109 AW Key Volunteer Program

1. 1 109 AW Key Volunteer Program

2. Objectives Terminal Objective: Identify the evolution of the Key Volunteer program and its importance; the members of the Unit Team, their roles and responsibilities; and, the selection process of a Key Volunteer Desired Outcome: Families of deployed Air Guard personnel are provided an opportunity of mutual support and assistance; along with a communication network among the family members, chain of command and community resources; thereby enhancing the state of readiness of the unit, service member and family members. � Terminal Objective: Identify the evolution of the Key Volunteer program and its importance; the members of the Unit Team, their roles and responsibilities; and, the selection process of a Key Volunteer Desired Outcome: Families of deployed Air Guard personnel are provided an opportunity of mutual support and assistance; along with a communication network among the family members, chain of command and community resources; thereby enhancing the state of readiness of the unit, service member and family members. �

3. In 1997, the Air Force Key Spouse program began as a pilot program at five bases with high operations tempo. Although this program was not immediately embraced Air Force wide, the results of the pilot program indicated that it did have a positive impact on mission readiness by establishing the link between the squadron leadership and the families. Since then, the program has been such a success, the Air Force took steps in March 2009 to standardize and implement the program. In 1997, the Air Force Key Spouse program began as a pilot program at five bases with high operations tempo. Although this program was not immediately embraced Air Force wide, the results of the pilot program indicated that it did have a positive impact on mission readiness by establishing the link between the squadron leadership and the families. Since then, the program has been such a success, the Air Force took steps in March 2009 to standardize and implement the program.

4. The effects of the high operational tempo on military families are undeniable. Some signs may include increases in spouse stress, domestic situations and suicidal gestures and attempts. So, a program that promotes individual, family and unit readiness would certainly appear important. The manner in which this program improves readiness is by: � Establishing continuous contact with spouses/families Encourages peer-to peer wingman support Links to leadership Provides an informal sounding board Strengthens leadership�s support team � All of which are vital in order to build a strong community! The effects of the high operational tempo on military families are undeniable. Some signs may include increases in spouse stress, domestic situations and suicidal gestures and attempts. So, a program that promotes individual, family and unit readiness would certainly appear important. The manner in which this program improves readiness is by: � Establishing continuous contact with spouses/families Encourages peer-to peer wingman support Links to leadership Provides an informal sounding board Strengthens leadership�s support team � All of which are vital in order to build a strong community!

5. How does the Air Force know that the Key Spouse program is working? Here are a few of the proven outcomes of their program. � Increased awareness of installation/community resources Identified and resolved issues at lowest levels Enhanced up/down information flow Prepared/supported families during separations/deployments Increased sense of unit support Improved Quality of Life among unit families Increased readiness and retention Enhanced family resiliency How does the Air Force know that the Key Spouse program is working? Here are a few of the proven outcomes of their program. � Increased awareness of installation/community resources Identified and resolved issues at lowest levels Enhanced up/down information flow Prepared/supported families during separations/deployments Increased sense of unit support Improved Quality of Life among unit families Increased readiness and retention Enhanced family resiliency

6. You might ask, what is the significance of presenting this information on the Air Force (AF) Key Spouse program during a discussion on the Air Guard Key Volunteer program? That�s quite easy; the Key Volunteer Program evolved from the AF Key Spouse Program. All the items mentioned earlier, such as the need and proven outcomes, also apply to this program. � You might ask, what is the significance of presenting this information on the Air Force (AF) Key Spouse program during a discussion on the Air Guard Key Volunteer program? That�s quite easy; the Key Volunteer Program evolved from the AF Key Spouse Program. All the items mentioned earlier, such as the need and proven outcomes, also apply to this program. �

7. The Key Volunteer program is a commander�s program. But, the Key Volunteer does not work alone. In fact, they are but one member of a team whose goal it is to help build a communication bridge between the family members and the unit leadership. The exact composition and direction of the Unit Team is determined by the commander. Presented here is one model of what a Unit Team may look like. Let�s take a closer look at the role and responsibilities of each member. The Key Volunteer program is a commander�s program. But, the Key Volunteer does not work alone. In fact, they are but one member of a team whose goal it is to help build a communication bridge between the family members and the unit leadership. The exact composition and direction of the Unit Team is determined by the commander. Presented here is one model of what a Unit Team may look like. Let�s take a closer look at the role and responsibilities of each member.

