Sponsorship Training

Why Have a Sponsor n Relocation can be: 4 Mentally demanding 4 Emotionally demanding 4 Expensive 4 Time-consuming n Sponsor’s assistance can make all the difference! 4 Good sponsor can greatly ease the anxiety and stress that comes with relocating

Impacts n Operational Readiness 4 Minimizes member’s (and family members) concerns about PCS move; 4 More focus on new assignment n Well Being 4 Dramatically decreases anxiety of many ‘unknowns’ for member and family members; 4 Enhances satisfaction with assignment 4 Retention factor - the little things add up!

Purpose of Sponsor n To provide member and family 4 Realistic expectations; 4 Basic guidance; 4 Samples and suggestions 4 Ease of transition to new area n Sponsor can do wonders for a member’s first impression of new command n Can have a positive or a negative experience

Positive or Negative Effect n “An extremely disappointing experience! Questions such as ‘Should I bring my household goods or car?’ were left unanswered. Of course, this is not something you want to complain about to a new command.” n “Several sponsors were assigned due to deployments; therefore sponsor assistance was a hit or a miss! n “I like the idea of having a driver come to the airport with a large van; I really believe the sponsor should ride along to meet you and ensure you have the monies available for the transportation, etc. My sponsor did sell us a couple of transformers but was on leave a couple of weeks just after we arrived. We had to learn mostly through trial and error!

Positive or Negative Effect n “My sponsor helped me with ‘as smooth of a transition’ as I could imagine! I felt comfortable moving here with all questions answered! n “Needless to say, I was extremely nervous making this huge adjustment. My sponsor did an outstanding job ‘showing me the ropes’. I have no complaints! n “Sponsor was there to greet me upon my arrival and assisted me in getting settled into TLA and orientation, the base and surrounding area. Sponsor also invited me over for dinner which made me feel very welcomed. I felt my sponsor went above and beyond what was expected of him and I am really appreciative!

Positive or Negative Effect n “My sponsor transferred back to the states and was unable to assist me at all! n “My sponsor was TDY upon my arrival. He did a pretty good job with initial contact and answering some questions; but I was pretty much left on my own when I arrived! n “I was given the name of my sponsor which I now can’t remember. I had made an initial phone call to my sponsor but never did receive a return call. Needless to say, our experience was mostly 100% D.I.Y. (do it yourself). If anyone knows or can determine who our sponsor was, we’d love to know! n “I would not recommend my sponsor to sponsor anyone else! I was left to find and do almost everything for myself!

Positive or Negative Effect n “My sponsor waited at Gatwick for 4 hours due to my flight being delayed. She met my family and I with a friendly smile, ready to assist in any way. She took us to the hotel, NEX and bank before ensuring we had everything we needed. She gave us her phone number and picked me up the next morning for work. My wife and I were very pleased with her professionalism. n “My sponsor communicated with me as soon as my orders were issued via telephone. He then communicated with me via on a daily basis; then sent letters to my family and I. Upon arriving in London, he had my family and I over for dinner at his home. The following day, he took us on a tour of his own town and other surrounding areas. He was the best sponsor I ever had in 20 years of Navy service.

Objectives and Strategies n Objective Ensure newcomers arrive feeling like members of the new team 4 Ensure newcomers and their families have a positive first impression n Strategy 4 Provide proactive assistance to newcomers and their families 4 Pave the way for a smooth transition from losing to gaining command

The Ideal Sponsor n Sponsor selection: 4 Grade level equivalent 4 Marital status n Single n Single parent n Married n Married with children 4 Not going TDY or PCSing 4

Tactics n Assess the needs of the newcomer and family n Be proactive - make the initial contact; n Be helpful and sincere - listen n Be responsive but honest 4 If you don’t know the answer; indicate you will find out and get back n Meet the needs of member (and family) 4 Get your family involved n Information base - final decisions rest with member

ACS Can Help n SITES at any installation worldwide or on the web n Welcome Packets n ACS Web Site n Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) n Information and Referral

Pre-Arrival Stage n Make initial contact with member within two days 4 works best 4 Make sure to keep command in loop! n Send out Welcome Packet 4 See ACS 4 Letter with full name, home and local addresses, home and work phones & fax numbers 4 Unit information (include web site; if available) on mission, work hours, uniform, duty hours, etc. 4 Write the letter as if you were sending it to a friend 4 Newcomers Needs Assessment Checklist

Special Needs Groups n Dual Career Military Families n Single Parent Families n Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) Program n Single Personnel

Dual Career Military Families n Child Care facilities (military and civilian) availability n Schools with extended day (hour) programs n Certified family home child care n 24-hour child care availability n Family Care Plans

Single Parent Families n Child Care resources on base; in the housing area, and in the local community n Schools with extended day(hour) programs n Other single parents on base

Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) n Info on medical care/TRICARE n Child care resources on base and in the community for children with special needs n Support groups n EFMP Clinic

Single Personnel n BOSS Program n Recreation facilities available n Athletic programs n Barracks life n Social activities n Education programs n Volunteer programs

Miscellaneous Topics to Cover n Spouse Employment Contacts n Where to send mail n

Arrival Stage n Orient Newcomer to Local Area 4 Show newcomer installation facilities n PX, Commissary, Darling Hall n Fitness center, clinics, chapel 4 Show where you live; where you shop, etc 4 Show major shopping areas and landmarks n Accompany Newcomer to In-processing 4 Introduce to supervisor and co-workers 4 Check-in with Housing Office 4 Check-in with Personal Property 4 Take newcomer to banks, post office, etc.

Post Arrival Stage 4 Invite newcomer to your home 4 Include spouse and children in sponsor process 4 Have them over for dinner 4 Assist in house hunting 4 They may need transportation to get to commissary, house hunting, etc 4 When household goods arrive; offer to babysit any children so member and spouse can focus on getting house situated 4 Assist with registering a vehicle 4