Category Archives: Membership

Michelle Brinson (601) 734-8160 EMAIL monthly report form

Hello everyone. Looking forward to seeing all of you this month in Gulfport for the Council of Administration/School of Instruction. What does Membership mean to our organization and, most importantly, to our Veterans. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization and, without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of and for our Veterans. Without each of you and without new members, who will take care of our Veterans? It’s scary to think about, or should be. Why? Because each of you matter not only to your Auxiliary, District, Department, and Organization, but because each of you matter to our Veterans.

This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life member) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year. As of February 28, 2024, we have had 577 annual members renew their dues and 60 annual members convert to a life member for a combined total of 637 or 81.88% in retention. So, what does this mean? The question we need to answer is why are we losing so many members who do not choose to renew their dues and what can we do to change this trend and keep members active and involved. I want to encourage you to please be sure to continue to work hard to make contact with those annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. Remember, you can still generate dues reminder notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face. Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all Veterans and their families. Also, please be sure to remind them of the eligibility requirements for the Cancer Grant, which are as follows: “Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year and current dues must be paid…” While we all hate to lose members for any reason, we surely do not want any of our
members to lose their eligibility for the cancer grant because they are not current in paying their dues.

So far this year, we have gained 82 new annual members, 10 rejoin annual members, 25 new life members. and 2 rejoin life members for a total of 119 new members. Sadly, however, we have also already lost 1 annual member and 50 life members who have passed away. As of February 28, 2024, our “Current Total” Membership (excluding our 51 deceased members) was 2,809 or 97.33% and our “Paid Total” Membership (including our 51 deceased members) was 2,860 or 99.10%.

So, Lights, Camera, Action:
Remember, this year, we are incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all and help our Southern Conference Director win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023-2024 Program Year. So, let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen by inviting new members, investing in all members, and including current members.
Keep all members informed, encourage their participation, and get them involved in activities/events. Have a Plan that includes: • Contacting current members; • Outreach to former members; • Recruiting events for new members; • Picking a mentor for a new member; *Planning at least four recruiting events in your community each year.

Membership Program Awards:
● Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters.
2. National Membership Achievement (NMA) Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the
   2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention.
3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter
   membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.
   

● Awards for Auxiliaries:

1. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31, 2024*.
2. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024*.
3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that
   reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500.
   I am very proud and happy to report that 21 auxiliaries have already met or exceeded some or all of the aforementioned goals.

Awards for Departments:

1. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,829 total members (including deaths) by March 31, 2024*. As of January 29, 2024, we met our goal and the Department will receive a deposit of $250 in April 2024.
2. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,886 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. As of February 28, 2024, we only need 26 annual members to renew or convert to a life member and/or new or rejoin annual/life members. Therefore, we could easily reach and
   exceed this goal.
3. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,915 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700. As of February 28, 2024, we only need 55 members to renew or convert to life member
   and/or new or rejoin annual/life members. Therefore, we could easily reach and exceed this goal.

● Conference vs. Conference: $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by June 30, 2024*
*Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers.

Report Your Membership Activities Monthly. Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form online at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by downloading and completing the form and sending it to me via regular by email at no later than the 5th day of each month if possible. If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160.

I have had the honor to work with you and have seen what all of you have done for the past 2 years and what you have done so far this year. I believe that we can reach and exceed our goal! We are fast approaching March 31, 2024, and what an amazing gift it would be to renew your membership or convert to a life member in honor of your Veteran(s). Auxiliaries, please
continue to reach out to your lapsed/unpaid members and encourage them to renew or convert in honor of their Veteran(s) today but no later than March 31, 2024, and please continue to recruit new members into our organization. Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and by asking others to join. Remember, our
membership and service matter–You matter and, by “Banding Together,” we can do so much for those who have sacrificed and done so much for our Country and for all of us. God bless our Veterans, Service Members, their families, our organization, our department, and all of you.

Hope to see all of you this month in Gulfport.
Roll On Mississippi And Keep Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,

Michelle Brinson (601) 734-8160 EMAIL monthly report form

Hello everyone. What a way to start the new year with so much cold, ice, and snow for much of the state! I hope everyone has recovered that we’re affected by the weather and look forward to seeing all of you in March in Gulfport for the Council of Administration/School of Instruction.
Let’s look at what Membership means to our organization but, most importantly, to our Veterans.
Membership is the lifeblood of our organization and, without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of and for our Veterans. Without each of you and without new members, who will take care of our Veterans? It’s scary to think about, or should be. Why? Because each of you matter not
only to your Auxiliary, District, Department, and Organization, but because each of you matter to our Veterans.
Again, as a reminder, if you have officers who have not yet paid their dues for the year, in accordance with Sec. 109 of our National Bylaws, “…No officer may be relieved of their office except for the following reasons: Non-payment of dues prior to December 31.
Once relieved from office, the member may not be re-elected or appointed to any position until the member’s dues are paid…” Auxiliary presidents/Secretaries, please log in to MALTA, click on Duties, click on Reports, and click on Unpaid Members Report for your Auxiliary. If your Auxiliary has an officer who did not renew their dues by December 31, 2023,
please notify your District President along with our Department Secretary Gloria Grady, Department Treasurer Benita Lyman, Chief of Staff Laurie Williamson, and Madam President Barbara Franklin. Don’t forget, you will need to call for nominations and hold an election at your next meeting if you have not already done so to fill the vacant position(s).
This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life member) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year. First, I want to say a huge “Thank You” to all of the auxiliaries who have been working retention so hard. Since December, you have renewed 76 members! As of January 30, 2024, we have
had 570 annual members renew their dues and 58 annual members convert to a life member.
So, what does this mean? This means we still have 133 annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. The question we need to answer is why.
Why are we losing so many members who do not choose to renew their dues, and what can we do to change this trend and keep members active and involved? With that in mind, please be sure to continue to work hard to make contact with those annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. Remember, you can generate dues reminder
notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face. Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all Veterans and their families. Also, please be sure to remind them of the eligibility requirements for the Cancer
Grant, which are as follows: “Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year and current dues must be paid…” While we all hate to lose members for any reason, we surely do not want any of our members to lose their eligibility for the cancer grant because they
are not current in paying their dues.
So far this year, we have gained 62 new annual members, 10 rejoin annual members, 22 new life members. and 2 rejoin life member for a total of 96 new members, which is up 9 new members from December. Sadly, however, we have also already lost 1 annual member and 45 life members who have passed away. As of January 28, 2024, our “Current Total” Membership (excluding our 46 deceased members) was 2,783 or 96.43% and our “Paid
Total” Membership (including our 46 deceased members) was 2,829 up 151 members from December or 98.02%.
So, Lights, Camera, Action:
Remember, this year, we are incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all and help our Southern Conference Director win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023-2024 Program Year. So, let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen by inviting new members, investing in all members, and including current members.
Keep all members informed, encourage their participation, and get them involved in
activities/events. Have a Plan that includes:

• Contacting current members
• Outreach to former members;
• Recruiting events for new members;
• Picking a mentor for a new member;
• Planning at least four recruiting events in your community each year.
  Membership Program Awards:
  ● Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31,
2. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters.
3. National Membership Achievement (NMA) Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the
   2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention.
4. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who
   recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.
   ● Awards for Auxiliaries:
5. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31, 2024*.
6. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024*.
7. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that
   reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500.
   I am very happy to report that 23 auxiliaries have already met or exceeded some or all of the aforementioned goals. That’s up 4 auxiliaries from December!
   ● Awards for Departments:
8. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,829 total members (including deaths) by March 31, 2024*. As of January 29, 2024, we have met our goal!
9. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,886 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. As of January 28, 2024, we only need 57 annual members to renew or convert to life and/or new or rejoin annual/life members. Remember, we have 133 annual members
   who have not renewed; so, we could easily reach and exceed this goal.
10. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,915 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700. As of January 28, 2024, we only need 86 members in order to reach this goal. Remember,
    we have 133 annual members who have not renewed; so, we could easily reach and exceed this goal.
    ● Conference vs. Conference:
11. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by January 31, 2024*.
12. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by June 30, 2024*
    *Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers.
    Report Your Membership Activities Monthly. Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form online at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by downloading and
    completing the form and sending it to me via regular mail at Michele Brinson, or by email at no later than the
    5th day of each month if possible. If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160.
    I have had the honor to work with you and have seen what all of you have done for the past 2 years and what you have done so far this year, and I believe that we can reach and exceed our goal! We are fast approaching March 31, 2024, and what an amazing gift it would be to
    renew your membership or convert to a life member in honor of your Veteran(s). Auxiliaries, please continue to reach out to your lapsed/unpaid members and encourage them to renew or
    convert in honor of their Veteran(s) today but no later than March 31, 2024, and please continue to recruit new members into our organization. Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and by asking others to join. Remember, our membership and service matter–You matter and, by “Banding Together,” we can do so much for those who have sacrificed and done so much for our Country and for all of us. God bless our Veterans, Service Members, their families, our organization, our department, and all of you.
    Hope to see all of you in March in Gulfport.
    Roll On Mississippi And Keep Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,

Michelle Brinson (601) 734-8160 EMAIL monthly report form

Hello everyone. Hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and have an amazing New Year. It is so hard to believe that 2024 is almost here. Let’s look at what Membership means to our organization but, most importantly, to our Veterans. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization and, without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be
able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of and for our Veterans. Without each of you and without new members, who will take care of our Veterans? It’s scary to think about, or should be. Why? Because each of you matter not only to your Auxiliary, District, Department, and Organization, but because each of you matter to our Veterans.

As a reminder, if you have officers who have not yet paid their dues for the year, in accordance with Sec. 109 of our National Bylaws, “…No officer may be relieved of their office except for the following reasons: Non-payment of dues prior to December 31. Once relieved from office, the member may not be re-elected or appointed to any position until the member’s dues are paid…” Auxiliary Presidents/Secretaries, please log in to MALTA, click on
Duties, click on Reports, and click on Unpaid Members Report for your Auxiliary. If your Auxiliary has an officer who has not yet renewed their dues and who does not renew their dues by December 31, 2023, please notify your District President along with our Department Secretary Gloria Grady, Department Treasurer Benita Lyman, Chief of Staff Laurie Williamson,
and Madam President Barbara Franklin.

This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life member) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year. As of December 27, 2023, we have had 497 annual members renew their dues and 55 annual members convert to a life member. So, what does this mean? This means we still have 225
annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. The question we need to answer is why. Why are we losing so many members who do not choose to renew their dues, and what can we do to change this trend and keep members active and involved? With that in mind, now is the time to please be sure to continue to make contact those annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member.
Remember, you can generate dues reminder notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face. Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all Veterans and their families. Also, please be sure to remind them of the
eligibility requirements for the Cancer Grant, which are as follows: “Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year and current dues must be paid…” While we all hate to lose members for any reason, we do not want any of our members to lose their eligibility because they are not current in paying their dues.

So far this year, we have gained 59 new annual members, 7 rejoin annual members, 20 new life members. and 1 rejoin life member for a total of 87 new members. Sadly, however, we have also already lost 1 annual member and 43 life members who have passed away. As of December 27, 2023, our “Current Total” Membership (excluding our 44 deceased members) was 2,634 or 91.27% and our “Paid Total” Membership (including our 44 deceased members) was 2,678 or 92.79%.

So, Lights, Camera, Action:
Remember, this year, we are incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all and help our Southern Conference Director win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023-2024 Program Year. So, let’s all “Band Together” to help make this
happen by inviting new members, investing in all members, and including current members.
Keep all members informed, encourage their participation, and get them involved in activities/events. Have a Plan that includes: • Contacting current members; • Outreach to former members; • Recruiting events for new members; • Picking a mentor for a new member;
•Planning at least four recruiting events in your community each year.

