VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Chairman’s Manual - Revised as of 1/30/17

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Aran

VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Chairman’s Manual (revised 1/30/17) guides program chairmen on key responsibilities and how to lead effective community outreach. It explains the chairman’s role as the Post’s liaison to schools, community leaders, military personnel, government officials, civic groups, media, and fellow veterans. It details reporting duties, organizational skills, volunteer and record management, and promotion steps for both competitions. It also outlines scholarship and essay contest structures, timelines, and award opportunities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

The Role of the Chairman

You Are the Point Person

Reporting Your Activities

Master Organizational Skills

VFW Scholarships

Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

Promote the Programs

Your Commitment

VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AND PATRIOT’S PEN CHAIRMAN’S MANUAL Revised as of 1/30/17 The Role of the Chairman VFW’s chairmen do more than just plan projects to improve their communities. They also recruit volunteers, build relationships with community leaders, organize partnerships with civic groups , and promote the VFW. You Are the Point Person A program chairman should understand one important fact right from the outset: You are the Post’s point man in your community. As chairman you will be your Post’s liaison to: 􀁸 school teachers and administrators 􀁸 community leaders 􀁸 local military personnel 􀁸 city government officials 􀁸 members of civic groups 􀁸 members of the media 􀁸 your fellow veterans Seek out these new relationships. When it comes time to recruit volunteers or you need specialized expertise for Post projects, these community contacts will prove invaluable. Project an outgoing, friendly personality. Speak positively about your Post, your community and your projects. Articulate your thoughts and plans clearly, concisely and coherently. Remember, you represent not only your Post, but the entire VFW organization as well. Reporting Your Activities You may have heard it said that “the job’s not over until the paperwork is done!” That is especially true of VFW Programs. Chairman must report their Post activities in their respective areas at least twice each year. Check with your respective Department chairman to learn what should be reported and in what form. Documentation of your programmatic efforts is the thing that ensures the VFW’s reputation and our notfor-profit status. Master Organizational Skills As chairman, your talents must be varied. Consequently, your organizational skills should be fully developed. Some of your specific duties include: 􀁸 recruiting and maintaining a pool of active volunteers 􀁸 identifying and initiating programs needed in your community 􀁸 motivating your Post members, community volunteers and sponsors involved in your various projects 􀁸 recognizing your volunteers efforts 􀁸 organizing and maintaining records, photos and newspaper clippings the document your activities 􀁸 reporting to your Department chairman the volunteer hours, dollars donated by VFW, VFW Auxiliary, Cooties, and Men’s Auxiliary members and other information requested. Through the contacts you’ve developed in your community, cooperate with other civic or fraternal groups. They may already be involved in community service programs you would like to undertake, or they may be eager to help with projects that you’ve planned. Also identify resources at your Post, talk with members and find out what special skills or hobbies they may have. VFW Scholarships At the turn of the 20th century, the founders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars created an organization that would honor and serve veterans and perpetuate the values and ideals for which those veterans had served. Although men of vision, it is doubtful they could imagine the millions of Americans impacted today by the VFW’s youth, scholarship and recognition programs. Every year, tens of thousands of students nationwide participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3 million in scholarships , awards, and incentives. Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest Patriot’s Pen gives 6th, 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for awards and prizes. Cumulatively, the awards provided from all levels of the competition total $1.2 million each year. Each first place Department (state) winner competes for $54 ,500 in award money at the national level with the first place national winner receiving $5,000 and a trip to Washington, DC. Each state winner will receive at least $500 at the national level. Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition The National Association

FAQs

What responsibilities does a VFW chairman have beyond planning community projects?

A chairman recruits volunteers, builds relationships with community leaders, organizes partnerships with civic groups, and promotes the VFW organization.

How often must chairmen report their Post activities, and what is the purpose of reporting?

Chairmen must report their Post activities at least twice each year. Documentation supports the VFW’s reputation and its nonprofit status.

What are the main differences between Patriot’s Pen and the Voice of Democracy programs?

Patriot’s Pen lets 6th–8th grade students express opinions on a patriotic theme and compete for awards. Voice of Democracy is for high school students to write and record an audio essay for college scholarships and incentives.

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Aran