Mona Benotti
14 Greenleaf Drive
Trophy Club TX 76262
817.805.3729
mlbenotti@sbcglobal.net
WORKING WITH YOUTH GROUPS
Sponsor a youth group through your Auxiliary (or assist your Post to do so) or engage various groups: schools, public & private – classrooms, grade levels, clubs, sports; scouts & other community service units; church groups; sports-affiliated programs; summer library programs.
GET EXCITED FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE
A great way for our youth to learn the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner”, this is an individual national anthem singing contest for youth 6 – 16 years old. Consider a local contest to select your winner. Advertise the contest at schools, libraries, and other community places. The youth may choose their singing style but must not change the words! The deadline for the winner at the Auxiliary level to be to Department Youth Chairperson is March 31, 2021. More information.
PATRIOTISM THROUGH LITERACY
Providing an introduction to historical figures and events as well as enhancing children’s reading enjoyment, this is an opportunity to put books into children’s hands. A list of appropriate books is included on the National website – see Programs, Youth Activities.
ILLUSTRATING AMERICA
Designed for elementary and middle/junior high school students, this is a way to recognize students’ art. The contest consists of three grade divisions: 1-2, 3-5, and 6-8. The deadline for the winner at the Auxiliary level to be to Department Youth Chairperson is March 31, 2021. Further details from National – see Programs, Youth Activities.
OTHER WAYS TO WORK WITH YOUTH GROUPS
- Provide mini-lessons, presentations, speakers
- Invite youth to complete their service-learning requirements at your Post
- Host a Kids’ Christmas (or other) party with an opportunity to make cards for veterans
- Involve members’ children, grandchildren, etc. in activity at the Post
- Include flags & other patriotic items at community events, street fairs, etc.
PROVIDE “YOUTH GROUPS SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS” CITATIONS FOR ALL YOUTH GROUP SUPPORT.
Citations available from National – see Programs, Youth Activities. Possible youth group
activities to recognize:
- Creating a “thank you” banner for display at Post or events
- Participating in patriotic events such as a Veterans Day Parade
- Distributing Buddy Poppies at local fairs, parades & other events
- Completing yard work or other chores for veterans, service members & their families
- Gathering and providing personal care items for hospitalized veterans
- Gathering care packages, cards, letters, pictures for veterans and/or military
- Completing chores at the Post (leaf raking, cleaning, beautification)
PROVIDE THE “PATRIOTIC YOUTH AWARD” TO INDIVIDUAL YOUTH WHO PERFORM A SERVICE OR PARTICIPATION THAT MERITS RECOGNITION BY THE AUXILIARY.
This is a great opportunity to recognize those individuals (not groups) who give so much to your Post and to our veterans. Award forms available from National – see Programs, Youth Activities.
PROMOTE VIA MEDIA YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
Utilize media to announce events, create invitations to participate and recognize the work you are doing with and for our youth. Sources include TV, radio, newspapers, Facebook & other social media, fliers and brochures. Keep track (see Mid-Year and Year-End Reports).
STATEWIDE PROJECT: INCLUDE THE AMERICAN FLAG
Show “Honor, Courage, Commitment for our Veterans” by incorporating the American Flag in every youth activity/event possible. This includes having the flag present at events, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and explaining flag etiquette. Other ways to incorporate the flag: distributing hand-held flags, encouraging the youth to include flag illustrations in their cards/letters for veterans and military or having a flag-themed youth event.
“Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.”
John Adams 1787
“Honor, Courage, Commitment for our Veterans”
“Honoring Our Mission to Serve Veterans”
AWARDS
Best promotion/participation of Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue
- Plaque for 1st place in each division
- Citations for 2nd & 3rd place in each division
Best promotion/participation of Patriotism through Literacy
- Plaque for 1st place in each division
- Citations for 2nd & 3rd place in each division
Best promotion/participation in Illustrating America
- Plaque for 1st place in each division
- Citations for 2nd & 3rd place in each division
Best program Statewide Project: Include the American Flag
- Plaque for 1st place in each division
- Citations for 2nd & 3rd place in each division
“Honor, Courage, Commitment for our Veterans”
“Honoring Our Mission to Serve Veterans”
