chapters in action
MOAA hosts a symposium in one of four regions each year. This year’s symposium drew leaders from MOAA’s West region, which includes six state councils and 92 chapters. During the event, chapter leaders examined best management practices for their affiliates, discussed recruiting and retention challenges, and learned how to improve their chapter’s career transition assistance program.
Abbot thanked participants for being community leaders and supporting members of the association at the local level. Leaders listened to briefings on national MOAA’s recruiting and retention efforts and learned about a new initiative called Chapter Recruiting 2013, which offers MOAA affiliates a chance to earn incentives for recruiting and retaining chapter members.
Lt. Col. Boyd Yaden, USAF (Ret), Portland (Ore.) Chapter membership chair, thinks Chapter Recruiting 2013 has promise. He also was pleased to hear MOAA is working to improve the accuracy of information included on potential-member lists, a valuable recruiting tool for chapter leaders.
“I came away with a lot of great ideas,” says Boyd. “I realized you have to think carefully about how you answer the question, ‘What does your chapter do?’ Your answer should sell the chapter in some way.”
Leaders attended workshops that focused on chapter-management practices and recruiting and retention.
Leaders attended workshops that focused on chapter-management practices, recruiting and retention, and how to start and run a career-transition program for second-career servicemembers. During these sessions, leaders exchanged ideas and best practices and developed strategies to improve their affiliates.
The workshops provided a wealth of information to three officers — Col. Pete Kloeber, USAF (Ret); Lt. Col. Steve Jarvis, USA (Ret); and Cmdr. Gordon Dierks, USN (Ret) — from the new Grand Canyon (Ariz.) Chapter. Kloeber says he left the symposium with several ideas on how to improve his chapter, along with a renewed appreciation for MOAA.
“I think the symposium helped give us a better understanding of what MOAA does on behalf of its members and all veterans,” says Kloeber. “We also enjoyed meeting and listening to Vice Admiral Ryan, and we were impressed by our president.”
In the general sessions, MOAA staff briefed council and chapter leaders. Participants heard about a new online community called MOAAConnect, which chapters and councils can use to increase communication. Attendees also learned about MOAA’s legislative goals for the coming year and services provided by the Benefits Information and Financial Education Department and got an overview of national MOAA’s career-transition program.
In addition, council and chapter leaders heard about the good work the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve does and learned more about activities undertaken by MOAA’s Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee, which reports to the board of directors and national staff on issues affecting surviving military spouses. Laurie Crehan from the DoD state liaison office outlined 10 key quality-of-life issues that affect military families, and leaders were encouraged to support state-level legislation that addresses these issues.
Spouses also participated in the symposium, with Director of Benefits Information and Financial Education Capt. Bud Schneeweis, USCG (Ret), conducting a special benefits briefing. The briefing provided spouses with a comprehensive overview of pending legislation, as well as information on TRICARE and Medicare, the Survivor Benefit Plan, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones, ARNG, commanding general of the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, addressed attendees during a formal dinner. Jones spoke about the many missions guardmembers and reservists undertake and thanked members for helping pass legislation that benefits reserve component members.
At the closing session, participants shared their recommendations on how to improve recruiting and retention and chapter-run career-transition programs. Their findings, along with workshop presentations and briefings given by members of the national staff, board of directors, and guest speakers, can be found online at
www.moaa.org/chaptersymposium. Leaders are encouraged to review this material and use it to improve their councils and chapters.
MO
— Contributors are Col. Lee Lange II, USMC (Ret), director; Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret), deputy director, Council and Chapter Affairs; and Kris Ann Hegle. For submission information, see page 6.
44 MILITARY OFFICER DECEMBER 2012
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