October 2020 Newsletter

Published: September 29, 2020

#BSFSurvey Is Open Until October 16

survey closing soon

Last chance! The 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is closing on October 16th. Make sure you share your voice here, so you can empower change in your community!

 

Dreaming of a smart bed? Here’s Your Chance!

sleep number

We’re surprising two active-duty military families with a Sleep Number 360® i8 smart bed in November as part of Military Family Appreciation Month. Enter for a chance to win here

 

An event six months in the making!

cmsi 6 months in review

Join Blue Star Families and the Association of Defense Communities for an engaging virtual event where we will discuss how the COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted the military community. Join us on October 21st at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET.

Register here for more information.

Ford is Proud to Honor YOU!

ford proud to honor

Now through the end of the year, proceeds from Ford Motor Company’s Proud to Honor apparel line will go to support military nonprofits, including Blue Star Families! Learn more about this exciting new partnership and all the ways Ford is supporting our community here.

 

Civics Unplugged Fellowship

civics unplugged

Applications are now open for the Civics Unplugged Fellowship 2021, a six-month civic leadership program that empowers high school students across the U.S. with the tools, training, and community to reform and rebuild American democracy. This exciting opportunity is open to teens ages 14-19 across the U.S. and those currently serving with their families overseas. 

Learn more here.

 

Bruce Feiler Virtual Book Club Event

bruce feiler book club

Join us virtually on Tuesday, October 20, at 8 pm ET / 5 PM PT, as we team up with best-selling author Bruce Feiler to discuss his book Life Is in the Transitions. Register here.

 

Salesforce Virtual Workshop Series

salesforce

You’re invited to attend a virtual three-part career development series sponsored by Vetforce, an employee resource group at Salesforce dedicated to supporting the military community. Across three one-hour sessions, the team will introduce military spouses and veterans to career opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem. Register here.

 

Two New Blue Star Parks Programs!

Blue Star Families Outdoor Explorers

Outdoor Explorer Boxes for All is a pilot program launching in Tennessee, Jacksonville, Tampa, the National Capital Region, and Chicago, to create more inclusive opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re in one of these areas, reach out to your Chapter Director to learn more! We also have another virtual park tour coming up. Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up!

 

Hollywood Dreaming

aitaf

Do you have the next hit movie script sitting in a drawer? Have you dreamt of receiving an Oscar for screenwriting? If this is you or someone you know, Adam Driver’s Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) program (a wonderful partner of ours!) has launched its first award for screenwriting for active-duty military and veterans. The prize? $10,000! Learn more here.

 

Join Tom Hanks on Veterans Day

aitaf tom hanks

As Arts in the Armed Forces’ marketing partner, we’re excited to announce a special virtual event on 11/11 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT to honor Veterans Day! Tom Hanks will discuss 2001: A Space Odyssey, alongside Major General Charles F. Bolden Jr, USMC (Ret), 12th NASA Administrator and former astronaut, and noted actor and Marine veteran Adam Driver. Stay tuned to our calendar of events for more details as they become available.

 

Thank You, Blue Star Welcome Week Sponsors

thank you

Thank you to all of our Blue Star Welcome Week sponsors. The week wouldn’t have been possible without you. Check out the full list below!

CSX pride in service

We also thank Tramiel Charitable Trust and Scott Allen.

 

Revamped: Spouseforce!

spouseforce

Spouseforcea web tool that continues to create connections between military spouses, training partners, and employers—got a new look! Check it out here, then join the private Facebook group.

 

Add Recess to Online Learning!

tinkergarten

Tinkergarten, a partner of Blue Star Families, launched FREE resources for families to thrive outside this fall. Enjoy the new Fall Family Playbook and suggested Play Breaks that will enliven a child’s day and support increased attention during distance learning.

 

Attention Military & Veteran Caregivers

American Flag Blue Star Families

Do you help care for a wounded, ill, or injured service member or veteran at home? If yes, you may qualify for no-cost respite care services we’re offering in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, CareLinx, and Wounded Warrior Project. This free program is initially available in select regions! Learn more and apply here.

 

Blue Star Careers Program

Blue Star Careers

We’ve helped numerous military spouses via our career resources, referral programs, and direct job placements. To date, we’ve infused more than $55 million into military communities! Want more info? Reach out to one of our Careers Managers at [email protected]. Or, check out exclusive events, training opportunities, and open positions on the Careers homepage.

 

Partner Spotlight