Sponsorship TrainingSponsorship Training

Why Have a SponsorWhy Have a Sponsor

Relocation can be:Relocation can be: Mentally demandingMentally demanding Emotionally demandingEmotionally demanding ExpensiveExpensive Time-consumingTime-consuming

Sponsor’s assistance can Sponsor’s assistance can make all the difference!make all the difference!

Good sponsor can greatly Good sponsor can greatly ease the anxiety and stress ease the anxiety and stress that comes with relocatingthat comes with relocating

ImpactsImpacts

Operational ReadinessOperational Readiness Minimizes member’s (and family members) Minimizes member’s (and family members)

concerns about PCS move;concerns about PCS move; More focus on new assignmentMore focus on new assignment

Well BeingWell Being Dramatically decreases anxiety of many Dramatically decreases anxiety of many

‘‘unknownsunknowns’ for member and family members;’ for member and family members; Enhances satisfaction with assignmentEnhances satisfaction with assignment Retention factor - the little things add up!Retention factor - the little things add up!

Purpose of SponsorPurpose of Sponsor

To provide member and familyTo provide member and family Realistic expectations;Realistic expectations; Basic guidance;Basic guidance; Samples and suggestionsSamples and suggestions Ease of transition to new areaEase of transition to new area

Sponsor can do wonders for a Sponsor can do wonders for a member’s first impression of member’s first impression of new commandnew command

Can have a positive or a Can have a positive or a negative experiencenegative experience

Positive or Negative EffectPositive or Negative Effect

““An extremely disappointing experience! Questions such as An extremely disappointing experience! Questions such as ‘Should I bring my household goods or car?’ were left ‘Should I bring my household goods or car?’ were left unansweredunanswered.. Of course, this is not something you want to Of course, this is not something you want to complain about to a new command.”complain about to a new command.”

““An extremely disappointing experience! Questions such as An extremely disappointing experience! Questions such as ‘Should I bring my household goods or car?’ were left ‘Should I bring my household goods or car?’ were left unansweredunanswered.. Of course, this is not something you want to Of course, this is not something you want to complain about to a new command.”complain about to a new command.”

““Several sponsors were assigned due to deployments; Several sponsors were assigned due to deployments; therefore sponsor assistance was a hit or a miss!therefore sponsor assistance was a hit or a miss!

““Several sponsors were assigned due to deployments; Several sponsors were assigned due to deployments; therefore sponsor assistance was a hit or a miss!therefore sponsor assistance was a hit or a miss!

““I like the idea of having a driver come to the airport with a I like the idea of having a driver come to the airport with a large van; I really believe the sponsor should ride along to large van; I really believe the sponsor should ride along to meet you and ensure you have the monies available for the meet you and ensure you have the monies available for the transportation, etc. My sponsor did sell us a couple of transportation, etc. My sponsor did sell us a couple of transformers but was on leave a couple of weeks just after we transformers but was on leave a couple of weeks just after we arrived. We had to learn mostly through trial and error!arrived. We had to learn mostly through trial and error!

““I like the idea of having a driver come to the airport with a I like the idea of having a driver come to the airport with a large van; I really believe the sponsor should ride along to large van; I really believe the sponsor should ride along to meet you and ensure you have the monies available for the meet you and ensure you have the monies available for the transportation, etc. My sponsor did sell us a couple of transportation, etc. My sponsor did sell us a couple of transformers but was on leave a couple of weeks just after we transformers but was on leave a couple of weeks just after we arrived. We had to learn mostly through trial and error!arrived. We had to learn mostly through trial and error!

Positive or Negative EffectPositive or Negative Effect

““My sponsor helped me with ‘as smooth of a transition’ as I My sponsor helped me with ‘as smooth of a transition’ as I could imagine! I felt comfortable moving here with all could imagine! I felt comfortable moving here with all questions answered!questions answered!

““My sponsor helped me with ‘as smooth of a transition’ as I My sponsor helped me with ‘as smooth of a transition’ as I could imagine! I felt comfortable moving here with all could imagine! I felt comfortable moving here with all questions answered!questions answered!

““Needless to say, I was extremely nervous making this huge Needless to say, I was extremely nervous making this huge adjustment. My sponsor did an outstanding job ‘showing me adjustment. My sponsor did an outstanding job ‘showing me the ropes’. I have no complaints!the ropes’. I have no complaints!

““Needless to say, I was extremely nervous making this huge Needless to say, I was extremely nervous making this huge adjustment. My sponsor did an outstanding job ‘showing me adjustment. My sponsor did an outstanding job ‘showing me the ropes’. I have no complaints!the ropes’. I have no complaints!

