"Here is the Veterans Life
Initiative sponsored by the California State Council. It was not reported
out of committee for some reason or another, but it will be brought off
the floor by the committee in Anaheim. I am attaching it as it was submitted
to the committee. It will be reported out of the Veterans Affairs Committee"
VLI - The Veterans Quality of
Life Initiative
ISSUE: The strategic plan of Vietnam Veterans
of America, Inc. calls for the integration of the efforts of many committees
to work together to implement the core values of the vision and mission
statements of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. The various committees
are charged with fulfilling the Strategic Plan by concentrating on those
issues most critical to the lives of veterans and their families.
Background: As an organization dedicated
to serving veterans and their nation, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
has advocated for treatment of the various physical, mental and sociological
effects caused by service to this nation during the Vietnam War with significant
success. By uniting all of the efforts of the various VVA domestic programs
such as Agent Orange/ Dioxin, homeless task force, PTSD, substance abuse
and others, within the guidelines of the strategic plan and the VLI- Quality
of life, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. will be able to concentrate
its resources on the application of information, legislative initiative
and other programs and services to the veteran and their families in such
a manner that their quality of life is sustained or enhanced.
Position: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc
at the 9th National Convention in Anaheim, CA, August 10-15,
1999 directs that the National Board of directors, all Chairpersons and
committee members of committees within the Vietnam Veterans of America,
Inc., work together to develop and implement a VLI advocacy program in
concert with the VVA strategic plan. Under this plan and with the guidance
of the board of directors and leaders at all levels, all programs will
be directed so that the enhancement of veteran’s quality of life is the
primary consideration of any activity undertaken by the Vietnam Veterans
Of America, Inc.
1. The veteran and their families’
quality of life must be the primary consideration of all efforts of the
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
2. All budgetary items, initiatives or other
programs must consider the core values, vision, and mission statements
of the strategic plan prior to adoption.
3. A meaningful veterans service officer
program is key to providing service and counseling to veterans. Therefore,
the Service Officer training program must be expanded so that more trained
volunteers are available within the organization. Training will be conducted
in those states with state councils and each region, as it will allow more
service officers to be certified.