Membership Program Awards:
● Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits
   five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31,
2. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to
   the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the
   member from National Headquarters.
3. National Membership Achievement (NMA) Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary
   member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023,
   through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA
   with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the
   2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the
   award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the
   National Convention.
4. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary
   National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing
   to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award
   Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW
   Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who
   recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only
   form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received
   at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter
   membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.
   ● Awards for Auxiliaries:
5. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31,
   2024*.
6. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30,
   2024*.
7. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that
   reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into
   a one time drawing to receive $500.
   I am very happy to report that 19 auxiliaries have already met or exceeded some or all
   of the aforementioned goals. That’s up from 12 auxiliaries last month!
   ● Awards for Departments:
8. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in
   Paid Total Membership or 2,829 total members (including deaths) by March 31,
   2024*. As on December 27, 2023, we only need 151 annual members to renew or
   convert to life and/or new or rejoin annual/life members. Remember, we have 225
   annual members who have not renewed; so, we could easily reach this goal.
9. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in
   Paid Total Membership or 2,886 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*.
   As of December 27, 2023, we only need 208 annual members to renew or convert to
   life and/or new or rejoin annual/life members. Remember, we have 225 annual
   members who have not renewed; so, we could easily reach this goal.
10. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus
    in Paid Total Membership or 2,915 total members (including deaths) by June 30,
    2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still
    receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700. As of
    December 27, 2023, we only need 237 members in order to reach this goal, and we
    have 225 annual members who have not renewed leaving only 12 more new and/or
    rejoin annual/life members to obtain; so, we could easily reach this goal.
    ● Conference vs. Conference:
11. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by
    January 31, 2024*.
12. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by
    June 30, 2024*
    *Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers.

Report Your Membership Activities Monthly. Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form online at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by downloading and completing the form and sending no later than the
5th day of each month if possible. If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160.
I have had the honor to work with you and have seen what all of you have done for the past 2 years and what you have done so far this year, and I believe that we can reach our goals! The New Year is fast approaching and what an amazing gift it would be to renew your membership or convert to a life member in honor of your Veteran(s). Auxiliaries, please continue to reach out to your lapsed/unpaid members and encourage them to renew or
convert in honor of their Veteran(s) today but no later than January 31, 2024. Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and by asking others to join. Remember, our membership and service matter–You matter and, by “Banding
Together,” we can do so much for those who have sacrificed and done so much for our Country and for all of us. God bless our Veterans, Service Members, their families, our organization, our department, and all of you. Hope to see all of you in Tupelo.

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,
Michele M. Brinson

Michelle Brinson (601) 734-8160 EMAIL monthly report form

Hello everyone. Hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving. So hard to believe that Christmas will be here before we know it and then the New Year. Let’s look at what Membership means to our organization but, most importantly, to our Veterans. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization and, without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of and for our Veterans. Without each of you and without new members, who will take care of our Veterans? It’s scary to think about, or should be. Why? Because each of you matter not only to your Auxiliary, District, Department, and Organization, but because each of you matter to our Veterans. 

As a reminder, if you have officers who have not yet paid their dues for the year, in accordance with Sec. 109 of our National Bylaws, “…No officer may be relieved of their office except for the following reasons: Non-payment of dues prior to December 31. Once relieved from office, the member may not be re-elected or appointed to any position until the member’s dues are paid…” 

This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life member) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year. As of November 28, 2023, we have had 337 annual members renew their dues and 50 annual members convert to a life member; sadly, however, we have already lost 1 annual member who passed away. So, what does this mean? This means we have 390 annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. The question we need to answer is why. Why are we losing so many members who do not choose to renew their dues, and what can we do to change this trend and keep members active and involved? With that in mind, now is the time to please be sure to contact those continuous annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. Remember, you can generate dues reminder notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face. Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all Veterans and their families. Also, please be sure to remind them of the eligibility requirements for the Cancer Grant, which are as follows: “Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year and current dues must be paid…” While we all hate to lose members for any reason, we do not want any of our members to lose their eligibility because they are not current in paying their dues. 

So far this year, we have gained 56 new annual members, 6 rejoin annual members, 20 new life members. and 1 rejoin life member. Sadly, however, we have also already lost 40 life members who have passed away. As of November 28, 2023, our “Current Total” Membership (excluding our 41 deceased members) was 2,535 or 87.84% and our “Paid Total” Membership (including our 41 deceased members) was 2,576 or 89.26%. 

So, Lights, Camera, Action: 

Remember, this year, we are incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all and help our Southern Conference Director win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023-2024 Program Year. So, let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen by inviting new members, investing in all members, and including current members. Keep all members informed, encourage their participation, and get them involved in activities/events. Have a Plan that includes: • Contacting current members; • Outreach to former members; • Recruiting events for new members; • Picking a mentor for a new member; •Planning at least four recruiting events in your community each year. 

Membership Program Awards:

 ● Awards for Members:

 1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters. 

2. National Membership Achievement (NMA) Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention. 

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024. 

● Awards for Auxiliaries: 

1. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31, 2024*. 

2. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024*. 

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500. I am very happy to report that 12 auxiliaries have already met or exceeded some or all of the aforementioned goals. 

● Awards for Departments: 

1. Bronze Department Award #1: $200 to each Department that reaches 95% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,742 total members (including deaths) by November 30, 2023*. We need 166 annual members to renew their dues or convert to a life member (out of the 390 annual members who have not yet done so) and/or new/rejoin annual/life members. 

2. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,829 total members (including deaths) by March 31, 2024*. 

3. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,886 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. 

4. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,915 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700. 

● Conference vs. Conference: 

1. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by January 31, 2024*. 

2. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by June 30, 2024* 

*Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers. 

Report Your Membership Activities Monthly. 

Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form online at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by downloading and completing the form and sending it to me via regular mail at Michele Brinson, or by email at no later than the 5th day of each month if possible. If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160. 

Can we reach our goals? I have had the honor to work with you and have seen what all of you have done for the past 2 years, and I believe that we can! Christmas and the New Year are fast approaching and what an amazing gift it would be to renew your membership or convert to a life member in honor of your Veteran(s). Please reach out to your lapsed/unpaid members and encourage them to renew or convert in honor of their Veteran(s) today but no later than December 31, 2023. Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and by asking others to join.

Remember, our membership and service matter–You matter and, by “Banding Together,” we can do so much for those who have sacrificed and done so much for our Country and for all of us. Merry Christmas and God bless you all. See you in January. ♥️🎄♥️ 

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans

Michelle Brinson Email 901-734-8160

Lights, Camera, and Action
Department of MS Membership
Flier for November 2023

Hello everyone. Hope all of you are doing well. It was great seeing so many of you at the recent School of Instruction in Gulfport. Let’s look at what Membership means to our organization but, most importantly, to our Veterans. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization and, without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be
able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of and for our Veterans. Without each of you and without new members, who will take care of our Veterans? It’s scary to think about, or should be. Why? Because each of you matter not only to your Auxiliary, District, Department, and Organization, but because each of you matter to our Veterans.

