In 1965, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW began co-sponsoring the Voice of Democracy Audio/Essay Contest with the Post with great success.  This year’s VOD theme is “Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future?”  The Voice of Democracy program is an oral essay competition for high school students’ 9 –12 grade.  Students will submit a recording of a 3–5 minute essay based on the theme.

Nationally there is $149,000 in scholarship awards that will be distributed to Department VOD winners. The winning entry at National level will receive $30,000.  All Department winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Target.

This year’s Patriot’s Pen theme is “Does Patriotism Still Matter?”  The Patriot’s Pen Contest is open to students in grades 6–8.  Students will submit a 300 – 400 word essay on the theme.  The first place National award is a $10,000 U.S. savings bond and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The goals of these programs are to foster patriotism in our schools, build relationships with our educators and communities, provide scholarships for the youth and to educate the public on the value of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary.

To meet these goals it is important to get the program information to schools as early as possible!  Publicize the programs through local newspapers, television and radio stations and social networking sites.  Familiarize yourself with both programs and provide the rules and deadlines and support the students participating.  Reward and recognize those students who win at the local and district levels.

Deadlines

Voice of Democracy Audio/Essay Competition and Patriot’s pen (deadlines are the same for both programs)

·         November 1, 2010 Student entries to Post/Auxiliary

·         November 15, 2010 Completion of Post judging – forward to District levels

·         December 6, 2010 Completion of District judging – forward to Department levels

·         January 7, 2011 Completion of Department judging

·         January 15, 2011 Department winners are due at the VFW National Headquarters.

 Department Awards for District Chairman

·         Citation to each District Chairman with at least 80% participation by Auxiliaries

·         Award to the District Chairman with the best overall promotion of the Voice of Democracy Audio/Essay and Patriot’s Pen Competition

 Legacy Awards for Auxiliary Chairman

A special recognition award honoring our Past Department Presidents awarded to the one Auxiliary Chairman in the state who best promotes the named award in the 2010 – 2011 year.

·         Past Department President Patricia Whitley, Voice of Democracy Legacy Award

·         Past Department President Gloria Palmer, Patriot’s Pen Legacy Award