rapidfire

M Volunteer Boost MilLife Connection

ilitary spouses are a highly mobile group, moving on av- erage 10 times more than their

civilian counterparts. Following times of transition, such as a PCS move, vol- unteering can help add structure to your daily routine, build your confidence and personal brand, fill an employment gap with experience, and open doors to new connections. You can find volunteer opportunities

in many places where you are stationed. If you aren’t sure where to begin your search, visit your installation’s volunteer coordinator or family support representa- tive, search sites such as www.volunte ermatch.org, or look at military-affiliated nonprofit organizations to see whether volunteer opportunities are available.

Spouse Advisors

These tips will help you get the most

out of your experience:  Be strategic. Select commitments based on your background and interests. A social worker, for example, might want to volunteer with a military aid society to remain current with casework skills.  Treat the position like paid employ- ment. Being professional will get you no- ticed. By demonstrating your skills, work ethic, and ability to produce results, strategic volunteering can lead to paid employment opportunities.  Incorporate volunteer experience on

your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Be sure to include roles, activities and projects, and results and commendations received.  Build your network, and connect yourself professionally with others.

The members of MOAA’s Currently Serving Spouse Ad- visory Council — a diverse group of active duty and reserve-com- ponent spouses who represent the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard — are Kerry Brooks, Kimberly Cody, Rachel Conley, Lisa Curtin, Nerissa Custer, Scott Dardenelle, Heather Escamilla, Terry Gruny, Rita

Owens, Erica Parra, Stacey Porter, Meredith Reed, Makenzie Schulz, Elizabeth Shaw, Tammie Smiley, and Anne M. Walsh. Through volun-

teerism, the council provides valuable feed- back on programs and legislative efforts that reach not only MOAA members but the entire military community. Learn more about

each of the spouses at www.moaa.org/ spouseandfamily.

24 MILITARY OFFICER NOVEMBER 2015

IMAGES: LEFT, DAVID BUSBY; ABOVE, CANDICE TAYLOR