Next Generation Post Home

[Guest]

[TheShu]

With the discussion of Retaining 40-Yr Old and Younger Members going on in another thread, I thought it might be interesting to hear your opinions on what a "Next Generation" post home might look like.

Imagine having the opportunity to start from the ground up on a new post home or even remodeling your current post home.  What types of things would you include in the building to meet the needs of the next generation of war veterans?

• Would you build a coffee bar rather than a canteen?
• Would you build an activity room with tv's and video games rather than a dance/bingo hall?
• Would it have a daycare?  Wireless internet?  A restaurant/snack bar?

 
Has your post already implemented some of these ideas?  If so, how successful have they been?

What would you put in your "dream" post home?

[Redmaxx 7546]

I would have both a lounge and a coffee bar. I would have a jukebox (internet) with songs from this century (not just polkas). One of the first things though would be wireless internet (which we are trying to push now) for the members and those who have family in the military so that they can keep in contact with their loved ones. I am not sure about the day care because we only have about three members who have children young enough to be in daycare. I think that we would have a play ground (for both members children and children in the neighborhood) and we would have a much smaller hall (right now ours holds about 350 people) because most rentals are for 200 or less people. We would put in some "regular" video games not just the video poker machines. Bingo would go away (bingo is nothing but a headache in my opinion) and we would have two or three dart boards (not just one like we have now). A grill to cook hamburgers and such would be nice as well.

[IJK3770]

Redmaxx,
    Some of the things you mentioned should be easy for you to accomplish as Commander.
1.    Wireless Internet - go to Radio Shack and get a wireless router if you have internet service.  I added one to my home so I could go in the other room with laptop. cost $52.00. Then anyone can bring their own laptop and be online or you could set one up and then store it when not in use.
2.    Change the records on the jukebox.
3.    Have the regular video games installed.
4.    Have Post purchase two more dart boards.
5.    Have post purchase a grill.

Now to answer the Shu's question.
1.  No to both coffee bar and canteen.  We are quite a ways from town and no one would be there to use either.  Sure do not want a bar with the liability issues that go with that and from all I read here about the problems that go with having a bar in the Post Home.
2.  Activity room would be nice with the things that were mentioned including a internet hook-up and 'puter or two.
3.  No day care but have a room added that could easily be converted if a need arose in the future.
4.   Maybe have an office for the CDR and QM to use. (right now we only have a storage room for bingo and other supplies and keep our copier in there under lock and key since we rent the post out)
Cheerily
IJK

[Troy at VFW National]

Interesting thread. I don't want to change the intent of it, but mind if I weigh in for not having a post home at all? I realize this would not work for the larger or established VFW Posts, but I am thinking about newer and smaller posts (35-50 members). Here is my thinking:

-You could take turns meeting at each other's homes or in an agreed-upon spot (like a community center, National Guard armory, or restaurant). That could support the social role the organization plays to some members (and their families)--it would be easy to move from business to socializing
-By meeting in public and wearing a few "VFW" shirts or hats it reinforces that we are a part of our communities
-Smaller posts would not have to dedicate their time raising money for capital costs (like rent, repairs, and property taxes) and could focus on "missions" in the community
-Instead of having to purchase entertainment, go where the entertainment is: go to a pool hall to have a VFW pool tournament; go to a members house with a big screen TV to have an X-Box night; take advantage of locals parks; etc.
-More time for veteran service work, community service, volunteering, etc. (while wearing the VFW colors) means more time advertising the good work the VFW does

Any thoughts on this? This caused spirited debate in the Membership Department when I brought this up (not the first time we've had this discussion and not the first time we've had "spirited" debate). And one thing to add is, no, this wouldn't fit for everyone. It's not to say that all VFW Posts should go this way. Some VFW Posts know how to run and maintain a hall that attracts members; some members join because they want to belong to a VFW Post with a hall. But right now, only about 55% of VFW Posts actually have a post home--there's room for both types of VFW Posts.

[Troy at VFW National]

By the way, Redmaxx and IJK, two questions: 1) what's a record and 2) what's a juke box?

Just kidding.
Troy

[Redmaxx 7546]

LOL

[easingwr670]

My District has two posts without a home. One meets at a NG Armory and one meets at a community center. The one that meets at the center is an All-American post. They do not worry about utilities, repairs, etc. They do good work. The other is struggling so, who knows the answer.
By the way, two of our posts in the district that have post homes are All-American also.
Go Figure.

[ZAP44]

Last week I officially notified Dept Me adjutant that Post 9787 will change its venue for meetings starting in October.  With 252 members in good standing we are lucky to get 7 – 15 at a meeting and our expenditures are exceeding our receipts.  Cost of fuel and snow removal last year did it for us.  We will meet at the State Veteran’s Home along with our auxiliary during the winter months and close the post home for the winter.   Long range plans for the home. ..get a good price!

IMO you’re in the next generation post as soon as everyone wakes up and/or the old guard dies off.  The by-laws need to be changed to allow forming a post, allow for official meetings with procedures for voting on line etc.  Simple just as the study the VFW had done pointed out…network less grassroots.