8. The unit commander is the one who establishes and maintains the program. The commander has the responsibility of selecting, appointing and replacing the Key Volunteer. It is important for the commander to ensure the volunteer is given the support and resources to allow them to function. It is also vital to the program and its ability to move toward open communication that the commander encourages other spouses within the unit to participate in the program. The importance of the commander�s support cannot be understated. The unit commander is the one who establishes and maintains the program. The commander has the responsibility of selecting, appointing and replacing the Key Volunteer. It is important for the commander to ensure the volunteer is given the support and resources to allow them to function. It is also vital to the program and its ability to move toward open communication that the commander encourages other spouses within the unit to participate in the program. The importance of the commander�s support cannot be understated.

9. The commander�s spouse is strongly encouraged to be involved in the program and can play an important role. Part of that role includes trying to maintain a strategic focus on the program. In essence looking at the �Big Picture� and assisting with all activities. Some of the other responsibilities the commander�s spouse may assume include mentoring junior spouses, attending meetings and workshops, providing feedback, advocating unit concerns, encouraging spouse/family interactions with each other/unit, and recognizing the Key Volunteer contributions. Keep in mind, different units can vary in the levels of involvement regarding the role of the commander�s spouse. If the commander is not married, there may be a greater team involvement to ensure a strong program.The commander�s spouse is strongly encouraged to be involved in the program and can play an important role. Part of that role includes trying to maintain a strategic focus on the program. In essence looking at the �Big Picture� and assisting with all activities. Some of the other responsibilities the commander�s spouse may assume include mentoring junior spouses, attending meetings and workshops, providing feedback, advocating unit concerns, encouraging spouse/family interactions with each other/unit, and recognizing the Key Volunteer contributions. Keep in mind, different units can vary in the levels of involvement regarding the role of the commander�s spouse. If the commander is not married, there may be a greater team involvement to ensure a strong program.

10. The First Sergeant monitors the program and is the commander�s �go to� or primary point of contact for the Key Volunteer. He or she has the authority to address issues or concerns that arise. The First Sergeant serves as the link between the chain of command and the Key Volunteer. When planning and implementing activities for the unit or families, the First Sergeant includes the Key Volunteer in the process. Typically, the First Sergeant and Key Volunteer meet monthly or quarterly for updates. The Key Volunteer obtains administrative and logistical support, as well as access to rosters, from the First Sergeant. The First Sergeant monitors the program and is the commander�s �go to� or primary point of contact for the Key Volunteer. He or she has the authority to address issues or concerns that arise. The First Sergeant serves as the link between the chain of command and the Key Volunteer. When planning and implementing activities for the unit or families, the First Sergeant includes the Key Volunteer in the process. Typically, the First Sergeant and Key Volunteer meet monthly or quarterly for updates. The Key Volunteer obtains administrative and logistical support, as well as access to rosters, from the First Sergeant.

