Back in October, DAV National Headquarters hosted the annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down for about 200 veterans.

As much as I enjoy watching veterans’ reactions when they receive help from people committed to their well-being, I love seeing the reactions from the volunteers, too.

“This is one of my favorite things I get to do every year.”

My team and I hear that often at events like the stand down.

We also hear similar sentiments from people about their experience with DAV Community Impact Day. They tell us how this annual event has inspired them to volunteer more regularly.

DAV Scholarship applicants write us essays about how much they’ve changed because of volunteering. We hear from students who pursue new career directions that better align with a spirit of giving back after spending a few years regularly interacting with veterans.

I want you, as DAV leaders, to hear what we hear, internalize it and use it to build your local volunteer programs.

Why?

Because you lead our work for veterans in our communities. People want to serve, and many see their own lives enriched after volunteering. For some, the obstacle may be simply not knowing where to start.

That’s where you come in. You can create an outlet for their desire to serve.

You can introduce people to events like DAV Community Impact Day and opportunities like the DAV Scholarship program. These are two catalysts that can drive action in your communities and are great ways to encourage service.

Community Impact Day, which happens every April, asks that people pledge at least an hour of their time volunteering for local veterans. That service can take many forms: buddy check phone calls, visits to assisted living facilities, food donation drives, home repairs, yard cleanups and pancake breakfasts are just a few examples of what we’ve seen.

The DAV Scholarship program invites students age 21 and younger who have at least 100 lifetime volunteer hours credited through DAV or its Auxiliary to apply for one of 15 scholarships we offer each year. The top award is $30,000, and we give away a total of $140,000 annually.

I encourage you to lean into your role as leaders. Use these two opportunities to encourage service to veterans in your communities. Put regular service events on your department or chapter’s calendar. Talk to community partners, local businesses, school counselors and others in your area about the work you’re doing. Encourage your fellow members to invite students they know.

Through these opportunities, you help more veterans receive the support they need, and more people get the chance to discover the joy of serving them.