Engaging Members of Congress on Veteran's Day Welcome! We ll begin the webinar about 5 minutes after the hour. We ve muted everyone s phones/computers so we don t accidentally get hold music or conversations, but if you have a question feel free to use the chat box in the lower left corner of your screen, and we ll also unmute everyone for questions at the end of the presentation. Thanks for joining!
Presenters Tony Kudner, Program Manager for Grassroots Advocacy, NHPCO Hospice Action Network Rebecca Trout, Program Coordinator, Access & Strategic Programs, Education & Engagement, NHPCO Robin Stawasz, Director of Provider Relations and Family Services, CareFirst
Goals Learn how to invite & host Members of Congress Learn how to hold a successful Veteran s ceremony. Hear a successful case study from CareFirst in New York
Involving a Member of Congress 108 Members of the 113th Congress have served in the Armed Forces. Congress is keenly interested in veterans in their states / districts MOC s who know about WHV have reacted overwhelmingly positively
Involving a Member of Congress Benefits of involvement: For Veterans For your hospice For the Member of Congress
Involving a Member of Congress First things first Check w/ your Veterans and their families. Get your invite out now!
Involving a Member of Congress The invite Templates available after webinar Where do I send it? Follow up 1 week after initial invite
Involving a Member of Congress They accepted! Now what? Press involvement Check again with your patients Many MOC s have press staff Assign a point person Prepare leave-behinds
Involving a Member of Congress Once they arrive How long will I have with them? What to do after the event Tell us about your successes! Keep up the relationship
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony What is the purpose? Recognize and pay tribute to sacrifices Encourage Veterans to share story Remember Veterans who have died Honor families, caregivers and loved ones of Veterans
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Who to invite? Veterans and families at your hospice Healthcare facility residents VSO members Family members of Veterans who have died in your care
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Setting Peaceful outdoor setting Activity room or community center Remember Parking Handicap accessible
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Decorations and Setup Arrange tables with a patriotic tablecloth and red, white and blue accessories Include Veterans photos and other military memorabilia Tie red, white and blue buntings or yellow ribbons tied to pavilion pillars and trees
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Service Active duty military participation Patriotic Music Posting of Colors for Salute/Pledge
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Service Welcome by Bereavement Staff Invocation by Chaplain Inspirational song/reading Opening remarks by Member of Congress
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Pinning Acknowledge Veteran s Service Ask Veteran to share stories of service Suggested language Ms./Mr. Veteran, thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for the sacrifices you made and your willingness to serve our country. You endured hardships and you were willing to risk your life to maintain our freedom. On behalf of (our staff, the VA, Hospice) please accept our thanks and gratitude. When you see this pin, know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated. We thank you.
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Rituals of Remembrance Observe moment of silence with pictures in background Invite guests to come forward and accept a red carnation as a symbol of their grief Plant a tree, flower bulbs, rose bush, etc. in memory of the Veteran or fallen soldier
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Resources www.wehonorveterans.org Get Practical Resources>>Honoring Veterans Exchange Ideas & Tips>> Best Practices for WHV Partners www.nhpco.org/marketplace veterans@nhpco.org
Case Study: CareFirst, Congressman Tom Reed and We Honor Veterans ceremony, 2011
Questions? Once the webinar is ended, this webpage will automatically reroute to our resources page for more info.