National Newsletter
National Newsletter | Issue #12
The month of February is all about love!
When I think about love, so many things come to mind, especially family. For those of us connected to the military, we have a straight line from the love we feel for our country to the love we feel for our service members and our own families, to the love we feel for our community - for all military families. And that's pretty lucky. I do love military families! The people committed to serving and protecting our freedoms are the heartbeat of our work at Blue Star Families.
At Blue Star Families, we're on a mission to create moments of connectedness for military families. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging among military families in their communities and serve as a friend for ALL. This month we're proud to share some very important work with you. Through our Military Families of Color research, we're listening to experiences that some of our families have never been able to share before. We're helping to lay the groundwork to strengthen the military family experience for all of those who serve. We're seeing and hearing families like never before. Our release of this work coincides with Black History Month, and Blue Star Families is here to raise up those voices and many more now and throughout the year.
We don't just ask the hard questions at Blue Star Families. We bring the fun, too! During February, we're celebrating love in all its forms. Every Monday in February, a lucky member will win a $250 eGift card to spend on a date night with their loved ones! Enter for your chance to win!
I am so grateful to call each and every one of you family. The strength and courage of military families continue to inspire me and the work we do here at Blue Star Families.
Enjoy February, and know that you are loved!
It's a Date!
To celebrate special relationships everywhere, we want to give four Blue Star Families members the opportunity to plan a date night with a $250 eGift card! A lucky winner will be announced each Monday of this month. Enter to win today!
New military families of color research findings drop this week!
Last summer we asked military families of color to share their experiences in a survey that asked questions in a groundbreaking way. This is the first time we have insight into both military families of color and multiracial military families! Visit our website on February 2nd to discover the results!
Supporting Afghan Allies Pulse Check
In early September 2021, military and Veteran families told us how they felt about the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and how they were supporting our #AfghanAllies. This month, we're checking in once again with you. Be prepared to share your thoughts when the pulse check launches later this month.
The Results are In!
Save the date for the 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey Results Release event on March 16th and 17th!
A Three-Part Virtual Event Series on Racial Inclusion
Service members, Veterans, and their families are not immune to the effects of racism. Their voices have not always been heard or supported in the past, and we're working to change that! To be part of the change, register today for this week's virtual three-part storytelling and data deep-dive series below.
- February 2nd-A powerful storytelling event featuring diverse leaders and families across the military and Veteran space
- February 3rd-A two-part exploration of the findings and recommendations from The Diverse Experiences of Military and Veteran Families of Color Survey with our Applied Research team
Thanks to our friends at USAA, CSX, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Macy's, Comcast, BAE Systems, CVS, Cerner Corporation, AARP, and Leidos, Inc. for supporting this initiative!
Get Moving to Cultivate Social Support
When we feel supported, we often have a better handle on stress and can maintain our mental health. But how can you cultivate social support and deepen friendships in the first place? By engaging in a shared activity! Need some inspiration? Find opportunities to get some fresh air and connect with nature with Blue Star Outdoors.
Get back to school, learn how to code 100% online.
Blue Star Families is excited to announce a brand-new partnership with V School to promote military and veteran upskilling and job training for those who wish to pursue a career in tech and are interested in learning web design or development. Read more about the BSF Full Ride Scholarship on the blog.
Mastering Internet Safety as a Military Family, Presented by Aura
For Safer Internet Day, we're working with our partners at Aura to bring you materials that will help you keep your identity protected online. Beginning February 8th, worksheets will be available to download-featuring tips to teach your children about online safety, guard your personal data ahead of a PCS, and more.
Connect with Us on Social Media Using #ILoveBSF
We hope you feel the love-this month and always-from Team Blue Star Families! Whether you've been enjoying the perks, programs, or resources, we want to hear about it. Tell us using the #ILoveBSF hashtag on social media, and we'll share your photo to our accounts!
Guess what Dr. Fauci told us about the omicron variant?
Did you miss our recent town hall featuring Dr. Fauci, Secretary Denis McDonough, Lieutenant General Ronald Place, and other experts? Watch the replay to catch up on the latest COVID-19 guidance for your military family.
Thank You, Partners!
Team Blue Star Families sends our thanks and appreciation for the very generous contributions from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Comcast. Through this support, we can expand our mission, and for that, we are grateful!
Thank You, USAA!
As a Blue Star Partner, we value USAA's dedication to honoring military families across the country. Learn more about USAA today. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of many!
Are You Into Podcasts?
JPMorgan Chase & Co. and National Veteran-Owned Business Association have teamed up to offer a podcast on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship for Veterans of color. The five-episode series features guests from certified Veteran-owned businesses and other industry leaders and covers topics such as access to capital, networking, and business resiliency.
Thank You, Blue Star Partners!
We're so grateful for our corporate partners' support in helping strengthen military families and building stronger, more connected communities. Because of the generous gifts from Amazon, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Salesforce, and USAA, we hired Charo Bates, Applied Research & Social Impact DEPLOY Fellow; Quiana Abner, National Chapter DEPLOY Fellow; Leslie Wightman, Technology DEPLOY Fellow; Nicole Rawlinson, Blue Star Outdoors DEPLOY Fellow; and Kelley Klor, Amazon Food Insecurity DEPLOY Fellow. Our DEPLOY Fellows are an integral part of our team, and we're excited about the positive impacts they're making on the military- and Veteran-connected community.