More than 40 participants took part in a leadership training put on by the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI), where they gained important information about the value of collaborative partnerships while strengthening their programming and needs assessment skills.
The training was held at Camp Camby Conference and Retreat Center in Camby, Ind. MFRI outreach specialists tailored activities and presentations to meet the needs of military-sponsored family readiness group leaders associated with the 2-150 Family Readiness Group (FRG), AMVET Auxiliary members, and unit service members who attended after completing their scheduled drill duties.
"Participants were engaged throughout the day, and really appreciated having additional organizations present," said Ann Shallenberger, MFRI outreach specialist.
MFRI leaders issued pre- and post-event surveys to assess how well participants learned and responded to the presented content. Of those who completed the surveys, 85 percent reported that the training increased their competency to serve the military or military family members; 95 reported that they better understood the importance of using needs assessments and working with others to set agendas and goals for event planning; and 100 percent reported that they would share the information gained with their colleagues.
"I felt that this event was very productive," one leader noted. "It allowed the unit leadership to view the FRG as a teammate."
"It was a great opportunity to meet with AMVET and community partners, learn how to be a more productive FRG leader, and work with military leadership," another FRG leader said.
The participants were also given time to voice concerns about their work and about military families' needs in a safe and open environment. Together, they generated ideas for future FRG programming on topics such as:
- communication;
- recruitment;
- team building;
- community networking;
- help for parents of soldiers; and
- different programs available for family assistance.
“I enjoyed the exercises we did with MFRI and would like to see a more in-depth session,” said one of the FRG leaders. “I think our FRG will bring back some great products from this event.”