The Veterans Service Partnership (VSP) is an initiative of TU’s to serve veterans, active duty military and their families by engaging them through the recreational therapy of angling and with the sustaining support of the TU community. Our goals are to bring the full weight of TU’s 300,000 members and supporters to deploy across the nation engaging and supporting local military and veteran families through angling and community.
This program has recently evolved to include first responders and their families, as well as essential workers employed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Not only do military and first responders benefit from the recreation and therapy of angling, they also bring diversity and strong leadership experience to their local chapters! Check out the resources and ideas below to see how your chapter can strengthen its involvement with the “Red, White, Blue, and Green” communities in your area.
RESOURCES FOR CHAPTER LEADERS
National TU VSP Program Website (Includes links to complimentary membership, partnerships, etc.)
CTU “Happy Hour” Webinar Recording: Engaging Veterans and First Responders in Colorado
VSP Program PowerPoint Presentation
TU Veteran, Active Military, and First Responder Free Membership Form
IDEAS FOR CHAPTERS
Military service members and the first responders provide a strong work ethic and leadership drive for chapters. These communities also benefit heavily from the relationships and therapy that angling and chapters provide. Here are some quick ideas for ways that your chapter can support and engage service members and first responders in your area:
Community-Building Events for members and their families:
BBQs and informal get-togethers
Fishing clinic or trips
First Responder appreciation night/BBQ
Conservation Project
Collaboration project with local fire/police station, ROTC, military base, etc.
In Colorado, we have a strong military and first responder community. Check out the VSP Power Point Presentation for resources/links that connect you to specific groups. Also consider reaching out to your local search and rescue, wildland fire crews, volunteer fire departments, and others. Don’t forget to invite their families as well!
For questions, please contact Mike Banaszewski (TU VPS Director) at: Mike.Banaszewski@tu.org
