The VFW has a rich tradition associated with community service, working closely with other national organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, America Supports You and America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth.
Constructive community service is a founding VFW tenet with volunteerism benefiting education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects. The VFW's citizenship education program is designed to stimulate an interest in America's history, its traditions and institutions, as well as promote patriotism. The VFW also partners with the National Rifle Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Firefighters and the Salvation Army.
The VFW's National Citizenship Education Teachers' Award recognizes the nation's top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America's history and traditions. Nearly 1,000 teachers are from every state, the District of Columbia and overseas. Fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals can submit nominations by November 1 to your local Post.
VFW's National citizenship education teacher awards include:
$1,000 cash award for professional development to each of the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 teachers;
$1,000 award for each winning teacher's school;
plaques for both the winning teacher and school;
an all-expense-paid trip to attend the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary National Community Service Conference in Washington, D.C. Teachers who win first place in each category will be invited to conduct a workshop at the conference.
Copyright 2009 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California (VFWCA)