1 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” 1 Canadian Air Division RCAF Family Sponsor Program: Concept and Info Brief 29 Aug 2015

2 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Discussion Points Program Vision Concept Building Community Current vs. Proposed Models Structure and Functionality Benefits Challenges What the Family Sponsor Program is NOT MFRC Role

3 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Program Vision Unit-based, leadership driven peer support for families Family-centric, community-based approach to communications, information and referral Proactive vs. Reactive – Quickly resolve or avoid issues by improving connectivity Enhanced Unit-level Family communication network Increased Family Resiliency and Unit Morale Inspired by USAF “Key Spouses” Program

4 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Concept Every RCAF Unit/Sqn will recruit volunteer family mbrs willing to “sponsor” new families Sponsors will: – Facilitate integration of family into both unit & local community – Provide local info and resources referrals relevant to family’s individual circumstances Open communication b/w Unit Sponsor Coord & Comd Team to encourage info flow to families Designed to allow for extension of sponsorship concept to include family deployment and/or separation support 1 Canadian Air Division4

5 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Current Model Family Member Leadership/Chain of Command Fam Sp Partners Community for Member Community for Family

6 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Family Sponsor Model Fam Sp Partners Leadership/Chain of Command Family Member Family Sponsor Community for Member and Family Other CF Families Other CF Families

7 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Structure and Functionality Each Wing will have Military Fam Sponsor Coord who will assist with local Pgm oversight Each Sqn/Unit will have a Mil Rep and Unit Fam Sponsor Coord (volunteer), as well as a corps of volunteer Fam Sponsors Unit Fam Sponsor Coord will contact new families and offer “Fam Sponsor” within one week of receipt of posting message Unit Fam Sponsor Coords will have direct line of communication with Command Team

8 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Structure and Functionality (Cont’d) Families will be able to “Opt-out” at any time Volunteers will receive initial Trg and annual refresher Trg (as required) Trg material developed and provided by FST and delivered locally in partnership w/MFRCs

9 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Benefits Improved posting experience/minimal family support challenges Leadership Engagement Opportunity Enhanced sense of belonging to RCAF/CAF Family Improved connectivity with & between families Enhanced awareness of and access to existing Fam Sp Pgms Improved Local Needs Assessments Enhanced Fam resiliency - help families support operational readiness/effectiveness of Mbr

10 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” Challenges Strong, Consistent Leadership Engagement Essential Wing Level Coordination High Quality Trg Materials – Up-to-date – Comprehensive – Relevant (nationally and locally) Ongoing volunteer recruitment Clear understanding of Sponsor roles and boundaries

11 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” The Family Sponsor Program is NOT: An “issued” or forced friend Intended to provide answers or solutions to all your “posting in” problems Designed to replace the valuable role of the MFRC and other Fam Sp partners A crisis intervention service/help-line A party planning committee An exclusive club 1 Canadian Air Division11

12 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” MFRC Roles Identify MFRC POC for linkage with local Wing/Sqn/Unit Sponsor Coordinators Actively participate in Fam Sponsor Trg sessions Provide pertinent local Fam Sp information and/or materials Assist with identification of suitable Trg space

13 «Voler en formation»“Flying in Formation” 1 Canadian Air Division