Hello Auxiliary brothers and sisters,
I am so happy to see reports coming in for Youth Activities. I have 6 districts that have submitted reports this far and more to come. Its great to see that many of you are working with youth groups. Having participation with youth and letting them know that they are a very important part of the future, encourages them to continue on a path of learning from and respecting our Veterans. Engaging with youths is so rewarding. I am excited to see those connecting with schools, libraries or setting up an event with Youth reading to Veterans & Veterans reading to youth. I am also excited for our reading events as well as the Veterans I have asked to participate in this. The smile on their faces was heartwarming when they were asked to be included. I can’t wait to bring our story to you all.
I would like to just remind everyone of the important key areas of this year’s program:
Youth reading to Veterans & Veterans reading to youth
Youth groups
Illustrating America
R.A.P. Cards (Random Act of Patriotism)
Youth reading to Veterans & Veterans reading to youth:
Reading is a big part of growing up and learning. Many students have nightly reading starting at a young age in school. Sometimes just talking to the students about patriotism, America and our country can be dull. But taking the students on a journey in a book might capture their attention more and open their minds up. I find that children like to listen to new things with a bit of excitement in learning and they tend to remember what they learned. Showing them through illustrated books is a great way to teach the younger children about America, Patriotism, and the sacrifices our Veterans have made.
Great way to access material is on the MALTA member resources, under Youth Activities they have the Patriotism through Literacy list. It is even divided up by grade levels. Pick some books from there.
Visit your local library and see if they are in stock. I know that some libraries can search to see if they can get them as well. Or maybe local bookstores maybe able to do a donation as well.
Some local libraries hold a reading day to children, maybe see about getting on that list to set up a reading day with a Veteran would be a great opportunity to get the excited with children.
Visiting your local VA or nursing home, to see if they can set up a reading area for the children to read to veteran or the veterans to read to them. I challenge each auxiliary to see how many classrooms you can visit throughout this school year and I will personally give out to the top 3 auxiliaries a 50.00 gift card at the end of the year.
I encourage auxiliaries to participate in the Most outstanding activity and/or event of youth reading to veteran and or veterans reading to youth. Entry form required and available in MALTA Member Resources. VFW Auxiliaries must send the required entry form to their Department Youth Activities Chairman by March 31, 2025 for judging.
Remember to always, report all activities, early or as soon as you have completed related activities.
Please reach out with any questions or comments you may have
Getting excited about working with our youth and teach them all we know so they may become great leaders for the future. Share the knowledge and grow.
Rowena Martinez
Youth Chairman