How can AFSA members best complement the legislative efforts of AFSA Headquarters? In a nutshell, the answer is involvement, communication, awareness,responsiveness, and education (I CARE).
Commit yourself to involvement in local base, community, and Association programs. Join and take part in on-base and local programs and councils that represent the interests of Airmen. Participate in AFSA meetings and in the efforts promoted by your local AFSA chapter. Volunteer for military and veterans’ programs that focus on the well-being of military members. Be creative in looking for ways to improve the lives of current and past Airmen and their families. Get others involved in such efforts and in joining the Association. Why is such involvement important? The answer is this: Besides being noted as a base and community leader and an excellent AFSA representative, you will gain enhanced insight into the issues and challenges that impact Air Force members of all ranks. You can use this insight to better relate to the issues and to communicate these concerns to AFSA Headquarters and to others. Additionally, by getting those currently serving, those who served in the past, and family members involved, you increase AFSA’s influence and strength.
Strong, effective communication can assist the Association in accomplishing its mission. Communicate critical insights, facts, and information to AFSA Headquarters; i.e., serve as the eyes and ears of AFSA Headquarters in the field for issues important to Airmen. Work to communicate AFSA-provided information to other Airmen and, in particular, to enlisted leaders at all levels. If a retiree, communicate AFSA information and efforts to other retirees and veterans. If a family member, work to let other family members know what AFSA does for them and encourage them to join our team. As a concerned citizen, communicate your needs and expectations to your elected officials. Remember, they work for you, and you need to let them know how best to represent you. In short, make strong, effective communication part of your daily approach; realize that your success in this regard will complement the efforts of the AFSA Headquarters staff.
You can enhance your awareness of the issues by participating in events in your base and community; communicating with AFSA Headquarters and other Airmen; and regularly checking the information provided by AFSA headquarters through SERGEANTS Magazine, its other media, and reports generated to the field. You also should follow local and national news reports and those provided by the Air Force. Seek to understand the issues, and contact AFSA Headquarters when clarification is required. Finally, work to improve the awareness of others.
Your responsiveness to the calls from AFSA Headquarters can make a real difference. If AFSA encourages you to contact your elected officials to promote or oppose particular issues or legislation, please respond by doing so. If AFSA promotes chapter involvement in letter-writing campaigns or visits to the local offices of elected officials (e.g., during congressional recesses when these officials are in their home areas conducting “town hall” meetings, etc.), please take part in these efforts. You are members of AFSA because AFSA works to serve you; help us do that by being responsive to the calls for participation that come from the AFSA Headquarters’ staff.
It is in the area of education that you will find one of the most critical roles you can play in supporting AFSA’s overall effort. It is important that you educate yourself through study and awareness. Educate your fellow Airmen (those serving and who have served) about the issues and about AFSA programs that support them. Help educate your AFSA Headquarters staff representatives on the ways they can best serve you and on the issues you want them to take to the Hill. Educate members of Congress by giving them a clear picture of the factual situation in the field. Also let them know that you are a proud AFSA member, and that you support the Association’s legislative agenda.
Through involvement, communication, awareness, responsiveness, and education, you can be an effective, essential participant in our work in Washington. We encourage you to seriously consider each of these critical assets, plan to build strength in each of these areas, and implement your game plan.
Please care; the Association’s effectiveness depends on you!
TAKE THE LEGISLATIVE SURVEY NOW…
Your international legislative team has launched a survey to solicit your feedback on what you would like to see addressed on the 2018 legislative platform. Remember: we are your connection to Air Force leadership and on Capitol Hill, and the legislative platform is what guides us as we advocate for you and your family. We encourage you to provide your thoughts and opinions now. https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Surveys/4279/Respond
AFSA Chapter 254 