September 2019 Newsletter

Published: September 2, 2019

Last Chance to Vote Blue Star Families

Voting ends this month for Jolly Time Pop Corn’s “Help Our Troops” campaign, which focuses on supporting service members and their families. It’ll take less than two seconds of your time, and we’d love your help in snagging the top spot! Vote for Blue Star Families here. Then, take it one step further by asking a friend to cast their vote, too.

 

Shop Deals & Save Money!

We’ve teamed up with an amazing #BlueStarNeighbor who wants to save you money. Why? Because they think the sacrifices your family make are pretty great. And they also know you’re crazy busy. So, here’s the deal. Simply sign up for Ebates’ military discount through Blue Star Families. When you do, you’ll save a whopping 20 percent on already-discounted products, receive free shipping to an APO and/or FPO address, AND earn cashback. PLUS, Ebates will donate $25 to BSF for every new member who signs up. (And you know we’ll put that money towards supporting military families like yours.) Join now!

 

Gig Work to Fit Your In-Demand, Unpredictable Life

We know moving every few years can be rewarding. But we also know those frequent moves can make it difficult for military spouses to find a job. That’s why we’ve partnered with Steady, which provides gig work that fits your in-demand, unpredictable lifestyle.

Steady understands that gig-based jobs can work well for anyone—from students to retirees looking for extra cash. And the company’s extreme flexibility makes it ideal for military spouses, too. By curating local jobs in its easy-to-use app, it’s easy to find something wherever you are in a snap. Sign up for Steady and find work that works for you.

 

#BeKind21 Challenge

Ready to make kindness a habit? Join Blue Star Families for the Born This Way Foundation #BeKind21 challenge, and do something kind for your mind, body, or community every day from September 1 – 21! It all culminates on the U.N.’s International Day of Peace. Participants who take the pledge and share their experience on social media using the hashtag #BeKind21 will be entered to win two tickets to an upcoming Lady Gaga show and other prizes.

 

Thank You Museum Ambassadors

Thank you to dozens of Blue Star Families members who visited over 120 Blue Star Museums across the country this year. The show of gratitude helped us recognize many of our community partners who have been a part of #BlueStarMuseums since we began 10 seasons ago. What an honor to celebrate those who have been supporting military families all summer long! See you next year!

https://www.instagram.com/p/By8d2tIhVYB/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

Join Us at MIC in D.C. 

The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) is a dynamic three-day event happening next week in Washington, D.C.! It’s a chance for entrepreneurs, business executives, and brands to connect with influencers who shape and support the military community. Join Blue Star Families as we learn and network!

 

Networks Live! On Demand with American Corporate Partners

Date: Tuesday, September 10

Time: 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 10 AM PT

Topic: ACP Spouse Mentoring Program: How to Utilize a Mentor in Your Professional Development!

ACP is a nationwide, nonprofit organization that proudly provides America’s veterans and active-duty military spouses with year-long mentorships to support civilian career goals.

Whether you’ve recently moved to a new location, are considering a change to your career, or starting a business, ACP mentors are ready to assist you. From career exploration to résumé reviews, interview preparation, networking, career coaching, and overall professional development, these corporate volunteers and entrepreneurs with years of experience can provide you the mentorship you’ve been looking for. Click here to register today and learn more!

 

Networks Live! On Demand with Sesame Street for Military Families 

Date: Tuesday, September 14

Time: 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 10 AM PT

Topic: Sesame Street for Military Families: Caregiving

Topic Description:

When one family member needs care during a long-term illness or injury, the whole family becomes part of the caregiving picture – even young children. But, there are few tools to help little ones understand the changes caregiving can bring to their day-to-day lives. 

Sesame Street for Military Families: Caregiving looks to fill that need. New activities, starring the Sesame Street Muppets, help kids understand why their parent may look or act differently than “before,” how to talk about their family’s situation with others, and more. Rosita – a familiar face from Sesame Street – stars alongside her mother and her father, who uses a wheelchair after an injury. Created with the help of expert advisors and backed by Sesame Workshop’s early childhood research, the initiative will allow caregiving families to remember that they’re not alone. And that it’s always okay to ask for help.

Register today to join us and learn more about Sesame Street for Military Families: Caregiving, which looks at family-based care from a child’s point of view.

All Sesame Street for Military Families: Caregiving videos and materials are bilingual in English and Spanish and entirely free for families. Learn more at ssic.org/veterancaregiving.

 

National Coffee Day & Good Neighbor Day

This year, in honor of National Good Neighbor Day on September 28, we want to thank some of our good neighbors and partners who support us here at Blue Star Families. But specifically, on the day that follows—National Coffee Day, we want to thank not one, but TWO of our coffee supporters. We’re raising our cup to Starbucks and Green Beans Coffee for empowering military families all over the world. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

 

We’ve Been Busy Exploring the Great Outdoors

We’ve paddled, encountered animals (all by choice), hiked by moonlight, completed an urban scavenger hunt, and splashed at the pool this summer. Have you had a chance to get outdoors with your friends and BSF? If not, keep your eyes open for much more outdoor fun to come this fall!

 

We Remember

September 11 is a day where we remember those who lost their lives in both the attacks on our country and the rescue efforts that followed. At Blue Star Families, we also take time to reflect on the lives that were impacted by that day through military service. Our thoughts are with all of you.