This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life member) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year. As of October 28, 2023, we have had 218 annual members renew their dues and 43 annual members convert to a life member; sadly, however, we have already lost 1 annual member who passed away. So, what does this mean? This means we have 516 annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. The question we need to answer is why. Why are we losing so many members who do not choose to renew their dues, and what can we do to change this trend and keep members active and involved? With that in mind, now is the time to please be sure to contact those continuous annual members who have not yet renewed their dues or converted to a life member. Remember, you can generate dues reminder notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face. Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all Veterans and their families.

So far this year, we have gained 35 new annual members, 14 new life members. and 1 rejoin life member. Sadly, however, we have also already lost 30 life members who have passed away. As of October 28, 2023, our “Current Total” Membership (excluding our 31 deceased members) was 2,386 or 82.67% and our “Paid Total” Membership (including our 31 deceased
members) was 2,417 or 83.75%.

So, Lights, Camera, Action:
Remember, this year, we are incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all and help our Southern Conference Director win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023-2024 Program Year. So, let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen by inviting new members, investing in all members, and including current members. Keep all members informed, encourage their participation, and get them involved in activities/events. Have a Plan that includes: • Contacting current members; • Outreach to former members; • Recruiting events for new members; • Picking a mentor for a new member; •Planning at least four recruiting events in your community each year.

Membership Program Awards:
● Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31,
2. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters.
3. National Membership Achievement (NMA) Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention.
4. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who
   recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.

● Awards for Auxiliaries:

1. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31, 2024*.
2. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024*.
3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that
   reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500.

I am very happy to report the following auxiliaries have already met or exceeded some or all of the aforementioned goals. Congratulations to Auxiliaries 2618 and 79 for meeting the 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership goals; to Auxiliaries 3978 and 12121 for meeting both the 98% Plus and 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership goals; and to Auxiliaries 12124 and 10567 for meeting the 98% Plus, 100% Plus, and 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership goals. You are all so amazing!

Report Your Membership Activities Monthly. Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form online or by downloading and completing the form and sending it to me via regular mail, or email at no later than the 5th day of each month if possible. If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160.

Can we reach our goals? I have had the honor to work with you and have seen what all of you have done for the past 2 years, and I believe that we can! Veterans Day is fast approaching and what an amazing gift it would be to renew your membership or convert to a life member in honor of your Veteran(s). Please reach out to your lapsed/unpaid members and encourage
them to renew or convert in honor of their Veteran(s) by November 11, 2023, but no later than November 30, 2023. Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and asking others to join. Remember, our membership and service matter–You matter and, by “Banding Together,” we can do so much for those who have
sacrificed and done so much for our Country and for all of us.
.
Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,
Michele M. Brinson
Department of Mississippi VFWA
Membership Chairman

Lights, Camera, and Action

Department of MS Membership Flyer for October 2023

Michelle Brinson

Hello everyone. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming School of Instruction (SOI)/Council of Administration (COA) in Gulfport on October 20 through 22, 2023. Let’s look at what Membership means. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and I can think of no better way of honoring our veterans than belonging to an organization with the main purpose of taking care of and assisting our veterans and their families. Without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of our veterans and their families. Think about it; without new and existing members, we will become just a memory. Who then will take care of our veterans?

Last year, our Department did such an amazing job, and I am so very proud of our TEAM. As a result of all of your hard work, our Department received a check for $300.00 from National for being 100% Plus in Total Paid Membership as of June 30, 2023, and a check for $200.00 from National for achieving the Outstanding Performance Award for Division 2 at the National Convention. In addition, 27 auxiliaries received $25.00 from National for being 100% Plus in Total Paid Membership as of June 30, 2023. These awards would have never happened without all of your hard work, and I am confident that you will do an amazing job again this year. In fact, I want to say congratulations to Auxiliary 12121 for being the first auxiliary to achieve 100% in Current Total Membership and Paid Total Membership; to Auxiliary 10567 for being the second auxiliary to achieve 100% Plus in Current Total Membership and Paid Total Membership; and to Auxiliary 12124 for being the third Auxiliary to achieve 100% Plus in Current Total Membership and Paid Total Membership already this year.

As of June 30, 2023, our “paid total” membership (including our 105 deceased members who had paid before passing away) was 2,991 members or 100.57% compared to 2,974 members the previous year! Our “current total” membership (excluding our 105 deceased members) was 2,886 (for a net loss of 88 members) or 97.04%. Because of all of your hard work in recruiting, we brought in a total of 146 new members. We also had 43 annual members convert to a life member. However, we had 127 annual members who did not renew their dues and/or convert to a life member. The question is why are we losing so many who do not choose to renew their dues and what can we do to change our retention percentages and keep members active and involved. With that in mind, now is the time to please be sure to contact those continuous annual members who have not yet renewed their dues. Currently, we have 593 annual members who have not renewed their dues or converted to a life member. Remember, you can generate dues reminder notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face. Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all veterans and their families. Encourage them to renew or convert to a life member as soon as possible but no later than November 11, 2023, in honor of their veteran(s).

This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life member) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year. As of September 26, 2023, we have had 165 annual members renew their dues, and 19 annual members convert to a life member. Also, we have had 26 new annual members and 8 new life members join our organization; however, we have sadly already lost 1

annual member and 29 life members who have passed away. As of September 26, 2023,

our “current total” membership (excluding our 30 deceased members) was 2,298 or 79.63% and our “paid total” membership was 2,328 or 80.67%.

This year, we will be incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all. So, Lights, Camera, Action:

Invite & Recruit

Recruiting up-and-coming stars is a cornerstone of your Auxiliary’s mission. Be sure to keep scouting for that talent in your new recruits to help keep your organization alive and active. As members/talent scouts, it’s up to you to chat up a storm about our organization and show your enthusiasm about who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Also, be sure to invite more members to be talent scouts and then ask our seasoned members/actors to help guide, encourage, and motivate our newbies and get them involved. Our seasoned members have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can offer sound advice and, in turn, our newbies can show our seasoned members how to use new technology to enhance and expand our organization.

Always be sure to carry at least a couple of applications with you and a Fact Sheet or two about our organization. Think about asking your potential members to come to an event and help in some capacity and, most importantly, put on your happy face and SMILE for the camera! See how easy it is to get people involved and connected?

