Service to others

As DAV members, one of the most influential tools we have to grow membership is service to the people around us.

Serving helps to gain the trust of the community. Many members have asked me how we get community veterans and their families to become part of what we do. The answer is simple: by serving. You don’t have to know all the answers; just take the first step in showing you care by doing. People want to see action, not just hear words. You may need to cut grass, deliver food or visit a widow before an opportunity manifests itself.

We can have a much larger impact on a greater scale than we may think. Sept. 11, 2001, was significant because most Americans had never experienced such a tremendous tragedy, and it rallied us together in grief and resolve. Outreach strategies have a bigger scope when we broaden our focus and partner with other chapters. What are these chapters’ strengths and weaknesses? How might you collaborate with them to maximize support and amplify success?

Expect the unexpected. What better way to communicate DAV’s mission than to be prepared to respond with hope whenever a veteran or family member needs assistance. If we never stop to consider potential disasters or lack of concern for veterans’ issues in our legislative bodies at local, state and federal levels and devise a strategy for how to respond, then our ability to assist will be hindered.

Leaders must learn to trust their members. There is no such thing as a one-man show. By giving responsibilities to others, they know they are part of the team and that their work and input is valued. It will also reveal an individual’s gifts and talents that you may never knew existed.

It’s all about our services, not about an individual. When we make it about ourselves, we lose focus on the real mission to help others. Internal disputes within chapters do nothing to further the services of our organization. We must stay focused on our mission and rally together as one.

Consider the return on your investments. When deciding on events or projects to embark upon, how big of a factor is the potential for direct impact on your chapter? Would you be willing to invest resources in an event if it led to growth? Membership is key to a strong organization, and expending time, energy and money can often be the right move when it will yield benefits.

Bottom line: There are no excuses. It’s true we can’t do everything, but do whatever you can. We are all able to do something, and each contribution is of value.