(StatePoint) Most Americans move every five to seven years, and that’s enough to turn your whole world upside down. Imagine doing that every two years—a new town, new school, new sports team, new doctor—and multiply that by 600,000 families. That’s normal life for a military family, and many of their neighbors don’t realize it’s happening right next door.
Every summer, the biggest “PCS” (or Permanent Change of Station) moving season quietly comes and goes. Blue Star Welcome Week (BSWW), running Sept. 26-Oct. 4, is a nationwide activation that brings communities together to help military families feel at home the moment they arrive.
The good news is that it’s easy for anyone to get involved, and it makes a difference in the lives of military families. Here are five simple ways to be that welcoming neighbor, no matter where you live.
1. Attend a BSWW event near you or plan one of your own.
Communities across the country host events designed to bring military and everyday Americans together. Find one near you to join, or create your own block party or event.
2. Deliver a welcome note or help restock a family’s pantry.
A new family on the block doesn’t know where to find a good doctor, a trustworthy babysitter, or the best pizza place yet. Share a welcome note with your go-to favorite spots, or deliver a warm meal during move-in week. You can also build a welcome basket stocked with pantry essentials that families usually have to toss out every time they move.
3. Make a military child feel like less of the “new kid.”
Military children repeatedly navigate new schools, activities and friendships. A classmate’s invitation to sit together at lunch or a coach’s welcome at practice can make all the difference for a kid starting over (once again).
4. Ask your employer to get involved.
Businesses, schools and community organizations all have a role to play. Encourage your workplace to host a Welcome Week volunteer day or donation drive for relocating military families.
5. Spread the word about Welcome Week.
Only 39% of military families feel a true sense of belonging in their community, meaning for most families, every move means starting over, without a local network. The more everyday Americans who know about BSWW, the more families feel supported when they arrive.
“Supporting military families should be easy, meaningful and even fun. That’s the idea behind Blue Star Welcome Week,” says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “You don’t have to do something big to be a good neighbor. Just show up, lend a hand, make a connection and find a way to ‘Do Your Part.’”
This fall, you can support military families in your community with Blue Star Families during Welcome Week. To learn more, and to discover more ways to make a difference, visit bluestarwelcomeweek.org.
Whether it’s an official event or your own small gesture, this fall presents an opportunity to show up for military families in America.
