VSO Training Facilitated by Rebecca Forbes July 11

VSO Training Facilitated by Rebecca Forbes July 11, 2018

Questions We’ll Cover What are VSOs? What are the Big 6, how do they differ from other VSOs and how do we work with them? How do we work with VSOs now and with who? What other ways can we collaborate with other VSOs?

What are VSOs? Veteran service (or serving) organizations offer a direct service and/or support community building efforts. Can have national, regional or local reach Have a variety of focuses from mental health to physical activity, from community service to advocacy Over 40, 000 veteran-serving organizations exist across the country Examples of reach of other VSOs: Team Rubicon (45 K); Team RWB (137 K); TMC (18 K); Wounded Warrior Project (66 K) TMF in comparison: 100 K+ overall, approx 12 K are veterans

Other Types of Veteran Orgs Research Orgs: IVMF, George Bush Center for Veterans Scholarship/Educational: SVA, Pat Tillman Foundation, Warrior. Scholar Project Survivor Orgs: TAPS and Gold Star Mothers/Wives Mental Health: Headstrong, Give an Hour, Cohen Veterans Network Military Organization Associations and P 3 Orgs (Veteran/Military Affiliated): Organizational Lobby Associations (82 nd Airborne Association, AUSA, NGAUS, etc), Yellow Ribbon Program, Army Emergency Relief

Membership Orgs Examples Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Largest and most influential association of military officers Independent, nonpartisan non-profit with 300 K active members who pay to be a member Offers: member service center, career transition/benefits support, scholarship fund, legislative advocacy Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Historically has considered itself a membership org, but is largely focusing on advocacy and case management 425 K members (veteran and civilian), membership is free, employs an annual membership survey of veteran members

The Big 6: VFW (1. 7 M); American Legion (2. 3 M); DAV (1 M); AMVETS (250 K); Vietnam Veterans of America (81 K); PVA (19 K) Many of these organizations provide direct services to veterans (i. e. , DAV supports disability claims) as well as advocate in DC for legislation and other needs All are congressional chartered, which is means a law was passed stating the mission, authority and activities of the organization. All are also recognized by the VA to represent veterans in claims before the VA.

TMF’s Partnerships with other VSOs WWP partnership Headstrong Combined Arms TMC Fellowship host site (in years past) Initial Team RWB co-location Collaboration with VSOs via Op Legacy, 9/11 Heroes Run, VTWs/LWYS

Other Collaboration Points Collaboratives (GBVC and Delaware Valley) AWP/America. Serves