JOHN LYON VFW POST 3150 STRATEGIC PLAN, 2022
INTRODUCTION
With a 2-3 year horizon, this Post Strategic Plan is forward-looking and outward-focused on area Veterans and the local community while maintaining critical Post infrastructure (facility, finances & Membership). Manning and tailoring the Post’s standing Committee structure is essential to accomplishing these strategic goals. The Plan’s foundational underpinnings are the VFW National Mission and Vision and the derived John Lyon VFW Post 3150 mission statement and vision, as outlined in the following subparagraphs.
VFW MISSION (FROM VFW.ORG)
To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
VFW VISION
Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
JOHN LYON VFW POST 3150 MISSION
To provide a welcoming place for combat Veterans to make and sustain connections with other Veterans and to afford opportunities for community and Veteran service while assisting in obtaining earned benefits.
JOHN LYON VFW POST 3150 VISION
Be an indispensable partner with Arlington County Veterans by assisting them in accessing earned benefits, providing a welcoming environment to connect with other Veterans, offering opportunities for continued service, and promoting Americanism in the local community.
STRATEGIC THEMES
OUTREACH & VETERAN SUPPORT STRATEGY
Lead: Community & Outreach Committee.
Supporting: Relief & Americanism Committees
Develop an energetic Outreach and Veteran Support plan to inform Veterans of the value of VFW Membership, attract Veterans to the organization, and provide an outlet for volunteerism. Also, formulate this program to enhance camaraderie and cohesion in the Post’s Membership. Additionally, compose a companion strategic communications plan, disseminated using all available Post media, to reach as broad an audience as possible. Finally, go to State and National headquarters to access organizational programs, resources, and funding.
MEMBERSHIP STRATEGY
Lead: Membership Committee.
Supporting: Americanism and Community & Outreach Committees
Internalize the "every Comrade a recruiter” mantra through intentional training, planned recruiting events, and advertising (analog & digital). Also, maximize opportunities to connect with diverse Veteran constituencies through partner organizations and maintain a noticeable presence in the community—Incentivize Life Membership as the preferred Membership option.
FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Lead: Ways & Means Committee.
Supporting: House & Relief Committees
Obtain & invest sufficient financial resources to sustain the Post’s operating costs and infrastructure. Also, establish a Post grant-giving program, funded primarily by donors, to amplify the Post’s ability to serve Veterans and the local community.
FACILITY STRATEGY
Lead: House Committee.
Supporting: Ways & Means Committee
Establish a regular, professional inspection program to systematically maintain, improve and ensure the Post Home. Also, capitalize on the substantial 2022 repairs and upgrades to make long-term occupancy (30+ years) feasible.
STRATEGIC GOALS
1. Connect with area Veterans of all eras and provide a welcoming, supportive environment while assisting them in obtaining earned benefits.
2. Establish mutually beneficial partnerships with JBMHH units, Arlington schools, first responders, and local businesses to better serve the community and promote Americanism.
3. Develop an intentional new Comrade onboarding/mentoring program that channels new Comrade enthusiasm & energy into Post service activities and builds a predominantly Life Membership foundation (95% of the Membership).
4. Amplify the Post’s Veteran and community service efforts by establishing a Post grant-giving program sustained primarily with external donations.
5. Maintain the Post Home through a deliberate program of scheduled inspections and upkeep, making it the "place of choice” for Veteran and community events.
ENABLING (INTERMEDIATE) OBJECTIVES
OUTREACH & VETERAN SUPPORT
•Utilize Post communications platforms and analytical tools to publicize the Post’s strategic message and assess its effectiveness.
•Cultivate a relationship with local media to raise awareness of the Post and the Veteran community and to publicize Veteran events. Aggressively pursue media opportunities (e.g., interviews, using the Post platform/venue).
•Ensure a vibrant and well-publicized Post Community Service program to serve Veterans in the local community and to attract prospective Members.
•Construct and maintain user-friendly and visually appealing social media sites for advertising, communicating, educating, and fundraising.
•Assess Veteran needs and assist in fulfilling them using Post, community, and higher echelon VFW organizational resources. Leverage Post resources to the maximum extent possible (Post Service Officer, Post Chaplain, Relief Fund, etc.).
MEMBERSHIP
•Establish an annual Membership strategy that includes recruiting and retention events, capitalizing on pre-existing events/established venues to the greatest extent possible.
•Develop a Post onboarding/sponsor program for new Comrades to make them feel welcome, to inform them of VFW processes and procedures, and to channel their new Comrade enthusiasm into service to the Post and fellow Post Comrades.
•Establish an educational site on the webpage with information about the Post, John Lyon & VFW programs to inform new and experienced Comrades and teach organizational cohesion and pride.
•Incentivize Life Membership.
•Inform active duty service members of the VFW and Post mission and incorporate them in Post events.
•Cultivate relationships with area Student Veterans Associations and incorporate them in Post activities.
FINANCIAL
•Develop a long-range Post financial plan and subsidiary annual budgets, including a discrete line item for donations.
•Develop an investment and savings strategy/plan for the General and Relief Funds.
•Devise a methodology to monetize Post assets (e.g., Canteen, kitchen, Post Hall, parking lot, etc.).
•Pursue grants for which the Post qualifies.
FACILITY (POST HOME & GROUNDS)
•Develop a capitalization plan for the Post Home & grounds.
•Maintain a prioritized list of unfunded deficiencies and actively pursue funding strategies.
•Develop an appliance refresh plan (with associated funding estimate).
•Assess the Post security plan and address gaps.
•Insure the Post building and grounds.
CONCLUSION
For nearly 90 years, John Lyon VFW Post 3150 has been an Arlington County mainstay. Attention to and resourcing of a deliberate, longer-term Post strategy for Veteran support, community service, and Post infrastructure should ensure the Post’s viability for another 90 years and beyond. Review this strategic plan at least biennially and use it as the foundation for annual budgets and activity calendars.