““Sponsor Sponsor was there to greet me upon my arrivalwas there to greet me upon my arrival and and assisted me in getting settled into TLA and orientation, the assisted me in getting settled into TLA and orientation, the base and surrounding area. Sponsor also base and surrounding area. Sponsor also invited me over invited me over for dinnerfor dinner which made me feel very welcomed. I felt my which made me feel very welcomed. I felt my sponsor went above and beyond what was expected of him sponsor went above and beyond what was expected of him and I am really appreciative!and I am really appreciative!

““Sponsor Sponsor was there to greet me upon my arrivalwas there to greet me upon my arrival and and assisted me in getting settled into TLA and orientation, the assisted me in getting settled into TLA and orientation, the base and surrounding area. Sponsor also base and surrounding area. Sponsor also invited me over invited me over for dinnerfor dinner which made me feel very welcomed. I felt my which made me feel very welcomed. I felt my sponsor went above and beyond what was expected of him sponsor went above and beyond what was expected of him and I am really appreciative!and I am really appreciative!

Positive or Negative EffectPositive or Negative Effect

““My sponsor transferred back to the states and was unable to My sponsor transferred back to the states and was unable to assist me at all!assist me at all!

““My sponsor transferred back to the states and was unable to My sponsor transferred back to the states and was unable to assist me at all!assist me at all!

““My sponsor was TDY upon my arrival. He did a pretty good job My sponsor was TDY upon my arrival. He did a pretty good job with initial contact and answering some questions; but I was pretty with initial contact and answering some questions; but I was pretty much left on my own when I arrived!much left on my own when I arrived!

““My sponsor was TDY upon my arrival. He did a pretty good job My sponsor was TDY upon my arrival. He did a pretty good job with initial contact and answering some questions; but I was pretty with initial contact and answering some questions; but I was pretty much left on my own when I arrived!much left on my own when I arrived!

““I was given the name of my sponsor which I now can’t I was given the name of my sponsor which I now can’t remember. I had made an initial phone call to my sponsor but remember. I had made an initial phone call to my sponsor but never did receive a return call. Needless to say, our experience never did receive a return call. Needless to say, our experience was mostly 100% D.I.Y. (do it yourself). If anyone knows or can was mostly 100% D.I.Y. (do it yourself). If anyone knows or can determine who our sponsor was, we’d love to know!determine who our sponsor was, we’d love to know!

““I was given the name of my sponsor which I now can’t I was given the name of my sponsor which I now can’t remember. I had made an initial phone call to my sponsor but remember. I had made an initial phone call to my sponsor but never did receive a return call. Needless to say, our experience never did receive a return call. Needless to say, our experience was mostly 100% D.I.Y. (do it yourself). If anyone knows or can was mostly 100% D.I.Y. (do it yourself). If anyone knows or can determine who our sponsor was, we’d love to know!determine who our sponsor was, we’d love to know!

““I would not recommend my sponsor to sponsor anyone else! I I would not recommend my sponsor to sponsor anyone else! I was left to find and do almost everything for myself!was left to find and do almost everything for myself!

““I would not recommend my sponsor to sponsor anyone else! I I would not recommend my sponsor to sponsor anyone else! I was left to find and do almost everything for myself!was left to find and do almost everything for myself!

Positive or Negative EffectPositive or Negative Effect

““My sponsor My sponsor waited at Gatwick for 4 hourswaited at Gatwick for 4 hours due to my flight due to my flight being delayed. She met my family and I with a being delayed. She met my family and I with a friendly smilefriendly smile, , ready to assist in any way. She took us to the hotel, NEX and ready to assist in any way. She took us to the hotel, NEX and bank before ensuring we had everything we needed. She bank before ensuring we had everything we needed. She gave us her phone numbergave us her phone number and and picked me up the next picked me up the next morning for workmorning for work.. My wife and I were very pleased with her My wife and I were very pleased with her professionalism.professionalism.

““My sponsor My sponsor waited at Gatwick for 4 hourswaited at Gatwick for 4 hours due to my flight due to my flight being delayed. She met my family and I with a being delayed. She met my family and I with a friendly smilefriendly smile, , ready to assist in any way. She took us to the hotel, NEX and ready to assist in any way. She took us to the hotel, NEX and bank before ensuring we had everything we needed. She bank before ensuring we had everything we needed. She gave us her phone numbergave us her phone number and and picked me up the next picked me up the next morning for workmorning for work.. My wife and I were very pleased with her My wife and I were very pleased with her professionalism.professionalism.

