chaptersinaction
erans and servicemembers and their families, but also financial assistance. The Margoliuses have been in-
volved with STVSG, a 501(c)3 pub- lic charity, since its founding five years ago. STVSG is an all-volunteer organization. “As a result, we return 90 cents on the dollar back to our veterans,” Ben says. “We find that there are very few agencies that are specifically devoted to helping vet- erans and even fewer with money available to help veterans.” Local veterans seeking assistance
from STVSG can contact the organiza- tion directly or call the United Way 211 number. “We hope and ask that our veterans take advantage first of their local department of social services, county veterans service agency, or VA service facilities,” Ben says. “But we will take a direct call.” After a veteran describes their situ-
ation, STVSG puts together a pack- age of support for them. “We’re able to satisfy a majority of the veterans seeking help,” Ben says. “We helped about 450 veterans [in 2015] and spent close to $70,000 on those veterans. [In 2016] we helped close to 500 veterans, totaling near $80,000.”
Other members of the South- ern Tier Chapter support STVSG through monetary donations and providing transportation assistance, donating move-in packages, and helping at events. Ben says he volunteers his time
with MOAA and STVSG because, after serving for 29 years in the Army and working for Lockheed Martin for 10 years, he wanted to give back. “It’s a very rewarding thing,” he says. “It takes a lot of work to help our veterans in need — and they have a lot of needs.”
46 MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2017 Tell the Story
One of the most frequently asked ques- tions from chapter leaders is, “How do I recruit new members?” It’s a great ques- tion but a tough one to answer. The truth is, there is no single best response, because what works for one chapter might not work for another. There is, however, one common practice that has proven successful for many of our affiliates: sharing your chapter story. Many military officers might have limited knowledge of MOAA’s chap-
ter system. When talking to a potential chapter member, don’t be afraid to boast about all the great activities in which the chapter is involved and the important resulting accomplishments. You might want to de- velop an “elevator speech,” a brief sound bite with some quick talking points that highlight the chapter’s mission. The 2017 Chapter Recruiting Program is chock-full of relevant information specifically designed to as- sist chapter leaders with their recruitment efforts. The guide even con- tains a handy insert titled “Seven Good Reasons to Join a Chapter.” Here are a few select reasons to join you can share with potential members: Make yourself heard. MOAA chapters provide critical grassroots support for MOAA’s national legislative agenda. The military’s pay and benefits are under attack, and MOAA is squarely in the fight to preserve them. MOAA chapter members are in an influential position to let their legislators know what’s on their mind and open doors for MOAA’s leg- islative team in Washington, D.C. Give back to the community. Chapter members are MOAA’s am- bassadors in their communities, supporting countless programs (such as those highlighted in “Meeting a Need,” on the previous spread) that make a significant difference in the lives of others. Influence state legislation. Most states have a council of chapters that unites every MOAA chapter in the state. These councils and inde- pendent chapters often lobby for and pass state-level legislation that affects military members and their families. Camaraderie with a purpose. MOAA chapters unite active duty, former, and retired officers from every branch of service, including the National Guard and Reserve, as well as surviving spouses. This camara- derie not only gives chapter candidates a chance to connect with other members with similar backgrounds and interest, but it’s also an oppor- tunity to develop close and lasting friendships. Another new tool to help tell the story is the “Why Join MOAA?”
video. Have you seen it? If not, visit
moaa.org/whyjoinmoaa to check it out and share it with others.
— Col. Terri Coles, USA (Ret) director, Council and Chapter Affairs PHOTO: ROB CANNON
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