From National

摘要

In this spring issue the first thing I'd really like to address is develop ing ways to recruit and retain younger veterans. Be flexible as a post and willing to change with the times. Covet feasible ideas that help take on new members from all age groups. Phil Ledwell, our na tional membership director, took the time and effort to research some of the critical things needed to gain appeal to the younger veterans. Read Phil's article in this issue and see first hand what the younger veterans feel would make AMVETS the veterans service organi zation they'd like to be associated with on a steady basis. It just may assist you in gaining the younger ladies and gentlemen needed to help us move forward in the years to come with our dedicated efforts for veterans. Make AMVETS a family activity. Younger people want to be in activities that are for the whole family. As an example, the next time you sponsor a picnic at your local VA site or veterans home encourage whole families to take part in the event. In a parade? Have more than the honor guard take part and make it a family event. Have Easter egg hunts, children's Christmas, etc. If you're sending packages to the troops then make it a family event and so forth. Encourage the newer vets to attend your meetings and see first-hand how the post operates. Get them to come and see it's not the "good ole boy network" as we are sometimes stereotyped. Groom new people to become part of your leadership structure at the post and department levels. As the old saying goes; try it; you'll like it.