MVMA YOUTH AUXILIARY & YOUTH RESERVE PROGRAMS

At the MVMA, family is everything. We take pride in being one of the most family-inclusive veterans organizations, and that absolutely includes our youth.

To support and involve the next generation, the MVMA offers two youth programs for the children of our members:

• Youth Auxiliary (YA)
• Youth Reserve (YR)

These programs are available to the children of Active, Deputy Detachment, and in some cases Reserve Members. Parent or guardian permission is required for all youth participants.

Each program is designed to provide age-appropriate learning, growth, and involvement, helping participants develop valuable life skills as they grow within the MVMA family.

Ages: 10 –15

The Youth Auxiliary program is designed for younger members who want to learn, grow, and be part of the MVMA community. It gives participants the opportunity to understand how organizations like the MVMA operate while being actively involved alongside their families.

• Assist at events and functions alongside MVMA members
• Attend meetings to observe and learn how decisions are made
• Learn how events, fundraisers, and rides are planned and executed
• Gain exposure to teamwork, organization, and community involvement

• How nonprofit organizations are structured and operate
• Basic parliamentary procedures and decision-making processes
• How fundraising and charitable giving support veterans and communities
• The importance of teamwork, responsibility, and volunteerism

Participants develop:

• Strong work ethic and responsibility
• Confidence interacting with others and the public
• An understanding of service, giving back, and community support
• Positive values, ethics, and leadership skills

The goal of the Youth Auxiliary program is to provide a fun, supportive environment where young members can learn valuable life skills, build character, and gain meaningful experiences that will stay with them into adulthood.

Ages: 16–17 (update if needed)

The Youth Reserve program is designed for older youth members who are ready to take on a more active and involved role within the MVMA. This program builds on the foundation of the Youth Auxiliary program and provides greater opportunities for leadership, participation, and growth.

• Attend and actively participate in meetings, discussions, and planning
• Serve on committees and assist with organizing events and functions
• Work alongside MVMA members in fundraising, rides, and community activities
• Gain hands-on experience in how the organization operates

• Leadership and organizational skills
• How meetings are conducted and decisions are made
• Event planning, coordination, and execution
• How nonprofit organizations operate and support their communities

• May participate in meetings, discussions, and committees
• Encouraged to shadow MVMA Officers to learn leadership roles
• Do not have voting rights and may not hold officer positions

• Must be a child of an MVMA member (Active, Deputy Detachment, or approved Reserve Member)
• Must be 16–17 years old (adjust if needed)
• Must have parent or guardian approval
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn, participate, and represent the MVMA positively
• Annual dues apply

The Youth Reserve program is designed to prepare young members for future involvement and leadership, giving them real-world experience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of service, teamwork, and community impact.