I’m sure by now you are probably wondering what a Key Volunteer is. Am I right? I remember when I told my sister that I was taking a class on being a key volunteer, she had no clue what I meant but explaining it was easy. At least to me it was, which doesn’t mean she really knows what I do today.
Okay first, I’ve been married to my Marine for the past 10 years but it wasn’t until two years ago that I decided to join the Key Volunteer Network. At first I just didn’t want to do it, it sounded like a big gossip circle and I didn’t know anyone. I was the type that stayed indoors and never ventured out. Later, my husband would be the one that preferred me not do it, but then he would go to Iraq for the first time and I would have no clue about where he was or anything. I knew then that if he ever went again I’d want to know and one way to do that was to become a Key Volunteer.
For those that have been in for a while, you may know it be the Key Wives Program. Basically a Key Volunteer helps those left behind during deployments. You get to help plan special events for the families, call them to let them know when their spouses are due home and when to go pick them up. Granted not all the time is that fun and happy, especially when you tell them they have been postponed. But it is a great thing to tell them, they’ll be here in two hours, head to the location and get ready to pick him/her up.
My first year as a Key Volunteer went great, there were no horrible phone calls or anything and we did have a couple of events that basically I just attended with the kids. This past year I was asked to become a KVC, (Key Volunteer Coordinator) which basically means a few more responsibilities. I get to help plan the parties and give a bit more of my opinion on things, which I must say I enjoy. There is much more to it but these are just some basics to help others understand.
KV basically help in the phone tree and spread whatever word that needs spreading.
KVC plans parties, meetings, makes newsletters, hosts bake sales if needed and much more.
Before you ask why, think about it this way. Do you ever wish you knew what was going on before others? Want to know when your hubby is REALLY coming home? Want to do something while he is deployed or while kids are in school? If you answered yes to any of these, you should contact your husband’s unit to see when the next classes are.
If you are looking at volunteering some of your free time this is a great opportunity and you can even take some free college classes through it. I recently did the Microsoft 2003 Basics and I can’t wait to use it.
For a bit more reading:
Volunteering Can Mean Sending Care Packages