Blue Star Welcome Week is intended to welcome Veterans and their families home. This year, Blue Star Families is encouraging the creation of new relationships and community awareness during Blue Star Welcome Week from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2. Blue Star Families is committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support.
By participating in Blue Star Welcome Week, Veterans and military families can build a better sense of belonging in their communities. Blue Star Families is inviting schools, neighbors, businesses and military leaders to join together as they explore various aspects of welcoming and settling in—from food demonstrations to financial tips. Blue Star Families will offer in-person and virtual events, highlight partner resources and share stories from Veterans’ families, who can participate wherever they live. Plus, Veterans won’t want to miss the Blue Star Families welcome gift giveaways.
Families from the New York Tri-State chapter of Blue Star Families gather in Central Park in New York City, New York during Blue Star Welcome Week for a guided tour.
Check out this message from VA Secretary Denis McDonough on the importance of Blue Star Welcome Week.
Blue Star Families, along with event co-chairs retired Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, his wife, Ellyn, and craigslist founder Craig Newmark, are inviting Veterans, military families and their civilian neighbors to come together for a week of fun and community building. Visit the Welcome Week website here to become involved. Dunford served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2015 to 2019 and as commandant of the Marine Corps from 2014 to 2015.
Blue Star Welcome Week improves a sense of belonging
Connection is a core need for humans. It’s critical for mental well-being, especially given that belonging, support and purpose are three beneficial aspects of community. Blue Star Welcome Week helps improve a sense of belonging in two ways. First, Blue Star Families invites Veteran and military families to participate in events and activities that help get them connected. Second, civilian neighbors receive an invitation to welcome families into their communities.
Blue Star Welcome Week offers an important reminder that if you’re feeling isolated where you live, you are not alone. Blue Star Families takes this time every year to collect the best welcoming resources from nonprofit partners and to host events that support families as they sprout or deepen roots in their communities.
Sometimes, purpose gets lost when making major life transitions. Blue Star Welcome Week offers a few ways to discover a fresh purpose. Veterans and their families often find ways to continue their service by helping currently serving families or other Veterans. One easy way to do that during Blue Star Welcome Week is to sign a virtual welcome card. Share what you love about your community with others and let newcomers know that they’re welcome.
Separately, female Veterans seeking to take the next step in their career should register for the Blue Star Families virtual town hall on September 29 at 3 p.m. EST. It’s called “Finding a Welcoming Workplace: Blue Star Families and AARP on MilSpouse and Female Veteran Employment.”
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