11. The Military POC is a uniformed member of the unit who can provide a visible presence for the efforts of the Family Readiness Program. Unlike the Key Volunteer, the Military POC is a uniformed peer of those in the unit and participates in all unit activities and functions. Military POCs are knowledgeable about military processes and can be a tremendous asset to the unit team as they go through the Family Readiness processes. The military POC serves as the �eyes and the ears� of the Key Volunteer Program, brings issues and concerns to the team and assists with event implementation. The POC also assists with contact calls to families, ensures access to updated rosters and recruitment of volunteers. You might think, these are some of the same activities performed by the First Sergeant. You are absolutely right. Typically the First Sergeant is not full-time, where the Military POC may very well be. So, in the absence of the First Sergeant, whether on temporary duty or deployed, the POC can be available to assist as needed. The Military POC is a uniformed member of the unit who can provide a visible presence for the efforts of the Family Readiness Program. Unlike the Key Volunteer, the Military POC is a uniformed peer of those in the unit and participates in all unit activities and functions. Military POCs are knowledgeable about military processes and can be a tremendous asset to the unit team as they go through the Family Readiness processes. The military POC serves as the �eyes and the ears� of the Key Volunteer Program, brings issues and concerns to the team and assists with event implementation. The POC also assists with contact calls to families, ensures access to updated rosters and recruitment of volunteers. You might think, these are some of the same activities performed by the First Sergeant. You are absolutely right. Typically the First Sergeant is not full-time, where the Military POC may very well be. So, in the absence of the First Sergeant, whether on temporary duty or deployed, the POC can be available to assist as needed.

12. The Office of the Airman & Family Readiness Program Manager (A&FRPM) is the main �go-to-agency� for the Key Volunteer Program. A&FRPMs provide oversight and assistance to the team by providing information and referral. Should serve as a liaison, resource provider and interpreter of the efforts. Another important role is as the coordinator for Key Volunteer training, as well as other continuing education and training opportunities. The Office of the Airman & Family Readiness Program Manager (A&FRPM) is the main �go-to-agency� for the Key Volunteer Program. A&FRPMs provide oversight and assistance to the team by providing information and referral. Should serve as a liaison, resource provider and interpreter of the efforts. Another important role is as the coordinator for Key Volunteer training, as well as other continuing education and training opportunities.

13. Now, last but not least, is the Key Volunteer. This individual is considered a force multiplier��.a factor that increases the effectiveness of the force and enhances the probability of completing the mission successfully. The primary role for the Key Volunteer, as stated earlier, is to serve as a link between the unit leadership and families. In essence, to the families, they are the face of unit leadership. For the leadership, the Key Volunteer is the face of the families. � The Key Volunteer must be or become knowledgeable of the Family Readiness program, cycles of deployment, information and referral resources and the unit�s Chain of Command. Another important aspect of this position is to serve as a role model for all other spouses and family members within the unit. The Key Volunteer needs to lead by example, using their experience as a family member to help others benefit. Being a peer to the family members provides them with a sense of the needs and types of support required during deployments and times of crisis. It allows them to establish a spouse or family member buddy system faster than if they were military. Now, last but not least, is the Key Volunteer. This individual is considered a force multiplier��.a factor that increases the effectiveness of the force and enhances the probability of completing the mission successfully. The primary role for the Key Volunteer, as stated earlier, is to serve as a link between the unit leadership and families. In essence, to the families, they are the face of unit leadership. For the leadership, the Key Volunteer is the face of the families. � The Key Volunteer must be or become knowledgeable of the Family Readiness program, cycles of deployment, information and referral resources and the unit�s Chain of Command. Another important aspect of this position is to serve as a role model for all other spouses and family members within the unit. The Key Volunteer needs to lead by example, using their experience as a family member to help others benefit. Being a peer to the family members provides them with a sense of the needs and types of support required during deployments and times of crisis. It allows them to establish a spouse or family member buddy system faster than if they were military.

