Not that most of you really care all that much about this, but I wanted to dedicate an entire post to this.
We had a GREAT meeting today. So much for my pessimism. That’s classic me. Today, we got a new First Sergeant (1SG). He’s great. He’s really going to transform our Battery into something special. He’s going to get our Soldiers Fit-To-Fight; he’s not going to take any crap; he’s got a really good head on his shoulders and most of all, he supports our FRG completely. I’m absolutely THRILLED about this! You really have no idea.
The Army has said that FRG is an official and essential function of the Army; Said that we need to take care of our families, keep them informed and most of all, somehow get them interested in participating (that’s the kicker here! They want us to motivate the families to attend, but they’re cutting us off at the knees…one very essential piece out of the puzzle–literally, has been cut out–it’s the center piece that makes the puzzle complete–the social aspects of being an Army spouse)
I can’t say wife anymore. Today, I had my first male spouse attend. He seems like he’s got a great sense of humor and he’ll probably call himself an Army wife–he’s doing what Army wives do…he fixed a plate for the potluck tonight (quite tasty, if I do say so myself–I’m not much of a cook!), is a stay-at-home-dad of 2 young elementary aged kids and is willing to volunteer to do FRG related stuff. This is rare for male spouses. Those of you who know anything about military life can relate to this. Men tend to think of FRG as a bunch of squawking women…and we’re really not! So, I’m VERY happy to have him on-board!! I’ll just think of him like “Roland”–you know, the only male spouse shown on the TV show Army Wives.
So, anyway, we had our potluck tonight and we ate first, something that I normally wait until the end to do so we can get through our meeting quicker. Well, with all the craziness that’s been going on, there wasn’t time to print out the calendars, so we ate first, had our social hour at the beginning and then had our meeting. That worked out pretty well, actually–might have to try that one again!
We were able to discuss fundraising and spending of the money that we already have. We’re going to set up a little office for our FRG. I’m super-thrilled about this!
We also decided that we’re going to do a Jane Wayne day. We got some really good ideas and we’re going to try to put that together in a few months. That’s going to take a lot of planning and coordination to make that happen, but I think it would be good and it’ll be a great team building exercise! I just can’t wait!
Well, anyway, that’s pretty much all that happened and now Rob’s pretty tired after a long day, so I’m going to bid you all a good night and we’ll chat about this some other time! TTFN
Rational Irrationalities 
A Jane Wayne day? That’s a new one for me…tell me more? Maybe I can pass that on to our FRG.
And I just want to say that the FRG is essential to any unit. SO crucial. I’m glad the meeting went awesome!
So glad it went well!!!
I am in the process of planning a fun day for ours…maybe that will bring more families out.
And, isn’t it amazing what strong leadership can do?!?
I stummbled on your post today. It sounds like a great FRG meeting. I am a new FRG Leader and trying to figure out what to do for our first meeting. And suggestions?? Right now I am relying on my soldiers to pass the meeting info on.
Introductions and get a feel for what your volunteers’ talents are. Start brainstorming fundraising ideas and talk about FRG trips/activities. Get the spouse’s familiar with services available in your military community. I usually like to have a guest speaker at each meeting. I usually start with ACS. Have someone come and talk about the services they provide or an MFLC (Military/Family Life Consultant). Have spouses vote on day of the week and times to meet & where they prefer to have meetings–they don’t have to be done in the company area. Make sure you have your commander print a monthly training calendar out for each meeting and have this calendar available for the spouses to take with them. Also, your FRSA or BN CDR may require you to have a bullet agenda for each meeting. Make sure that you have correct and updated contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for your spouses so you can send emails and information to them–basic housekeeping.
Get a treasurer ASAP, if you don’t already have one. FRG leaders aren’t supposed be in charge of the finances.
there is a lot to being an FRG leader. If you need more ideas, reply to this and I can give you some ideas… 🙂 Oh2BTigger 🙂
This posting was very helpful. Also your comment to Gennifer. I am the new FRG leader for my husband’s company and will be having our first meeting sometime soon. My question is how do you get spouses excited/want to help? Many spouses only come because meetings are required. A lot of them have also been warned of the FRG being drama. What do I do?