BTW supporting a very strong central post or one of the "Top 1000" as discussed in the study isn't a bad idea.  Perhaps each district have a building that all posts in that district support.  Some data collection towards something like that should be done.

[Troy at VFW National]

Zap44 . . . that district post idea is interesting. It may not work everywhere, but it might be an interesting model. Anyone else have any thoughts on it?

I can't ask officially, but I already wonder how many posts are using Yahoo Groups, Myspace profiles, etc., to conduct official business. It is against VFW policy (but I think it's a good idea). Most of the social network sites let you create secure lines of communication (not everything open to the public).

[DoggyDaddy]

Last week I officially notified Dept Me adjutant that Post 9787 will change its venue for meetings starting in October.   We will meet at the State Veteran’s Home along with our auxiliary during the winter months and close the post home for the winter.   Long range plans for the home. ..get a good price!
BTW supporting a very strong central post or one of the "Top 1000" as discussed in the study isn't a bad idea.  Perhaps each district have a building that all posts in that district support.  Some data collection towards something like that should be done.

With meeting time and place changing in October leaves you time to notify all members.  I recommend you check your Post By-Laws (assuming you have them) to see what they say about designated meeting time and place.  Most likely you will have to vote to change your By-Laws to allow for the change of venue.  You have time to notify members of By-Law Changes and set a date for a vote.
In regards to a District meeting place, I doubt any Post would be willing to spend money for it.  That is what Veterans Memorial Building and Community Building are for.

[ZAP44]

Last week I officially notified Dept Me adjutant that Post 9787 will change its venue for meetings starting in October.   We will meet at the State Veteran’s Home along with our auxiliary during the winter months and close the post home for the winter.   Long range plans for the home. ..get a good price!
BTW supporting a very strong central post or one of the "Top 1000" as discussed in the study isn't a bad idea.  Perhaps each district have a building that all posts in that district support.  Some data collection towards something like that should be done.

With meeting time and place changing in October leaves you time to notify all members.  I recommend you check your Post By-Laws (assuming you have them) to see what they say about designated meeting time and place.  Most likely you will have to vote to change your By-Laws to allow for the change of venue.  You have time to notify members of By-Law Changes and set a date for a vote.
In regards to a District meeting place, I doubt any Post would be willing to spend money for it.  That is what Veterans Memorial Building and Community Building are for.

This is a temp change for the winter at this point so we don't have to change the by-laws.  But we must inform Dept Adjutant (which has been done) and the whole membership of the change which for postage alone is 252X.42 or $105.84 just so the 7 who will show will be notified.  Just Peachy.  I have no clue where you would find a veterans memorial building or community building around here.

[d.peirce]

Our Post is a Homeless Post and has been since inception in 1965.
We are 35 paid members for Membership year 2008. We have received 100% membership banners for the last three years.
This year, we have lost one to a higher calling; accepted three new members; convinced one not be in arrears and are NOT working similarly with one.
Among our membership are Combat Veterans of all wars since World War Two. One of our newer members is a US Army Sniper with two completed tours in Iraq. He came to us as a Member At Large [life]. No need nor wish for a free ride. Our kind of guy! Elected unamiously, this year, to be our Junior Vice Commander next year.

We have never had any interest in a building of our own. A Canteen or a Bar.
In our small community there is a American Legion Post already providing that fare.
We raise the monies we gift, in behalf of Veterans, only through Buddy Poppy Drives & the difference between what we are charged for dinners served and what members pay us. Plus, the difference between our dues and what we pay National or State.

Of our 35 members [21 Life] we average around 20-25 at our monthly meetings and, believe me, they are raucous, ribald and full of good humor. On average we have as guests at least three very beautiful wives, daughters or interested ladies to assure civility.
As a one eyed and nearsighted quartermaster I can attest to their beauty!
Without calling it to anyone's attention, we are a Yankee Post so, it goes without saying, there are no free meals!

You can read my blogs regarding our meeting's Monthly business at
http://www.vfwwebcom.org/ma/post8771. However, you can not comment.

My Commander's concept of attracting new members is to exhibit leadership. We do not delegate any effort of the Post. Our Officers all participate personally and gladly accept and honor and acknowledge any effort made by a member in support. If you know how to lead, the poorest amongst us will follow or drop out. We do not encourage men unwilling to either lead of follow as members of our post. The beat of our drummer is not faint.

We see our mission to assist veterans, not to win membership contests. And, seek no plaudits from National, Department, or District Commanders.
That is not to say we are not alert to new ideas, new concepts, or new programs.
The reason I am here! The reason I read the Posts daily.
Sorry to not be an encouraging word but that is what, and who, we are.
Methuselah

[Redmaxx 7546]

My hat is off to both you and your Post. Keep up the great work.

[IJK3770]

d.peirce
    Keep up the good work.  Why do you have your weblog set to not accept comments?  I keep mine open for comments from anyone and so far have not had any spam.
Cheerily
IJK

[samuel]

in my district i have 6 post that do not have a home