Janaia DeShields VP, Veterans and Military Programs Points of Light

Community Blueprint Points of Light VISION: One day, all people will discover their power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. MISSION: We inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. What is the Community Blueprint? It is the coalition of organizations designed to share tools and resources to better serve the veteran community at the local level

History In 2010, an “America Joins Forces with Military Families” retreat was held at the White Oak Plantation in Florida. 55 attendees = NPOs, VSOs, government agencies, faith-based groups and Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense offices. Discussed the challenges facing the military and their families and how to more effectively together to address these needs. Recognized community efforts to address issues but also identified gaps in services and a duplication of efforts Communities were not working together. At the conclusion of the White Oak retreat, the idea of creating a blueprint for communities was formed. Leaders in the room vowed to work collectively to develop this “Community Blueprint.”

TOOLBOX Best Practices to address community concerns How to Increase/Harness Volunteerism within the Military Community How to Support Financial/Legal Problems of Military/Vet Families NETWORK Organizations committed to engaging veterans to build stronger communities How to Improve Mental Health within the Military Community How to Convene Leaders to Identify Gaps How to Improve Veteran and Military Child Education How to Reduce Veteran Homelessness How to Reduce Veteran Unemployment

Why Collaborating and sharing of information increases the impact made in communities Mobilizing peer-to-peer networks reinforces camaraderie and selfless service-- values of the military culture Demonstrate how veterans and their families are civic assets and leaders in the community Convene Activate Solve

Where are we?

Veteran Leader Corps “Without VLC members, it would be very hard to move the mission or policies forward that make Illinois one of the best places for veterans to live. (The Community Blueprint) has made IVA far more effective and connected (to the communities and people it serves).” – Illinois Joining Forces, VLC Host site “My faith in service deepens every time someone comes up and says, `I am glad someone is out there in the community engaging with us veterans, empathizing with what we are going through.’” – Charity Bowen, VLC FY14 “Having Spirit on board has elevated the work we do to build veterans’ capacity. Having a veteran as a staff member gives us credibility in veteran communities, working knowledge of issues they face and insight into the best way to solve them.” - Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ, VLC Host site

Inspire Reach 50,000 veterans and families through the expansion of statewide networks that support MilVet leadership and value their professional experiences Equip Provide access to 50 community solutions as a means to integrate veterans and military families and make local communities stronger Mobilize Mobilize 12,000 volunteers to provide direct and referral services to veterans/military families in markets with the highest level of need Community Connectedness FY15 Goals

Increase capacity Statewide Blueprint Model RecognitionInnovationActivations Leverage opportunities Anecdotal Evidence Publications & Reports Skill-based volunteering Media Presence Mobilize volunteers AmeriCorps National Direct AmeriCorps VISTAs FamiliesCivilians Drive Awareness and Action FY15 Key Priorities

Interest Complete the interest form Meet with POL team for further discussion on partnership Engage local organizations to support the initiative Apply Submit application by December 2014 Receive acceptance letter in January 2014 Host Apply to host a Veteran Leader Corps Members Recruit for VLC Participate in Corps Training Institute Activate Conduct signature service projects as a blueprint partner Engage veterans by providing direct and referral services Use the information in the Toolbox to address community needs Report Share SUCCESS stories with pictures for CB and VLC Submit mid-year and quarterly reports What’s Next

Questions?