14. Probably the most important role the Key Volunteer plays is as a communicator. They establish an up and down flow of information, serving as the conduit between the leadership and the families. To realize this, the Key Volunteer must be visible and accessible. Some of the ways they can accomplish this is by welcoming families and cultivating relationships within the unit; actively participating in unit hails and farewells, squadron functions, spouses group functions and other readiness meetings; establishing contact with all unit families; incoming families and deployed members� families; and, attending scheduled meetings with the unit commander and or first sergeant and provides feedback regarding family readiness issues. � Once the communication link is established, then the Key Volunteer can more easily provide information and referral assistance to families in crisis; troubleshoot issues and report back to families and or/unit team; and, serve as a vital link to deployed members and their families. Along with this are some other important responsibilities, such as keeping current rosters/database of unit family members; tracking and maintaining a unit family call log; recording actions taken and providing feedback regarding family readiness issues; and, tracking & reporting trends that affect family readiness which they can share with the unit leadership � Other ancillary duties may include providing newsletter input and distributing it to families; recording volunteer hours and information on a data spreadsheet; and, performing other unit-related duties as determined by the unit leadership. � � Probably the most important role the Key Volunteer plays is as a communicator. They establish an up and down flow of information, serving as the conduit between the leadership and the families. To realize this, the Key Volunteer must be visible and accessible. Some of the ways they can accomplish this is by welcoming families and cultivating relationships within the unit; actively participating in unit hails and farewells, squadron functions, spouses group functions and other readiness meetings; establishing contact with all unit families; incoming families and deployed members� families; and, attending scheduled meetings with the unit commander and or first sergeant and provides feedback regarding family readiness issues. � Once the communication link is established, then the Key Volunteer can more easily provide information and referral assistance to families in crisis; troubleshoot issues and report back to families and or/unit team; and, serve as a vital link to deployed members and their families. Along with this are some other important responsibilities, such as keeping current rosters/database of unit family members; tracking and maintaining a unit family call log; recording actions taken and providing feedback regarding family readiness issues; and, tracking & reporting trends that affect family readiness which they can share with the unit leadership � Other ancillary duties may include providing newsletter input and distributing it to families; recording volunteer hours and information on a data spreadsheet; and, performing other unit-related duties as determined by the unit leadership. � �

15. 15 Some of the most likely prime candidates for the role of Key Volunteer may include spouses, parents, grandparents, retirees, significant others and community members. � Qualities the commander might want to look for in the candidates include someone who: � Communicates and listens very well Demonstrates a professional demeanor and is dependable Is outgoing, friendly and self-confident Is passionate, energetic and has time to do the job Has integrity and standards (display good judgment, be reliable, display a positive attitude Can follow directions Understands the chain of command and displays loyalty to the leadership Some of the most likely prime candidates for the role of Key Volunteer may include spouses, parents, grandparents, retirees, significant others and community members. � Qualities the commander might want to look for in the candidates include someone who: � Communicates and listens very well Demonstrates a professional demeanor and is dependable Is outgoing, friendly and self-confident Is passionate, energetic and has time to do the job Has integrity and standards (display good judgment, be reliable, display a positive attitude Can follow directions Understands the chain of command and displays loyalty to the leadership

16. 18 As a reminder, some of the things Key Volunteers are NOT include: � Counselors - the Key Volunteer must recognize when a situation requires a referral and to be careful not to take ownership of an issue. This is especially important if it is a crisis or emergency, such as a mental health issue which may require immediate referral Babysitters, taxi drivers, fundraisers, gossips Working alone - the work of a Key Volunteer is through a team effort. Assistance and support must be present from the unit leadership for them to be successful To assume leadership authority - although the Key Volunteer may be given great latitude in how he/she perform his/her responsibilities, it must be clear that he/she cannot make decisions regarding the direction of the program or implementation of the program. That is the commander role As a reminder, some of the things Key Volunteers are NOT include: � Counselors - the Key Volunteer must recognize when a situation requires a referral and to be careful not to take ownership of an issue. This is especially important if it is a crisis or emergency, such as a mental health issue which may require immediate referral Babysitters, taxi drivers, fundraisers, gossips Working alone - the work of a Key Volunteer is through a team effort. Assistance and support must be present from the unit leadership for them to be successful To assume leadership authority - although the Key Volunteer may be given great latitude in how he/she perform his/her responsibilities, it must be clear that he/she cannot make decisions regarding the direction of the program or implementation of the program. That is the commander role

