Getting the Word Out

December 2009 Navy

by CDR Aaron G. Bresnahan, USN

Did you know, the Association of the United States Navy continues to provide you valuable resources and benefits to its membership? Did you know that you can play a valuable role in return? Let’s work together to get the word out!

Getting the word out can be as simple as talking to your neighbors, business colleagues, and fellow Reservists or Active Duty associates about everything you receive by being associated with AUSN. The more positive comments that you share with those that you contact on a daily basis, the stronger our Association becomes.

If you think back to the early days when you first decided to join, you probably had a specific driver that compelled you to fill out the form or send in the application. The reason why you continue to be a member probably surfaces frequently and reminds you of how important it is for you to stay engaged. I would suspect that many of you out there were actually encouraged by a friend or mentor to join.

There are thousands of people out there that are just like you and might actually be at a similar point in their lives when they could benefit from being part of the AUSN family.

We need you to be part of our effort to get the word out. Your every effort is much appreciated and needed!

AUSN has several resources to assist with promoting the Association. The easiest way to get someone to learn more about what we offer and what we can do together is encouraging them to visit the Web site. The Web site is full of great information and paints a picture of how they can become part of the team. Secondly, you could share your copy of the magazine. Headquarters often has extra copies of the magazine. If you would be willing to be a POC to drop off extra copies of the magazine at the various NOSCs throughout the country, it would be great. Thirdly, you simply hand them a membership application.

I hope you noticed that the common theme with all of these ideas is you. We need you to get the word out.

On another note, many of you are in contact with people that are interested in the Navy and would like to be more involved with the Navy community. However, they might be in a place in their lives where they might not be sure if they qualify for membership in the AUSN. For those persons, we would like to encourage them to become a “Friend of the Navy.” This is a new on-line community that allows people to coordinate community activities in support of the Navy and provides a perfect place for those that are just starting to learn about what we can do for them.

And, finally, many of you might work for companies that are willing to contribute to charitable or professional organizations. In some cases, your companies might even have matching programs, where they will match any contribution that you make. I would encourage you to speak with your management about the great work that AUSN is doing for our Sailors and retirees and see how they might be willing to get involved.

Your support and willingness to help get the word out is essential. Give me a hand and let’s do it together!