On September 14, 2018, the VFW and Give an Hour , the lead organization for the Campaign to Change Direction, are partnering for the Fourth Annual A Day to Change Direction, a national day of service and action to change the dialogue on mental health for veterans and their communities.

VFW Posts are encouraged to host events that will educate your community about the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being. You can choose from a number of events to do. For example you can host a screening of the documentary Into the Light followed by a group discussion or host your own discussion about mental health or you can participate in or host a community service event.

Collectively, we believe in gathering together veterans and their families, community members, and clinicians to connect in a positive environment. Furthermore, we want to use this as an opportunity to encourage everyone to pay attention to their emotional well-being as well as the emotional well-being of others.

Educational Tools:

• Five Signs and Healthy Habit Presentation. You can download and present this powerpoint at your event.

• Learn the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering through an online course here.
• Download the Five Signs Fact Sheet.

• Learn the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being here.
• Download the Healthy Habits Fact Sheet.

Make an organizational pledge:

If you would like to make a pledge through the Campaign to Change Direction directly, your logo will be shown on this site under the view pledges – community/group pledges.

  Make a Pledge

Marketing Suggestions:

Invite your VFW & Auxiliary members as well as members of the community to join your event.

• Share the Sample Press Release with your channels.
• Editable Flyer to distribute or hang at your VFW Post.
• Post on social media.

Sample Social Media Posts:

Facebook:

Join VFW Post _____ as we participate in A Day of Service on {DATE}. Together with @Giveanhour and the @Campaigntochangedirection we can #ChangeMentalHealth. #VFWPostPride

Twitter:

Join VFW Post ____ for A Day to Change Direction {DATE}. Together w/ @giveanhour & @signsforchange we can #ChangeMentalHealth. #VFWPostPride

Instagram:

Insert Picture with caption: Join VFW Post _____ as we participate in A Day of Service on {DATE}. Together with @giveanhour and the @changedirection we can #ChangeMentalHealth. #VFWPostPride

Buy a T-ShirtOrder yours from the VFW Store.

Into the Light Documentary Screening:

Download A Day to Change Direction Sample Screening Agenda that can be used for your screening.

To request a DVD of Into the Light fill out this form.  A discussion guide is included in the DVD package or you can download it here.

Sample screening events:

• Host a potluck at your VFW Post.
• Partner with a local organization to co-host the screening.
  • Library, community center, hospital, YMCA, church
• Partner with a local business to co-host a screening open to the public.
  • Billiard hall, restaurant, corporation

Service Projects:

Download A Day to Change Direction Sample Service Project Agenda that can be used for your project.

Sample projects:

• Storytelling on emotional and mental wellness.
• Visit residents at a VA domiciliary.
• Paint or do maintenance at a VFW Post.
• Host a fun run/walk to promote physical fitness and mental health.
• Host yoga/meditation to promote physical/mental wellness.
• Hang “VFW Five Signs” and “VFW Healthy Habits” Posters in your community.
• Make a Proclamation. View a Sample.

Five Signs Tools

Administrative Items:

• Have participants sign into a simple registration form.
• Hand out Five Signs and Healthy Habits mini posters or wallet cards.
  • Download cobranded mini posters. Five Signs or Healthy Habits.
  • To request wallet cards, email the VFW Programs Director, Lynn Rolf at LRolf@vfw.org.
• Post photos of your screening and service project on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #ChangeMentalHealth and #VFWPostPride