Legislative Article for August

Do you know what Action Corps is? Have you signed up to receive the Action Corps newsletter? How do you sign up? What happens when I sign up? Why should I sign up? Who can sign up? Wow, so many questions. Let’s get those questions answered for you right way.

"The VFW Action Corps is an online grassroots advocacy network.” But Terri, what does "grassroots advocacy” even mean? That is exactly where we will start.

Grassroots advocacy is a form of citizen participation that is aimed at influencing government decisions and policies. When citizens write, call or email lawmakers in Washington DC and voice their opinions or express their desire for or against certain legislation, that is grassroots advocacy in action.

We know that the VFW and its Auxiliary are all about helping service members, veterans and their families. Action Corps is a tool that we can use to learn about legislative issues concerning our veterans and collectively make our voices heard in Washington DC.

Signing up for Action Corps is very simple to do and there are a few ways you can do it. The quickest and easiest way is to use the QR code here. Just scan it with your cellphone camera. When the link pops up, just click on the link and fill out your information. You can also just send a text message, "VFW” to 50457. You will receive a test message back with the link to sign up. You can do it the good old fashion way and type, vfw.org/JOINACTIONCORPS in your browser and sign up that way.

When you sign up for Action Corps you will receive the Action Corps weekly newsletter. It comes out every Monday and is sent to the email address that you used when you signed up. Take a look at every Monday and see what legislation the VFW is focusing on. You will also be able to use their database to quickly and easily get access to the contact information for your legislators so you will be able to call, write or email them.

Periodically, you will receive a "Call to Action” email or "Action Alert”. Those are especially important to read. It is the VFW’s way of letting us know that they need us to lift our voices for or against a certain piece of legislation. It is time for us to take action. They make it easy for us to do that by including an already drafted letter that you can sign electronically and email to your senators or congress people. If you really want to make an impact you can edit the letter, especially in the first few paragraphs to make it more personal to yourself, your veteran or your family.

Anyone can sign up for Action Corps. Get your friends and family members to sign up. Anyone that cares about veterans' legislative issues and wants to have their voices heard in regard to government policies affecting veterans.

The VFW has made it quick, easy and readily available for everyone who cares about our service members, veterans and their families. Make your voices heard on capitol hill. Use the best tool for the job. Action Corps.

Don’t forget to write a report and send it in to me when you sign up or when you sign someone else up. The first 5 people to send me a report will receive a surprise in the mail. Make sure you include your address in your email so I can send it to you.

I hope this helps you understand how important and useful Action Corps is. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I am always here to help.