Chapter Membership—
A Shared Responsibility
By Lt. Col. Mark H. Wiggins, USA Ret.
VP for Communications & Public Affairs

Our chapter currently has 596 active members and 35 corporate members.  We should all be proud of our successes in recruiting and retaining our membership, but we can never rest.
To ensure we don’t rest on our proverbial laurels here is a challenge for each of us:  Every member should try to bring in at least one other individual or corporate member in 2007.   
We all believe i n what AUSA strives to do, so we shouldn’t feel intimidated by this challenge.  Sometimes though, the right words seem to escape us.  For those of us who need some assistance in communication why AUSA and membership in AUSA is important, below are some key talking points, or messages, you can use in communications opportunities with potential members or in simple conversations with those who ask you ‘just what the heck does AUSA do.’

Messages

• AUSA promotes National Security, the Army (and all other troops), and Patriotism— NOT WAR.

•AUSA is the premier professional association that works to support all aspects of national security.—It is the ONLY organization that supports Active, National Guard, Army Reserve, as well as Army civilians, retirees, veterans, and their families.
• Our purpose is to promote an understanding of national security issues and the importance of maintaining a strong and ready Army and to serve as an example of Patriotism in the community through our actions and involvement in community events and services.

• Members of the KC Chapter of AUSA receive AUSA’s monthly ARMY Magazine, the monthly AUSA News national newspaper, as well as chapter newsletters and other communications to stay abreast of Army and national security issues.

•  Members of the KC Chapter of AUSA also have an opportunity to attend chapter meetings and other events to hear distinguished speakers or to attend formal events such as the annual Army Birthday Ball hosted by the KC Chapter.

•  The KC Chapter of AUSA is active is community programs such as Kansas City’s “Veterans Stand Down” that benefits disadvantaged veterans in the city.

•  We are proud of what AUSA does for our troops, but if for some reason you don’t want to join our association please join another association that has our troops and our national security at heart and make your voice heard.