““My sponsor My sponsor communicated with mecommunicated with me as soon as my orders as soon as my orders were issued via telephone. He then communicated with me were issued via telephone. He then communicated with me via email on a daily basis; then via email on a daily basis; then sent letterssent letters to my family and I. to my family and I. Upon arriving in London, he had my family and I Upon arriving in London, he had my family and I over for over for dinner at his home.dinner at his home. The following day, he The following day, he took us on a tourtook us on a tour of his own town and other surrounding areas. He was the best of his own town and other surrounding areas. He was the best sponsor I ever had in 20 years of Navy service.sponsor I ever had in 20 years of Navy service.

““My sponsor My sponsor communicated with mecommunicated with me as soon as my orders as soon as my orders were issued via telephone. He then communicated with me were issued via telephone. He then communicated with me via email on a daily basis; then via email on a daily basis; then sent letterssent letters to my family and I. to my family and I. Upon arriving in London, he had my family and I Upon arriving in London, he had my family and I over for over for dinner at his home.dinner at his home. The following day, he The following day, he took us on a tourtook us on a tour of his own town and other surrounding areas. He was the best of his own town and other surrounding areas. He was the best sponsor I ever had in 20 years of Navy service.sponsor I ever had in 20 years of Navy service.

Objectives and StrategiesObjectives and Strategies

ObjectiveObjectiveEnsure newcomers arrive feeling like members of Ensure newcomers arrive feeling like members of the new teamthe new team

Ensure newcomers and their families have a Ensure newcomers and their families have a positive first impressionpositive 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 SponsorThe Ideal Sponsor

Sponsor selection: Grade level equivalent Marital status

Single Single parent Married Married with children

Not going TDY or PCSing

TacticsTactics

Assess the needs of the newcomer and familyAssess the needs of the newcomer and family Be proactive - make the initial contact;Be proactive - make the initial contact; Be helpful and sincere - listenBe helpful and sincere - listen Be responsive but honestBe responsive but honest

If you don’t know the answer; indicate you will find out and If you don’t know the answer; indicate you will find out and get backget back

Meet the needs of member (and family)Meet the needs of member (and family) Get your family involvedGet your family involved

Information base - final decisions rest with memberInformation base - final decisions rest with member

ACS Can HelpACS Can Help

SITES at any installation SITES at any installation worldwide or on the webworldwide or on the web

Welcome PacketsWelcome Packets ACS Web SiteACS Web Site Family Member Employment Family Member Employment

Assistance Program (FMEAP)Assistance Program (FMEAP) Information and Referral Information and Referral

Pre-Arrival StagePre-Arrival Stage

Make initial contact with member within two daysMake initial contact with member within two days Email works bestEmail works best Make sure to keep command in loop!Make sure to keep command in loop!

Send out Welcome PacketSend out Welcome Packet See ACSSee ACS Letter with full name, home and local addresses, home Letter with full name, home and local addresses, home

and work phones & fax numbersand work phones & fax numbers Unit information (include web site; if available) on Unit information (include web site; if available) on

mission, work hours, uniform, duty hours, etc.mission, work hours, uniform, duty hours, etc. Write the letter as if you were sending it to a friendWrite the letter as if you were sending it to a friend Newcomers Needs Assessment ChecklistNewcomers Needs Assessment Checklist

Special Needs GroupsSpecial Needs Groups

Dual Career Military FamiliesDual Career Military Families Single Parent FamiliesSingle Parent Families Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) Exceptional Family Member (EFMP)

ProgramProgram Single PersonnelSingle Personnel

Dual Career Military FamiliesDual Career Military Families

Child Care facilities (military and Child Care facilities (military and civilian) availabilitycivilian) availability

Schools with extended day (hour) Schools with extended day (hour) programsprograms

Certified family home child careCertified family home child care 24-hour child care availability24-hour child care availability Family Care PlansFamily Care Plans

Single Parent FamiliesSingle Parent Families

Child Care resources Child Care resources on base; in the on base; in the housing area, and in housing area, and in the local communitythe local community

Schools with Schools with extended day(hour) extended day(hour) programsprograms

Other single parents Other single parents on baseon base

Exceptional Family Member (EFMP)Exceptional Family Member (EFMP)

Info on medical care/TRICAREInfo on medical care/TRICARE Child care resources on base and in the Child care resources on base and in the

community for children with special needscommunity for children with special needs Support groupsSupport groups EFMP Clinic EFMP Clinic

Single PersonnelSingle Personnel

BOSS ProgramBOSS Program Recreation facilities availableRecreation facilities available Athletic programsAthletic programs Barracks lifeBarracks life Social activitiesSocial activities Education programsEducation programs Volunteer programsVolunteer programs

Miscellaneous Topics to CoverMiscellaneous Topics to Cover

Spouse Employment Contacts Where to send mail

Arrival StageArrival 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 StagePost 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