Include Everyone

Now it’s time to get all cast and crew members involved in your Auxiliary. No matter how small or how large the jobs are in your Auxiliary, there is always something for everyone to do. Please don’t become a clique and make someone feel as if they aren’t needed because that’s a great way to lose a member quickly! Remember, we were all newbies once upon a time and learned as time went by from seasoned members who took the time to help and encourage us. New members need to feel welcomed and valued and need encouragement to help them stay positive.

Follow Up

Before every movie progresses, Lights, Camera, Action!, you need to have a read through with the cast and crew. This is when you need to follow up with these new members. It’s when you need to call them about the upcoming meeting or event. Do they need a ride? Could you meet them before the meeting or event? It would also be a great time to explain the Rituals and Bylaws so they don’t feel left out and in the dark. Sit with them at their first meeting and make them feel welcomed! Always make potential members aware of the importance of the goals of our organization.

Encourage Participation

Everyone is important to making a great award-winning movie. The same holds true for your Auxiliary. From the key grip to the cameraman to the director, it’s up to each and every one of us to encourage ideas from all members. Remember, all ideas are important and maybe with some slight modification, they can work in your Auxiliary. Don’t shoot down an idea because it has been tried before. Give it a shot and try it with a different approach; it could turn into a star-worthy project. Everyone has different strengths and skills. Find out who excels in certain skills and encourage them in that area. Always be positive and appreciate all that members do. A simple thank you goes a long way, and it helps reinforce that ALL members are important to the Auxiliary.

Utilize Resources

There are a ton of membership resources available for everyone to use. Check out Member

Resources in MALTA. Just log in to MALTA and click on Member Resources and then Membership. Everything you need is there for the picking. • VFW Auxiliary Applications; • VFW Auxiliary Brochure Order Form; • New Member Engagement Guide; • New Member Orientation Checklist; • New Member Packet; • Retention Tools; etc.

Our Directors (Conference Coaches) were chosen by National for their knowledge of the Membership Program, their strong leadership traits, and their great imagination. They pay attention to details as you can see with their taste in movies. They work well with others and are striving to help their Conference earn the coveted “Golden MALTA.” It is the dream of every Director to have their Membership story win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023- 2024 Program Year. Let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen for our Southern States Conference Coach/Director, Evan Smiley. How can we make this happen?

● Invest

By investing in the future of your Auxiliary, you can grow into a successful franchise. With Lights, Camera, Action!, not only are we having fun, but we’re also Banding Together for Our Veterans. Remember, the VFW Auxiliary started with a small group of women who wanted to serve veterans; it has grown exponentially and now includes both males and females as members. There is only one way to add members: ask someone to join and, once they join, ask them to participate.

● Ask Someone to Join

There are numerous places and times to ask someone if they want to join the VFW Auxiliary. Your approach will look different depending on who your audience is. In all cases, the potential member should have some knowledge of what the VFW Auxiliary is and what we do before they ever receive an application. Some important tools are:

• Fact Sheet, available for free from National Headquarters; • Business card with contact information (Order yours from the VFW Store, vfwstore.org.); • MALTA Member Resources.

● Follow Up

Most likely, the first time you talk to someone new about the organization, that person may not be ready to commit. It’s important to ask for their contact information and then follow up within a week.

● Ask Them to Participate

The key to keeping members is getting them involved. Call or email a new member within a week with the next meeting date and time or the next possible event or project. Offer to pick them up, or invite them to get coffee before or after a meeting. Put a team of members in charge of contacting new members or members who haven’t been to a meeting recently. The team should be friendly and knowledgeable about the Auxiliary.

● Ways to Encourage Participation

• Monthly sign-up sheet for regular events.

• Emails and phone calls for special events.

• Public recognition of current volunteers. (Consider posters at your VFW Post Home, if permitted, that spotlight member involvement.)

• Be specific about what they will be doing, including the time commitment.

• Find out how that person best communicates, whether by phone, email, Facebook, or texting.

• Have another member stay with them for the entire length of the activity or event.

• If they say “no” to the first invitation, be sure to ask again!

• Plan family-friendly events! Members with children in the home want opportunities to do things with their family.

● Have a Plan

Every Department and Auxiliary should have a Membership Plan. This plan should

include: • Contacting current members; • Outreach to former members; • Recruiting events for new members; • Picking a mentor for a new member; • Before a membership year begins, set your calendar for these events.

• Make it as easy as possible for members to renew their dues. They can renew online in MALTA!

• Plan at least four recruiting events in your community each year.

Membership Program Awards

● Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters.

2. National Membership Achievement Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention.

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.

● Awards for Auxiliaries:

1. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31, 2024*.

2. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024*.

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500.

● Awards for Department Chairmen:

1. $25 VFW Store gift certificate to one Department Membership Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions for the most outstanding training and promotion of the Membership Program.

2. Outstanding Performance Award to one Department Membership Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on criteria listed on Page 5 and for the promotion of the Program Goals listed at the top of Page 42. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

● Awards for Departments:

1. Bronze Department Award #1: $200 to each Department that reaches 95% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,742 total members (including deaths) by November 30, 2023*.

How can we achieve this goal? We need 414 annual members to renew their dues

or convert to a life member out of the 593 annual members who have not yet renewed and/or we need to gain new annual or life members. Can we do it? I believe we can. So, the challenge has been issued. Let’s see what we can do to reach this goal by November 11, 2023. What a gift that would be on Veterans Day to honor your veteran(s) with your membership.

2. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,829 total members (including deaths) by March 31, 2024*.

3. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,886 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*.

4. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,915 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700.

● Conference vs. Conference:

1. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by January 31, 2024*.

2. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by June 30, 2024*

*Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers.

Report Your Membership Activities Monthly. Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form on line at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by completing the attached form and sending it to me via regular mail at Michele Brinson, 140 Oak Ridge Lakes Drive, Coldwater, MS 38618 or by email at no later than the 5th day of each month if possible. If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160.

Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and asking others to join. Remember, our membership and service matter because alone we can do so little but, by “Banding Together,” we can do so much.

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,

Michele M. Brinson

Department of Mississippi

Membership Chairman

Department of MS Membership Flyer for September 2023

Hello everyone. Let’s look at what Membership means.  Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and I can think of no better way of honoring our veterans than belonging to an organization with the main purpose of taking care of and assisting our veterans and their families.  Without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of our veterans and their families.  Think about it; without new and existing members, we will become just a memory.  Who then will take care of our veterans?

