Community Covenant “A heartfelt “thank you” to the Town of Chelmsford and the surrounding area. Our friends, co- workers, neighbors, and fellow townspeople went above and beyond all hopes and expectations to make sure we were taken care of [during my spouse’s deployment]. Please know that our time in Chelmsford will hold a warm and truly memorable place in our hearts, reinforce our faith in community, and will make our service to our great country all the more worthwhile.” Military Family, Chelmsford, Mass. A Community Covenant community since 2010

Service members, veterans and their Families continue to face stress associated with 10 years of persistent conflict Many face the challenge of finding jobs, reintegration, transition, economic challenges and/or dealing with the visible and invisible wounds of war Armed Services operate under a new fiscal reality as the Nation faces difficult economic times Many military and veteran Families, especially those not living on or near an installation, often turn to local communities and organizations for support Community support is a vital component of resilience Operating Environment 2

Foundation of the Community Covenant In 2008, the Army launched the Community Covenant program to foster, strengthen, and sustain effective state and community partnerships with the Army Initiated with communities near installations; expanded to support geographically dispersed Army inspired, but communities extended commitment to all Service Members, Veterans and their Families Initial focus was on celebration/appreciation of support; current focus is on tangible outcomes Rallying communities to support their local Veteran and Military Families Rallying communities to support their local Veteran and Military Families 3

What is the Community Covenant? 4 The Community Covenant is a platform to inspire and build community support for local military and veteran Families It is tailored to the local level according to the needs of local service members, veterans, and their Families based on community capabilities The covenant brings together all aspects of a community that want to support service members, veterans, and their Families to encourage coordinated, collaborative support. Representatives from local government, non-profit organizations, veteran service organizations, faith- based groups, education officials, chambers of commerce, legal and law enforcement, and private citizens, etc. are all welcome Outcome: coordinated, collaborative, connected local support

How to Start a Community Covenant Joining Community Forces! 5 In general, community defined by geographic area Understand the Community Covenant and the desired outcome Explain the Community Covenant and inspire local support for the concept Identify a local Community Covenant lead Every community is unique This is not about asking for more support, but about coordinating, retooling, or inspiring collaboration/support The Community Covenant is not a fundraising platform Appreciation is paramount!

Community Covenant Planning Process Community Covenant is more than a signing ceremony 6 Identify/contact current and potential supporting organizations and citizens Establish an initial Community Covenant committee meeting Introductions and initial discussion about building collaborative, coordinated efforts to support local military and veteran Families Begin vision and mission statements Initiate Community Covenant signing ceremony planning Set next meeting date and next steps

Community Covenant Signing A public, non-binding pledge to support local VMF 7 Ideally, Community Covenant signing ceremonies are community hosted Venus vary – office setting to an existing large community event Community Covenant committee determines invitees/signatories Communities may chose to use a standard document or develop their own Covenant Signing ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate support and provide communities/organizations to do more

Community Covenant Results Community Covenant is more than a signing ceremony 8 Ideally the Community Covenant will result in a self-sustaining network of support for all local military and veteran Families This network will be community led and will support based on locally identified needs and community capabilities providing coordinated, comprehensive support. The community lead becomes a local support coordinator and an advocate for local military Families.

Community Covenant is more than a signing ceremony 9 Community Covenant In Action! College and job fairs Veteran Service Center Adopt-A-Unit/Soldier (and their Family) Veteran mentor program between older and younger veterans Faith-based organizations host retreats for Military Families School districts enable parents to self-identify their children as “military children” Community utility abatement program for Families of deployed Employers implement military-friendly policies and procedures A community corps of volunteers provides grassroots support Military child support programs within schools

Community Covenant Tips Community Covenant is more than a signing ceremony 10 Cost is usually minimal and paid for by the community – combine with established community event Coordination, connecting, retooling, collaboration and inspiring additional support if needed. It is not about solicitation/fundraising! Communicate available support and success is important – tell the story! Newspapers, TV, newsletters, word of mouth. Invite media to the signing to raise awareness. The Community Covenant is non-political and non-partisan – all are welcomed to support

11 The strength of our Nation is our Army; the strength of our Army is our Soldiers; the strength of our Soldiers is our Families. The strength of our Soldiers and Families is supported by the strength of the community; employers, educators, civic leaders, faith leaders, business professionals and concerned citizens. This is what makes us Army Strong.