Membership

Veterans Scotland - Membership

The important role that membership organisations play in the veterans’ community has been recognised by the creation of this new pillar. The primary function of the membership pillar is to provide membership organisations with an opportunity to work together to represent, promote and further the collective interests of veterans.

Mother Theresa believed that “the greatest disease in the world is loneliness”. For many, the companionship afforded through membership of an organisation or club is often the only means of social contact that they experience. Membership organisations are involved in community life across Scotland by means of their branches and clubs and so have a significant role to play in beating this “disease of loneliness” amongst members of the ex-Service community.

Less than 10% of those who could benefit from the services of veterans organisations actually do so. Membership organisations can also reach out to those who are not benefiting from the support and assistance offered by veterans’ charities and yet who are entitled to do so.

Undertaking Remembrance activity is a fundamental part of preserving the Nation’s heritage, and educating the younger members of society is essential if the torch of remembrance is to be passed to future generations. This is yet another area where veterans’ membership organisations play a key role in the wider community.

The creation of the membership pillar is just the first step but what about the pillar objectives? The initial objectives are

To identify opportunities to work together to represent, promote and further the collective interests of members
To compile a database of all organisations within the veterans community in Scotland
To act as a focus for veterans issues which are outside the remit of other pillars
To identify ways in which members can act as mentors to vulnerable Service leavers
To raise awareness of the contributions that veterans make to society
To identify ways in which members can increase their role in the identification of veterans in need
To influence and inform public opinion and nurture qualities such as respect for veterans in the community, particularly amongst younger generations

However, before we can achieve these objectives we need to answer the following questions:

WHAT are the collective interests of membership organisations?

HOW can membership organisations work together?

HOW can the collective interests of membership organisations be represented, promoted and furthered?

Veterans Scotland is interested in the views of veterans’ membership organisations. If your organisation would like to play an active role in the work of the membership pillar why not consider joining Veterans Scotland? If you would like to comment on the objectives or can answer these questions please email info@veteransscotland.org.uk

Members of Veterans Scotland may have links to their websites posted here. Please contact us if you would like to take advantage of this.