Last year, our Department did such an amazing job, and I am so very proud of our TEAM.  As a result of all of your hard work, our Department received a check for $300.00 from National for being 100% Plus in Total Paid Membership as of June 30, 2023, and a check for $200.00 from National for achieving the Outstanding Performance Award for Division 2 at the National Convention.  In addition, 27 auxiliaries received $25.00 from National for being 100% Plus in Total Paid Membership as of June 30, 2023.  These awards would have never happened without all of your hard work, and I am confident that you will do an amazing job again this year.  In fact, I want to say congratulations to Auxiliary 12121 for being the first auxiliary to achieve 100% in Current Total Membership and Paid Total Membership and to Auxiliary 10567 for being the second auxiliary to achieve 100% Plus in Current Total Membership and Paid Total Membership already this year. 

As of June 30, 2023, our “paid total” membership (including our 105 deceased members who had paid before passing away) was 2,991 members or 100.57% compared to 2,974 members the previous year!  Our “current total” membership (excluding our 105 deceased members) was 2,886 (for a net loss of 88 members) or 97.04%.  Because of all of your hard work in recruiting, we brought in a total of 146 new members. We also had 43 annual members convert to a life membership.  However, we had 127 annual members who did not renew their dues and/or convert to a life membership.  The question is why are we losing so many who do not choose to renew their dues and what can we do to change our retention percentages and keep members active and involved.  With that in mind, now is the time to please be sure to contact those continuous annual members who have not yet renewed their dues.  Remember, you can generate dues reminder notices in MALTA to mail to your annual members and/or you can reach out to them by phone, letter, text, message, email, or face-to-face.  Please encourage their participation and let them know how important they are to your auxiliary, our organization, and to all veterans.  Encourage them to renew or convert to a life member as soon as possible but no later than November 11, 2023, in honor of their veteran(s).

This year, we need to retain 778 continuous annual members (annual members who renew or convert to a life membership) compared to 840 continuous annual members last year.  As of August 28, 2023, we have had 84 annual members renew their dues, and 11 annual members convert to a life member.  Also, we have had 19 new annual members and 2 new life members join our organization; however, we have sadly lost 5 life members who have passed away.  As of August 28, 2023, our “current total” membership (excluding our 5 deceased life members) was 2,220 or 76.92% and our “paid total” membership was 2,225 or 77.10%.. 

This year, we will be incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all. So, Lights, Camera, Action: 

Invite & Recruit

Recruiting up-and-coming stars is a cornerstone of your Auxiliary’s mission.  Be sure to keep scouting for that talent in your new recruits to help keep your organization alive and active.  As members/talent scouts, it’s up to you to chat up a storm about our organization and show your enthusiasm about who we are, what we do, and why we do it.  Also, be sure to invite more members to be talent scouts and then ask our seasoned members/actors to help guide, encourage, and motivate our newbies and get them involved.  Our seasoned members have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can offer sound advice and, in turn, our newbies can show our seasoned members how to use new technology to enhance and expand our organization.

Always be sure to carry at least a couple of applications with you and a Fact Sheet or two about our organization.  Think about asking your potential members to come to an event and help in some capacity and, most importantly, put on your happy face and SMILE for the camera!  See how easy it is to get people involved and connected? 

Include Everyone

Now it’s time to get all cast and crew members involved in your Auxiliary.  No matter how small or how large the jobs are in your Auxiliary, there is always something for everyone to do.  Please don’t become a clique and make someone feel as if they aren’t needed because that’s a great way to lose a member quickly!  Remember, we were all newbies once upon a time and learned as time went by from seasoned members who took the time to help and encourage us.  New members need to feel welcomed and valued and need encouragement to help them stay positive. 

Follow Up

Before every movie progresses, Lights, Camera, Action!, you need to have a read through with the cast and crew.  This is when you need to follow up with these new members.  It’s when you need to call them about the upcoming meeting or event.  Do they need a ride?  Could you meet them before the meeting or event?  It would also be a great time to explain the Rituals and Bylaws so they don’t feel left out and in the dark.  Sit with them at their first meeting and make them feel welcomed!  Always make potential members aware of the importance of the goals of our organization.

Encourage Participation

Everyone is important to making a great award-winning movie.  The same holds true for your Auxiliary.  From the key grip to the cameraman to the director, it’s up to each and every one of us to encourage ideas from all members.  Remember, all ideas are important and maybe with some slight modification, they can work in your Auxiliary.  Don’t shoot down an idea because it has been tried before. Give it a shot and try it with a different approach; it could turn into a star-worthy project.  Everyone has different strengths and skills. Find out who excels in certain skills and encourage them in that area.  Always be positive and appreciate all that members do.  A simple thank you goes a long way, and it helps reinforce that ALL members are important to the Auxiliary.

Utilize Resources

There are a ton of membership resources available for everyone to use. Check out Member Resources in MALTA. Just log in to MALTA and click on Member Resources and then Membership.  Everything you need is there for the picking. • VFW Auxiliary Applications; • VFW Auxiliary Brochure Order Form; • New Member Engagement Guide; • New Member Orientation Checklist; • New Member Packet; • Retention Tools; etc. 

Our Directors (Conference Coaches) were chosen by National for their knowledge of the Membership Program, their strong leadership traits, and their great imagination. They pay attention to details as you can see with their taste in movies. They work well with others and are striving to help their Conference earn the coveted “Golden MALTA.”  It is the dream of every Director to have their Membership story win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023- 2024 Program Year.  Let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen for our Southern States Conference Coach/Director, Evan Smiley.  How can we make this happen?

• Invest

By investing in the future of your Auxiliary, you can grow into a successful franchise. With Lights, Camera, Action!, not only are we having fun, but we’re also Banding Together for Our Veterans. Remember, the VFW Auxiliary started with a small group of women who wanted to serve veterans; it has grown exponentially and now includes both males and females as members. There is only one way to add members: ask someone to join and, once they join, ask them to participate.

• Ask Someone to Join

There are numerous places and times to ask someone if they want to join the VFW Auxiliary. Your approach will look different depending on who your audience is. In all cases, the potential member should have some knowledge of what the VFW Auxiliary is and what we do before they ever receive an application. Some important tools are:

• Fact Sheet, available for free from National Headquarters; • Business card with contact information (Order yours from the VFW Store, vfwstore.org.); • MALTA Member Resources.

