PROGRAMS

The VFW is proud of the community service of its membership and hosts multiple programs to challenge Posts and Districts to get involved in their local areas. Here are programs hosted in Michigan for our communities to get involved in and provide guides for VFW membership to follow to complete program challenges
 
Activity Evaluation
Allows Posts and Districts to track their activity of membership throughout the year
 
Allstate 
The Allstate Program is designed to recognize outstanding VFW Posts and Districts for participating in all VFW programs, membership recruitment, and community involvement. 
 
Americanism 
The Americanism program highlights and celebrates a variety of patriotic actions within Posts and communities.
 
Buddy Poppy
The VFW Buddy Poppy program compensates those who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs, and partially supports the VFW National Home

Cancer Program
All donated to our Department fund will be donated to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, affiliated with the Wayne State School of Medicine, for cancer research. 

Community Service
Community service is a pillar in the VFW’s mission to serve our veteran community and their families and positively impact our local areas. Each year, a community service program is designed for Posts and Districts to use as a guideline to serve their hometowns better. We believe our service did not end when we took off our uniforms from military service.

Day of Challenge
The Day of Challenges Program will be conducted at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. The month is usually Feb. with a specific date TBA. The competitive events are conducted in the University Student Development Center, followed by a luncheon and awards ceremony in the gymnasium and ice arena concourse.  
 
Homeless Veteran Program
This program aims to obtain and distribute information on Homeless Veterans in Michigan by contacting districts and Posts and gathering information from each location on Homelessness.

Hospital Program
The VFW Hospital program promotes volunteerism and involvement in local hospitals, veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliary, and VA and non-VA medical centers and clinics. 

Legislative Program and Initiatives

Legislative action is a core pillar of the VFW that provides life-changing support for its

members and the veterans community at large.


Membership Program
Each year, the VFW organizes a membership program to direct and challenge VFW posts to get involved with local communities, recruit qualified veterans, and share veteran resources. 

National Home for Children
The VFW National Home assists the military, veterans, and their families with children by creating a foundation of services and resources to achieve their personal and family goals to move forward in a positive, safe, and healthy environment.

Patriot’s Pen
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest nationally for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. 

Voice of Democracy 
Our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program gives high school students the unique opportunity to express themselves regarding a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  

Safety
The Safety Program of the VFW continues to provide and promote programs designed to safeguard our communities. The VFW is actively conducting and participating in six major categories under which any drug or safety activity will fall. Virtually all drug or safety activities conducted by a Post can be reported within each of the six categories. Credit will be given only once for each activity.

Scouting
Our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 and represents one of the earliest ties between the VFW and the community.

Teacher of the Year

The VFW will recognize and honor the top Elementary (K-5), Junior High (6-8), and High School (9-12) teacher of the year who teaches citizenship and education topics and promotes America’s history, traditions, and institutions. Attributes considered will be the scope of the teaching on both the students and the community.


Veterans and Military Support
 The VFW offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping service members and veterans of every generation. 
 
Youth Activities
The VFW established a youth activities program to teach our nation’s youth the skills to become responsible adults through serving our country, communities, veterans, and service members.
 
VFW Riders
VFW Riders is a group of VFW motorcyclists that get together to ride, volunteer at events, and provide community support when able.