“There’s no shortage of opportunities to serve on a military installation. You can be a part of an ever-evolving community of leaders and make an impact where you live.”
As a military spouse, moving to a new duty station can be the fresh start you need to reignite your creativity and wellness. New people, new homes, and new opportunities are just the thing to encourage us to do something different. For me, it was an opportunity to try something new. I’ve committed to volunteering in a new position at every duty station. It was a way for me not only to stay active but also a way to become a proficient communicator. To date, I have volunteered as:
- An FRG Leader
- Unit Newsletter Editor
- Storytime leader
- Spouses’ Club President
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Creative writing group instructor
Volunteering gave me a sense of belonging, especially as the new kid on the block.
One of the most common ways to get involved at your new duty station is by volunteering. Every duty station offers a variety of ways to give back to the military community. You can volunteer for the Red Cross, USO, or you can find opportunities at your local volunteer office. Learning a new skill or trade, working with a diverse group of people, and meeting new acquaintances are all advantages of volunteering. To learn more about how you can get started volunteering, visit your duty station’s volunteer management office.
Outside of specific volunteer positions, there are other ways you can get involved. Have you ever lived at a duty station where you thought everything was awry? I have. The school, the childcare center, the gym, even the food court at the exchange was a disappointment. Don’t think there was anything that could have been done to change it? Think again. By joining an advocacy group, you can make change happen. All you need is a beating heart, a little bit of time, and an extra helping of gumption. If you’re reading this article, you’re halfway there.
Every branch has a family action committee or advocacy group that oversees the wellbeing of its community. The Army’s program is called AFAP, the Air Force also has AFAP, and the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines have the Navy Services Family Line. Each of these programs has members that review and suggest revisions to military programs and services. Why? Because military families need advocates too. Don’t have one at your post? Start one.
Start Something New
You are smart, innovative, and being new to an installation gives you a fresh viewpoint on local happenings. Start a coffee group for parents, an exercise group, a male spouses only club, or a Netflix binging cohort. There’s no shortage of ways you can cultivate your own community of milspouses. You are a leader.
Advocate
You have the power to help others, whether directly or indirectly. The impact you can have on a community is infinite. Secure Families Initiative is an organization that advocates for military families by educating people about the effects of war and optempo through storytelling and informed voting. If you are interested in learning more about how politics affect military life, check out Homefront Rising. There, you will have a chance to learn about politics, attend webinars, and discover how to run your own political campaign.
So get out there and make a difference. By volunteering, starting something new, and advocating for others, you can make an impact at your local duty station.