The “V” Pin.

Board Note: There needs to be a reward for Volunteering in AWON.

Beyond the legendary and well-known satisfactions involved.

Maybe a lapel pin . . . that is not just “given” . . . but is “earned.” We can discuss what it might take to earn one, but maybe it takes a YEAR in a specific job . . . whether serving on the Board, managing an AWON infrastructure or initiative, or simply Volunteering (for a year) in some significant way . . . to advance an AWON infrastructure or initiative.

Almost like a Gold Star pin is “earned” – or a SEAL Trident is “earned”– or a Fraternity or Sorority pin is “earned.” None of these things can simply be “bought,” or they would hold no value. An AWON “V” pin (however we do it and whatever it looks like – as the one above is just an opening gambit) . . . it needs to be “earned” before it will ever be “valued.”

Stateside Coordinators for the Wreath & Banner program come to mind. Some have served each year for 10-12 years already. Barry may have REGIONAL representatives that have also served for several years. Barb Kelly would get one ~ and Nancy Johnson, who has been “staging” Tributes since 2003. The point is . . .

An earned “V” PIN could be one means of attracting (and energizing) the additional help we need.

Here’s an additional thought, as the “V” above was just to get your attention. One option might be to use the military “V” device ~ in Gold. When awarded by the military it is for VALOR; when awarded by AWON (with some minimum requirement) it would be to recognize a VOLUNTEER. These are not expensive ~ and we don’t need to recreate the wheel.

This “award”would take some definite discussion, as this is as far as I’ve gone on the subject.