In fulfillment of its mission to “honor the sacrifice of those who serve,” the American Legion Auxiliary offers concern for and support to families of deceased servicemembers. In addition to our own activities in support of families of the fallen, such as our recognition of their sacrifices through the distribution of Gold Star Banners, the American Legion Auxiliary also supports survivors through collaborations with organizations established for them. A survivors’ organization with which the Auxiliary has established one such collaboration is Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Auxiliary members may be in position to help families of the fallen by referring them to TAPS. There are also abundant opportunities for ALA members and units to volunteer time to TAPS.
TAPS is a not-for-profit organization that provides immediate long-term emotional help, hope, and healing to those who have lost loved ones to military service. Since its founding in 1994, TAPS has established itself as the front line resource to the families and loved ones of our military men and women. TAPS provides comfort and care through comprehensive services and programs including peer based emotional support, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, and grief and trauma resources.
How to Collaborate with TAPS:
There are two ways a member or unit can get involved with TAPS.
- Refer a Survivor or Caregiver to TAPS for Specialized Support. TAPS provides extensive general resources for both survivors and caregivers, including grief counseling, a guide to survivor benefits, peer support groups and more. In addition, TAPS provides resources for specific categories of survivors, such as widows and widowers, parents, siblings, children, adult children, extended family, friends and suicide survivors. If you know a survivor or caregiver in need, consider referring him/her to TAPS.
- Auxiliary members should refer survivors and caregivers to TAPS at 1-800-959-8277 or by email to info@TAPS.org.
- Volunteer with TAPS. TAPS relies on volunteers to fill important assignments at many of its signature events, as well with outreach and office support. Volunteer duties vary. Some may require training, which TAPS provides. This brief list of volunteer opportunities may spark ALA members’ interests. To learn more about TAPS’ volunteer assignments, visit www.TAPS.org/explorejobs.
TAPS Signature Events:
- Event Support
- Each year TAPS holds approximately 50 events across the country to benefit the survivors of our nation’s fallen heroes. There are a variety of event support volunteer assignments available, including event set-up and tear-down, welcome/registration desk help, assisting at a TAPS store, transportation assistance (subway guides or bus companions), counseling (licensed or certified practitioners or clergy), and meeting room monitors. These assignments are open to volunteers without survivor experience.
- Peer Support
- TAPS welcomes individuals who are survivors of military-related loss to serve as peer mentors and event/retreat hosts for adult survivors.
- Active duty military servicemembers may serve as Good Grief Camp mentors to child survivors.
- Retreat hosts supplement TAPS staff as a volunteer, making sure retreat participants are enjoying and experiencing the retreat.
- ALA members meeting these eligibility criteria may wish to volunteer in one or more of these capacities.
- Run and Remember Team Member
- Run or walk in support of TAPS in marathons, half-marathons, 10K races and runs across the country. Team members also provide morale support from the sidelines for TAPS racers.
Community Outreach:
- Community Delegates
- Community delegates help TAPS reach out the local business community by delivering materials that spread the TAPS message.
- Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) TAPS Ambassadors
- CFC TAPS Ambassadors represent TAPS at local area CFC fairs, charity fairs and other community events, sharing the TAPS story with others. (The CFC allows federal employees and military personnel to donate to a number of charities through their workplace.
- Office Support
- Office support volunteers assist in the operation of TAPS offices in Arlington, Virginia. They prepare Resource Kits for survivors, answer phone and assist with special projects.
- Social Media Buddies
- Social Media Buddies promote TAPS by letting their friends and family know about the organization through their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts or any other form of social media they use.
How to Volunteer with TAPS:
TAPS requires people interested in volunteering to register online. Follow these quick steps to register.
- Go to www.TAPS.org.
- Click the “Support TAPS” button at the top-right part of the screen.
- Click the picture labeled “Volunteer.” This will take you to the TAPS Volunteer Central.
- Within TAPS Volunteer Central, click “Explore Volunteer Jobs” to learn about specific volunteer roles, “Explore TAPS Events” to view an upcoming event schedule and “Volunteers in Action” for a picture gallery of those who have previously served with TAPS.
- Within TAPS Volunteer Central, click on “Ready? Sign Up Now!” This site will ask you a series of basic questions to assess your background and interests. You will then be asked to complete a registration form with your name, location, email and other pertinent information.
- Shortly after submitting the form, TAPS staff will contact you with additional information. TAPS will also register you for its monthly newsletter.
- Be sure to direct your individualized questions to TAPS’ Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@TAPS.org.
Promote the ALA and Report Your Impact:
- When you volunteer for TAPS, be sure to let them know that you are doing so as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Be sure to report your volunteer activities and hours to your unit’s Children and Youth Chairman, the committee with oversight of the ALA’s relationship with TAPS.
Resources:
- TAPS website: www.TAPS.org