• Follow Up

Most likely, the first time you talk to someone new about the organization, that person may not be ready to commit. It’s important to ask for their contact information and then follow up within a week.

• Ask Them to Participate

The key to keeping members is getting them involved. Call or email a new member within a week with the next meeting date and time or the next possible event or project. Offer to pick them up, or invite them to get coffee before or after a meeting. Put a team of members in charge of contacting new members or members who haven’t been to a meeting recently. The team should be friendly and knowledgeable about the Auxiliary.

• Ways to Encourage Participation

• Monthly sign-up sheet for regular events.

• Emails and phone calls for special events.

• Public recognition of current volunteers. (Consider posters at your VFW Post Home, if permitted, that spotlight member involvement.)

• Be specific about what they will be doing, including the time commitment.

• Find out how that person best communicates, whether by phone, email, Facebook, or texting.

• Have another member stay with them for the entire length of the activity or event.

• If they say “no” to the first invitation, be sure to ask again!

• Plan family-friendly events! Members with children in the home want opportunities to do things with their family.

• Have a Plan

Every Department and Auxiliary should have a Membership Plan. This plan should include: • Contacting current members; • Outreach to former members; • Recruiting events for new members; • Picking a mentor for a new member; • Before a membership year begins, set your calendar for these events.

• Make it as easy as possible for members to renew their dues. They can renew online in MALTA!

• Plan at least four recruiting events in your community each year.

Membership Program Awards

• Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters.

2. National Membership Achievement Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention.

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.

• Awards for Auxiliaries:

1. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership by March 31, 2024*.

2. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024*.

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500.

• Awards for Department Chairmen:

1. $25 VFW Store gift certificate to one Department Membership Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions for the most outstanding training and promotion of the Membership Program.

2. Outstanding Performance Award to one Department Membership Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on criteria listed on Page 5 and for the promotion of the Program Goals listed at the top of Page 42. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Awards for Departments:

1. Bronze Department Award #1: $200 to each Department that reaches 95% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,742 total members (including deaths) by November 30, 2023*.

2. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,829 total members (including deaths) by March 31, 2024*.

3. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,886 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*.

4. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus in Paid Total Membership or 2,915 total members (including deaths) by June 30, 2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700.

• Conference vs. Conference:

1. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by January 31, 2024*.

2. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by June 30, 2024*

*Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers.

Report Your Membership Activities Monthly.  Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form on line at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by completing the attached form and sending it to me via regular mail at Michele Brinson, 140 Oak Ridge Lakes Drive, Coldwater, MS 38618 or by email at no later than the 5th day of each month if possible.  If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901-734-8160.

Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and asking others to join.  Remember, our membership and service matter because alone we can do so little but, by  “Banding Together,” we can do so much.

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,

Michele M. Brinson

Department of Mississippi

Membership Chairman

Membership Flyer for August 23

Lights, Camera, Action!  Here we go everyone.  Are you ready for a fun-filled year of movies and mayhem?  This year, we will be incorporating movies into our Membership Program, and we want to make it fun for all.  I am looking forward to working with all of you this year and hope to see many of you at the Council of Administration (COA)/School of Instruction (SOI) in Gulfport on August 11 through 13, 2023.  To get started, let’s look at what Membership means.  Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and I can think of no better way of honoring our veterans than belonging to an organization with the main purpose of taking care of and assisting our veterans and their families.  Without members, we would not have the voice that we have and would not be able to accomplish the great things that we do in support of our veterans and their families.  Think about it; without new and existing members, we will become just a memory.  Who then will take care of our veterans?

We often use the terms Invite, Include, and Invest when talking about recruiting and retaining new members.  However, we should use the terms to Invite New Members, Include Current Members, and Invest in the Future of All Members and Our Organization.  Our Mission goals are simple.

Invite & Recruit

Recruiting up-and-coming stars is a cornerstone of your Auxiliary’s mission.  Be sure to keep scouting for that talent in your new recruits to help keep your organization alive and active.  As members/talent scouts, it’s up to you to chat up a storm about our organization and show your enthusiasm about who we are, what we do, and why we do it.  Also, be sure to invite more members to be talent scouts and then ask our seasoned members/actors to help guide, encourage, and motivate our newbies and get them involved.  Our seasoned members have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can offer sound advice and, in turn, our newbies can show our seasoned members how to use new technology to enhance and expand our organization.

Always be sure to carry at least a couple of applications with you and a Fact Sheet or two about our organization.  Fact Sheets help solidify what you are promoting and definitely may come in handy because you never know when the perfect opportunity may arise to recruit that up-and-coming star.  Think about asking your potential members to come to an event and help in some capacity and, most importantly, put on your happy face and SMILE for the camera!  See how easy it is to get people involved and connected? 

Include Everyone

Now it’s time to get all cast and crew members involved in your Auxiliary.  No matter how small or how large the jobs are in your Auxiliary, there is always something for everyone to do.  Please don’t become a clique and make someone feel as if they aren’t needed because that’s a great way to lose a member quickly!  Remember, we were all newbies once upon a time and learned as time went by from seasoned members who took the time to help and encourage us.  New members need to feel welcomed and valued and need encouragement to help them stay positive. 

This also means that you should shine a light on all members in your Membership Production.  For example, did your Auxiliary President appoint a membership team to include the producer (Treasurer) to contact all members during the Program Year for payment of dues?  

Follow Up

Before every movie progresses, Lights, Camera, Action!, you need to have a read through with the cast and crew.  This is when you need to follow up with these new members.  It’s when you need to call them about the upcoming meeting or event.  Do they need a ride?  Could you meet them before the meeting or event?  It would also be a great time to explain the Rituals and Bylaws so they don’t feel left out and in the dark.  Sit with them at their first meeting and make them feel welcomed!  Always make potential members aware of the importance of the goals of our organization.

Encourage Participation

Everyone is important to making a great award-winning movie.  The same holds true for your Auxiliary.  From the key grip to the cameraman to the director, it’s up to each and every one of us to encourage ideas from all members.  Remember, all ideas are important and maybe with some slight modification, they can work in your Auxiliary.  Don’t shoot down an idea because it has been tried before. Give it a shot and try it with a different approach; it could turn into a star-worthy project.  Everyone has different strengths and skills. Find out who excels in certain skills and encourage them in that area.  Always be positive and appreciate all that members do.  A simple thank you goes a long way, and it helps reinforce that ALL members are important to the Auxiliary.

