Sponsorship Training
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Sponsorship Training
Why Have a Sponsor
Relocation can be:
Mentally demanding
Emotionally demanding
Expensive
Time-consuming
Sponsor’s assistance can make all the difference!
Good sponsor can greatly ease the anxiety and stress that comes with relocating
Impacts
Operational Readiness
Minimizes member’s (and family members) concerns about PCS move;
More focus on new assignment
Well Being
Dramatically decreases anxiety of many ‘unknowns‘ for member and family members;
Enhances satisfaction with assignment
Retention factor – the little things add up!
Purpose of Sponsor
To provide member and family
Realistic expectations;
Basic guidance;
Samples and suggestions
Ease of transition to new area
Sponsor can do wonders for a member’s first impression of new command
Can have a positive or a negative experience
Positive or Negative Effect
“An extremely disappointing experience! Questions such as ‘Should I bring my household goods or car?’ were left unanswered. Of course, this is not something you want to complain about to a new command.”
Positive or Negative Effect
“My sponsor helped me with ‘as smooth of a transition’ as I could imagine! I felt comfortable moving here with all questions answered!
Positive or Negative Effect
“My sponsor transferred back to the states and was unable to assist me at all!
Positive or Negative Effect
“My sponsor waited at Gatwick for 4 hours due to my flight being delayed. She met my family and I with a friendly smile, ready to assist in any way. She took us to the hotel, NEX and bank before ensuring we had everything we needed. She gave us her phone number and picked me up the next morning for work. My wife and I were very pleased with her professionalism.
Objectives and Strategies
Objective
Ensure newcomers arrive feeling like members of the new team
Ensure newcomers and their families have a positive first impression
Strategy
Provide proactive assistance to newcomers and their families
Pave the way for a smooth transition from losing to gaining command
The Ideal Sponsor
Sponsor selection:
Grade level equivalent
Marital status
Single
Single parent
Married
Married with children
Not going TDY or PCSing
Tactics
Assess the needs of the newcomer and family
Be proactive – make the initial contact;
Be helpful and sincere – listen
Be responsive but honest
If you don’t know the answer; indicate you will find out and get back
Meet the needs of member (and family)
Get your family involved
Information base – final decisions rest with member
ACS Can Help
SITES at any installation worldwide or on the web
Welcome Packets
ACS Web Site
Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP)
Information and Referral
Pre-Arrival Stage
Make initial contact with member within two days
Email works best
Make sure to keep command in loop!
Send out Welcome Packet
See ACS
Letter with full name, home and local addresses, home and work phones & fax numbers
Unit information (include web site; if available) on mission, work hours, uniform, duty hours, etc.
Write the letter as if you were sending it to a friend
Newcomers Needs Assessment Checklist
Special Needs Groups
Dual Career Military Families
Single Parent Families
Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) Program
Single Personnel
Dual Career Military Families
Child Care facilities (military and civilian) availability
Schools with extended day (hour) programs
Certified family home child care
24-hour child care availability
Family Care Plans
Single Parent Families
Child Care resources on base; in the housing area, and in the local community
Schools with extended day(hour) programs
Other single parents on base
Exceptional Family Member (EFMP)
Info on medical care/TRICARE
Child care resources on base and in the community for children with special needs
Support groups
EFMP Clinic
Single Personnel
BOSS Program
Recreation facilities available
Athletic programs
Barracks life
Social activities
Education programs
Volunteer programs
Miscellaneous Topics to Cover
Spouse Employment Contacts
Where to send mail
Arrival Stage
Orient Newcomer to Local Area
Show newcomer installation facilities
PX, Commissary, Darling Hall
Fitness center, clinics, chapel
Show where you live; where you shop, etc
Show major shopping areas and landmarks
Accompany Newcomer to In-processing
Introduce to supervisor and co-workers
Check-in with Housing Office
Check-in with Personal Property
Take newcomer to banks, post office, etc.
Post Arrival Stage
Invite newcomer to your home
Include spouse and children in sponsor process
Have them over for dinner
Assist in house hunting
They may need transportation to get to commissary, house hunting, etc
When household goods arrive; offer to babysit any children so member and spouse can focus on getting house situated
Assist with registering a vehicle
