National Commander Commentary

AnnMarie Hurley, Auxiliary National Commander

Engaged juniors make for a strong Auxiliary

In her book “Atlas of the Heart,” Brené Brown uses nautical terms to describe the unfortunately common sense of disconnection we feel in our modern lives. We are adrift and constantly searching the horizon for the nearest shore.

“The anchor we are searching for,” she writes, “is connection.”

This sense of isolation and lack of meaning is felt acutely in our young people. They’ve been raised with readily available answers to many questions, tech solutions for boredom, and a seemingly safe and manicured path from childhood to adulthood. Still, they are reeling from a pandemic-enhanced epidemic of loneliness that is leading to anxiety, depression and worse.

While there are no easy answers, Brown’s powerful metaphor at least provides an outline of the problem. There is an innate, human need for connection.

Not long ago, I saw a beautiful display of connection in a unit meeting in Ohio. Juniors from the unit passed out programs, escorted officers to and from the head table to give their reports, and were included in myriad ways throughout the meeting. It was wonderful to witness, and you could feel the warmth of the junior members who felt the pride of being an integral part of something. There isn’t an app that could replicate what we all felt in that room.

Seeing the ways that connection with these junior members energized that meeting really drove home the dual importance of their inclusion. It’s important for the DAV Auxiliary and for these young individuals. Each is invested in the health and well-being of the other.

For juniors, the first step is Auxiliary membership, which is available for children through age 17. They are eligible for membership through a family member who is an Auxiliary member or who served in the military and was not dishonorably discharged. This membership is complimentary and expires on the day they turn 18 years of age. Remember that privacy laws require a parent or legal guardian signature for all junior members.

Once they are on board, the real work begins. At our core, all Auxiliary leaders, members and supporters know that youth engagement is required if we want to keep our beloved organization relevant and healthy. Juniors are our future, and we must invest energy and creativity to find ways to express this appreciation.

Each of us is writing the script for the DAV Auxiliary long after we are gone. Don’t allow Auxiliary junior members to drift. Bring them in, find ways to get them active, and enjoy what they bring to our organization.

If you want to find out more about the Auxiliary National Commander, you can find her biography here.