Resources

There are a ton of membership resources available for everyone to use. Check out Member Resources in MALTA.  It has everything you need to garner your potential new member.  Just log in to MALTA and click on Member Resources and then Membership.  Everything you need is there for the picking. • VFW Auxiliary Applications; • VFW Auxiliary Brochure Order Form; • New Member Engagement Guide; • New Member Orientation Checklist; • New Member Packet; • Retention Tools; etc.  Our Directors (Conference Coaches) were chosen for their knowledge of the Membership Program, their strong leadership traits, and their great imagination. They pay attention to details as you can see with their taste in movies. They work well with others and are striving to help their Conference earn the coveted “Golden MALTA.”  It is the dream of every Director to have their Membership story win the prestigious award for Best Picture of the 2023- 2024 Program Year.  Let’s all “Band Together” to help make this happen for our Southern States Conference Coach/Director, Evan Smiley.  How can we make this happen?

• Invest

By investing in the future of your Auxiliary, you can grow into a successful franchise. With Lights, Camera, Action!, not only are we having fun, but we’re also Banding Together for Our Veterans. Remember, the VFW Auxiliary started with a small group of women who wanted to serve veterans; it has grown exponentially and now includes both males and females as members. There is only one way to add members: ask someone to join and, once they join, ask them to participate.

• Ask Someone to Join

There are numerous places and times to ask someone if they want to join the VFW Auxiliary. Your approach will look different depending on who your audience is. In all cases, the potential member should have some knowledge of what the VFW Auxiliary is and what we do before they ever receive an application. Some important tools are: • Fact Sheet, available for free from National Headquarters; • Business card with contact information (Order yours from the VFW Store, vfwstore.org.); • MALTA Member Resources.

• Follow Up!

Most likely, the first time you talk to someone new about the organization, that person may not be ready to commit. It’s important to ask for their contact information and then follow up within a week.

• Ask Them to Participate

The key to keeping members is getting them involved. Call or email a new member within a week with the next meeting date and time or the next possible event or project. Offer to pick them up, or invite them to get coffee before or after a meeting. Put a team of members in charge of contacting new members or members who haven’t been to a meeting recently. The team should be friendly and knowledgeable about the Auxiliary.

• Ways to Encourage Participation

• Monthly sign-up sheet for regular events.

• Emails and phone calls for special events.

• Public recognition of current volunteers. (Consider posters at your VFW Post Home, if permitted, that spotlight member involvement.)

• Be specific about what they will be doing, including the time commitment.

• Find out how that person best communicates, whether by phone, email, Facebook, or texting.

• Have another member stay with them for the entire length of the activity or event.

• If they say “no” to the first invitation, be sure to ask again!

• Plan family-friendly events! Members with children in the home want opportunities to do things with their family.

• Have a Plan

Every Department and Auxiliary should have a Membership Plan. This plan should include:        

• Contacting current members;
• Outreach to former members
• Recruiting events for new members
• Picking a mentor for a new member;
• Before a membership year begins, set your calendar for these events.
• Make it as easy as possible for members to renew their dues. They can renew online in MALTA!
• Plan at least four recruiting events in your community each year.

Membership Program Awards

• Awards for Members:

1. Lights, Camera, Action! pin to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. Lights, Camera, Action! pin will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters.

2. National Membership Achievement Award to each VFW and VFW Auxiliary member who recruits 20 new members to the VFW Auxiliary from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA with credit given to the recruiter by June 10, 2024. NMA Award to be presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. If a member is not in attendance, the award will be mailed directly to the member from National Headquarters after the National Convention.

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Recruiter Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary National Membership Achievement Award recipient will be entered into a drawing to receive a $500 Visa Gift Card (VFW Recruiters are not eligible). Recruiter Award Forms are no longer needed for VFW Auxiliary members. Reports are compiled by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters from information entered in MALTA. VFW members who recruit new VFW Auxiliary members will need to fill out the required VFW members-only form that is available on MALTA Member Resources. Completed form must be received at VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters and Department Treasurer must enter membership in MALTA by June 10, 2024.

• Awards for Auxiliaries:

1. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 98% Plus in Membership by March 31, 2024*.

2. $25 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus in Membership by June 30, 2024*.

3. Lights, Camera, Action! VFW Auxiliary Drawing. Each VFW Auxiliary that reaches 101% Plus by June 30, 2024* will be entered into a one time drawing to receive $500.

• Awards for Department Chairmen:

1. $25 VFW Store gift certificate to one Department Membership Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions for the most outstanding training and promotion of the Membership Program.

2. Outstanding Performance Award to one Department Membership Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on criteria listed on Page 5 and for the promotion of the Program Goals listed at the top of Page 42. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Awards for Departments:

1. Bronze Department Award #1: $200 to each Department that reaches 95% Plus in Membership by November 30, 2023*.

2. Silver Department Award #2: $250 to each Department that reaches 98% Plus in Membership by March 31, 2024*.

3. Gold Department Award #3: $300 to each Department that reaches 100% Plus in Membership by June 30, 2024*.

4. Platinum Department Award #4: $400 to each Department that reaches 101% Plus in Membership by June 30, 2024*. Departments that receive the Platinum Department Award #4 for $400 will still receive the Gold Department Award #3 for $300 for a combined total of $700.

• Conference vs. Conference:

1. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by January 31, 2024*.

2. $50 to each Department within the Conference with the highest total percentage by June 30, 2024*

*Based on the June 30, 2023, year-end membership numbers. Report Your Membership Activities Monthly.  Please remember to complete the monthly reporting form on line at http://www.vfwauxms.org/report-forms/ or by completing the paper form and sending it to me via email at no later than the 5th day of each month if possible.  If you have problems completing the reporting form online or sending it via regular mail or email, you may call me or text me with your information at 901/734-8160.

Let’s continue to honor our Veterans, our Service men and women, their families, our communities, and our organization by keeping our membership current, being involved/active, and asking others to join.  Remember, our membership and service matter because alone we can do so little but, by  “Banding Together,” we can do so much.

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans,

Michele M.  Brinson

Department of Mississippi

Membership Chairman