Field Problem: Support Group Revival 101

Dear, Field Problems:

I am a veteran, a spouse of an active duty soldier, and a mom of two children. I also work as a Soldier and Family Readiness Group Advisor at Fort Bragg. One of our “field problems” is how to revive our SFRG so that family members can get the support they need. We surveyed family members and found people really want the social aspect, not the learning aspect, which is surprising to me. How do we achieve both?

Kim; Fort Bragg, NC; Army spouse and veteran

 

Dear, Kim:

Military spouses need both information and support. This is true, and it makes sense that they go to one place to get it. But it seems most SFRGs or volunteer networks do one thing or the other well.

For sure, the current military-approved models are more about fostering learning about the mission and military affairs or conducting paperwork drills than they are about building relationships. But, all work and no play make Johnny’s family stay away. Leaders need to be innovative to incorporate both aspects, even if they have to sneak the learning in.

Before meetings

Since you are reviving a group, talk up the new beginnings. Foster an open environment, which lets it be known that this time is different. Give the family members a special invitation to the orientation meeting.

We all know flyers handed out at the unit end up at the bottom of a rucksack or as random décor in the service member’s vehicle. So make those phone calls, send out enticing emails, or snail-mail out invitations.

Send a survey with your invitations to get soldiers and family members thinking about options, personal needs, and offer a chance for open, honest feedback. You did this, and you learned something, didn’t you? Don’t forget to take into consideration what you learned and then act upon it. Let your members know they were heard.

During meetings

Make sure your meetings are fun and informative, and see if you can’t get some get-to-know-you exercises built in. Use them as an opportunity for the spouses to do a “speed-meeting” type thing (like speed-dating, but not). That way the family members really get to know each other and look forward to having that meeting on the calendar.

Maybe you can do a quiz competition at the meetings.

“What organization offers free advice from military spouses who are going through what you are going through?” Army Wife Network, of course!

Or, you can try a post phone book scavenger hunt. The point is to have a laugh and award some perks or prizes while sharing resources and spreading the word about new and important policies or procedures.

These activities don’t need to take more than 15 minutes, but they can set a positive tone for the rest of your hour-long meeting. That’s another thing—let people know what to expect before the meeting, be prepared, and don’t waste their time. Have an agenda with a format that is repeated at each meeting. Invite everyone to email their issues or questions ahead of time, so you have the proper tools and answers already at hand.

Don’t let low membership or nay-sayers get you down. Do the right thing all the time, and you’ll get results. That’s our version of, “Build it, and they will come!”

Between meetings

Your options here are limitless. To start, your survey should ask about outside interests, hobbies, or skill sets. Align members with a small group that gets together regularly between meetings (once or twice is enough). Activities can include a shared meal with recipe exchange, working out, a scrapbook club that chronicles the larger group’s happenings, community projects, and more.

Start a bowling league, book club, or bible study that stems from the membership so your members can do something they want to do and still be connected to the other members they want to see all the time. It’s important to have more than one option. You don’t want crafters to feel like they have to participate in a walking group. If your unit support group doesn’t foster these outlets, the families will find them elsewhere, which ultimately may end up in competition with the regular meeting times you need them to attend.

This all begins with knowing your membership through that survey.

Another between meeting must-have is an online virtual component. Facebook groups can fill this gap. The more information you put here, the less you have to cram into your hour-long meeting or put into emails each week. It’s a great place to get your questions answered, share ideas, and get more feedback. It’s also a great place to summarize the previous meeting for those who could not attend and allow your members to connect.

 

With all that said, there’s the chance you might not be in a position to revive your support group. Do try and make these suggestions to the current military and group leadership. Once you get involved in one area you’ll see so many will open up.

You’re on the right road, Kim. We wish you the best success with a lot of fun, fruitful meetings.