It started simply enough. Browsing the weekly post paper one day at Fort Riley in 2002, I saw a small note asking for volunteers to participate in a local "AFAP" conference. I wasn't familiar with the acronym, but I saw that it had something to with Army families, so I called. The exchange couldn't have taken more than five minutes. I answered a few questions, provided my child care requirements, and committed to attending the conference. That was it. I became a delegate at my first Army Family Action Plan conference.
I don't remember a whole lot about the topics or at the conference since it occurred nearly ten ago, but I do remember three things quite distinctly.
First, I learned consensus meant coming to a decision everyone could live with, even if wasn't one I personally would have chosen. I learned this the hard way when an issue I initially thought was ludicrous turned out to be the most important issue for several members of my work group.
Second, I remember my realization that there was no rank within our work group. My role as a spouse was no less and no more than any other demographic represented in the room. It absolutely did not matter who my husband was, what he did or what rank he wore. We were all equal.
Finally, I recall feeling a little awed by the whole process as I sat and listened as each work group provided their top three issues to post leadership. I remember thinking, "Wow. They're really listening to what we have to say." I was hooked.
After that experience, each time we changed duty stations, I found the AFAP office and asked how I could be involved. I attended amazing training and learned everything I could about the program. I became a facilitator, an issue support volunteer, and a transcriber. I worked behind the scenes and in the work groups and talked about the program to anyone who would listen. When we arrived here at Fort Knox, I volunteered to work in the AFAP operations center. Later, I was asked to work as the AFAP Volunteer Conference Coordinator. I soaked up everything I could from those around me who had attended mid-level or Department of the Army-level AFAP conferences. I hoped I might one day get the opportunity to attend as well.
Recently, that happened. The AFAP Program Manager at my local installation asked me if I'd like to apply to be a facilitator, room manager, transcriber/recorder, or issue supporter -- FRTI -- for the 2012 Army-level AFAP conference. I jumped at the chance. Less than two weeks later I learned I'd been selected to be a facilitator for the conference. I alternated between thrilled and terrified.
The week was remarkable from the start. We worked as a large group and in teams to prepare for the conference. All of the members of my work group team were professional, experienced participants in the AFAP process, and all were committed to making the process a successful experience for our assigned delegates.
From the beginning, the quality of the Subject Matter Experts present to assist the work groups in addressing the issues reassured me of the seriousness and importance of the AFAP. In many cases, the SMEs worked at the Department of the Army component for the given topic, making them the proponent to implement the recommendations should an issue be selected as a group's top two. Their knowledge and professionalism demonstrated their commitment to assisting delegates with discussing the issues and developing quality recommendations.
The quality of delegates also impressed me. They addressed complicated issues ranging from child victim advocacy and identification cards for Gold Star family members to sexual assault reporting options for military family members and addressing sex offenders living in government housing. The topics were tough, complex, emotional and completely relevant to our soldiers and family members. Delegates discussed and prioritized the issues, taking into consideration the current economic and political climate to determine if a recommendation was realistic and feasible. Delegates weighed need versus want and benefit to many versus a few.
Participating in an Army-level conference was an educational experience. I saw the flexibility and attention to relevancy of a process I had not previously seen. In all my years of AFAP participation, the process seemed essentially set in stone. Although the basics remain the same, AFAP appears to be changing with the times. From charging participants to think broadly, across components, to consider cost estimates when establishing recommendations, and to be aware that giving to one group might mean taking from another AFAP leaders demonstrated their understanding of the changing Army climate and a determination to remain relevant in that climate.
I came away from the conference feeling motivated, excited, and blessed to have the opportunity to be part of an extraordinary process. The AFAP process allows every member of the Army family a voice to enable change. It encourages ideas at the local level and empowers individuals to impact the Army at the highest levels. It is a commitment to our soldiers and families that the Army truly does work to address the issues and concerns that impact our communities. A good friend often says "Once an AFAP-er, always an AFAP-er." I think I am in it for the duration!
I encourage everyone, both Soldiers and family members, to participate in the AFAP process. Who better than you to help chart the course of our Army and our Army community for the future?
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