department Children & Youth Chairman by May 1st. 2012.
Thank you for having me as your Department Children and Youth Chairman again this year; I enjoy it very much and hope I can provide you with information that is not only helpful but eye opening as well. We can learn as much from our Youth as they do from us. Think about it&&&&