17. 16 Keeping in mind that the Key Volunteer Program is a commander�s program, it is the responsibility of the commander to select the Key Volunteer. In some cases, the First Sergeant or Military POC may assist in the process. Exactly how this process is conducted is up to the commander. Typically, candidates are interviewed with one being selected as the Key Volunteer. The commitment or term of appointment is determined by the commander, but usually is for a minimum of 1 year. � Other responsibilities of the commander in regards to the Key Volunteer also include replacing them once their commitment is up and dismissing them if they violate confidentiality issues or fail to perform to the standard as set by the commander. One other important responsibility of the commander is to establish a recognition program to help retain excellent Key Volunteers. Keeping in mind that the Key Volunteer Program is a commander�s program, it is the responsibility of the commander to select the Key Volunteer. In some cases, the First Sergeant or Military POC may assist in the process. Exactly how this process is conducted is up to the commander. Typically, candidates are interviewed with one being selected as the Key Volunteer. The commitment or term of appointment is determined by the commander, but usually is for a minimum of 1 year. � Other responsibilities of the commander in regards to the Key Volunteer also include replacing them once their commitment is up and dismissing them if they violate confidentiality issues or fail to perform to the standard as set by the commander. One other important responsibility of the commander is to establish a recognition program to help retain excellent Key Volunteers.

18. 17 As a final note about Key Volunteers, keep in mind that first and foremost they are: Volunteers - Therefore, be respectful of their time and limitations Trained - although they must be knowledgeable of the Family Readiness Program and the deployment aspects of the unit, additional training should always be considered and budgeted Active - whether it is in the community or within the Family Readiness program Visible - this helps them gain credibility with both the unit leadership as well as with the families Accessible - to be effective, the Key Volunteer must be available and be willing to respond when needed Team Player - more things can get accomplished when individuals work well with others, share ideas and experiences to ensure success of the program Conduit of information - as an official representative of the unit, they must willingly share accurate and timely information up and down the chain. This will help create self sufficient and self assured spouses and family members. As a final note about Key Volunteers, keep in mind that first and foremost they are: Volunteers - Therefore, be respectful of their time and limitations Trained - although they must be knowledgeable of the Family Readiness Program and the deployment aspects of the unit, additional training should always be considered and budgeted Active - whether it is in the community or within the Family Readiness program Visible - this helps them gain credibility with both the unit leadership as well as with the families Accessible - to be effective, the Key Volunteer must be available and be willing to respond when needed Team Player - more things can get accomplished when individuals work well with others, share ideas and experiences to ensure success of the program Conduit of information - as an official representative of the unit, they must willingly share accurate and timely information up and down the chain. This will help create self sufficient and self assured spouses and family members.

19. End Outcome Open Communication Unit/Member/Family Cohesion Unit/Member/Family Readiness A sense of belonging Resiliency for ALL!! As a final note about Key Volunteers, keep in mind that first and foremost they are: Volunteers - Therefore, be respectful of their time and limitations Trained - although they must be knowledgeable of the Family Readiness Program and the deployment aspects of the unit, additional training should always be considered and budgeted Active - whether it is in the community or within the Family Readiness program Visible - this helps them gain credibility with both the unit leadership as well as with the families Accessible - to be effective, the Key Volunteer must be available and be willing to respond when needed Team Player - more things can get accomplished when individuals work well with others, share ideas and experiences to ensure success of the program Conduit of information - as an official representative of the unit, they must willingly share accurate and timely information up and down the chain. This will help create self sufficient and self assured spouses and family members. As a final note about Key Volunteers, keep in mind that first and foremost they are: Volunteers - Therefore, be respectful of their time and limitations Trained - although they must be knowledgeable of the Family Readiness Program and the deployment aspects of the unit, additional training should always be considered and budgeted Active - whether it is in the community or within the Family Readiness program Visible - this helps them gain credibility with both the unit leadership as well as with the families Accessible - to be effective, the Key Volunteer must be available and be willing to respond when needed Team Player - more things can get accomplished when individuals work well with others, share ideas and experiences to ensure success of the program Conduit of information - as an official representative of the unit, they must willingly share accurate and timely information up and down the chain. This will help create self sufficient and self assured spouses and family members.