HISTORIAN /MEDIA RELATIONS

Historian & Media Relations — VFW Auxiliary

VFW Auxiliary · Historian & Media Relations

Historian & Media Relations Program

The Historian & Media Relations Program encompasses memory keeping and collecting the five Ws: the who-what-where-when-and-why of an Auxiliary. Members involved with this program compile and chronicle memories and events in written format, photographs, memorabilia and print news/video clips. They also spread the word about our valuable National Programs and share how we are making a positive impact in the lives of veterans, service members and their families in thousands of communities across the country.

Resources

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Tips for an Active Auxiliary Facebook Page Best practices

When it comes to social media, not all platforms are created equal. However, Facebook is a must — especially if you do not have an Auxiliary, District or Department website! Most social media experts suggest you post at least once or twice per day to Facebook. It can be overwhelming — especially with all the other responsibilities and duties you have. Below are best practices and helpful tips to keep your page active and awesome!

  • Assign multiple administrators
    Have two or three people in your Auxiliary, District or Department be an Administrator (ex: President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, Secretary, Historian, a social media savvy member, etc.).
  • Upload a great Cover Photo and Profile Picture
    Cover Photo: Horizontal (across). Pick a photo that was originally horizontal.
    Profile Picture: Square. Pick a photo that was originally square. Tip: Do not use a photo of your President as the profile picture.
  • Review the "About” section
    Address of the Auxiliary, District or Department (NOT your personal address)
    Phone number of the Post, District or Department
    Email of the Auxiliary, District or Department
    Website of the Auxiliary, District or Department (if applicable)
    Company Overview
    Story
  • Facebook Web Address (unique URL)
    Know your Auxiliary, District or Department’s Facebook URL (ex: https://www.facebook.com/VFWAuxiliary).
    Tip: Add the Facebook web address to all communication. Include a hyperlink in your email signature; list it in newsletters, promotionals, dues notices, etc.
  • Have a Plan (and schedule posts)
    Think about everything going on in the next three months and develop a plan/schedule for posts. List events, meetings, etc. on a calendar so you can see what’s coming up. You can even schedule posts in advance to save time.
    What to Post:
    • Stories of how members/Auxiliaries in your Department are making a difference (photos/videos are a must).
    • Member of the Week/Month (highlight a member each week/month).
    • Question/Conversation starter (reply and "like” comments!).
    • Event promotion (create an event page members can share).
    • Photos of events that took place.
    • Links to Department forms, program book, etc.
    • Share posts from: National Headquarters, VFW National Headquarters, VFW National Home for Children.
Bottom line:

Maintaining an active and awesome Auxiliary Facebook page can seem overwhelming, but having multiple administrators, developing a plan and scheduling posts in advance will help this method of communication and publicity become easier.

Suggested Facebook Posts for Member Recruitment Copy & paste

Click Copy on any post below, then paste it into Facebook. You can personalize with your Auxiliary name, location, and events.

Post #1
If you’re not a member of our organization and are a relative of someone who served overseas in a location of foreign conflict, we invite you to join us as we work to improve the lives of veterans, service members, their families and our communities. Join us and honor your veteran and those who protect and serve. Click here to join now or learn more! www.vfwauxiliary.org
 
Post #2
Help veterans and service members in our community! If you are a relative of someone who served in a location of foreign conflict, we invite you to join us and honor your veteran and those who protect and serve. Click here to join now or learn more! www.vfwauxiliary.org
 
Post #3
You may know I am a member of the VFW Auxiliary, but do you know what our great organization does to help veterans in our community? We visit veterans in VA hospitals, nursing homes and veterans homes. We lay wreaths on the graves of America’s heroes on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We visit schools and educate our town’s youth about patriotism and the American Flag. And, we offer scholarships! These are just some of the ways the VFW Auxiliary is active in our local community. If you’re a relative of a veteran who served in a location of foreign conflict and are interested in joining me in any of these activities, contact me and I’ll be happy to speak with you about my involvement in the VFW Auxiliary. You may also visit the national website at www.vfwauxiliary.org.
 
Post #4
The VFW Auxiliary wants YOU to join us as we serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. If you’re the relative of someone who served in a location of foreign conflict, we invite you to learn more about what we do and how we help veterans, service members, their families and our communities. Click here to find out more about the VFW Auxiliary today! www.vfwauxiliary.org
 
Post #5
The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who served in a location of foreign conflict. We have nearly 470,000 members representing all 50 states who volunteer millions of hours and give millions of dollars to support veterans, military service personnel and their families. We are a voice for veterans on Capitol Hill and are instrumental in assisting the VFW pass or block legislation that impacts veterans and their families. We are one of the top 10 providers of volunteer hours in the VA medical system. Every year, members fundraise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans and their families. We also provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for our nation’s youth. With more than 3,600 Auxiliaries, there is likely one in your area working to improve the lives of America’s uncommon heroes. Learn more at www.vfwauxiliary.org.