The new, SOSAmerica (Service over Self), Website (www.sosamerica.org) look and functionality deserve a good look. Simplification of message and process are very much an achieved aim. Note that the military service proposal provides for a voluntary, affordable, one year program for men and women (ages 18-25– like selective service) with physical and mental capability cast as ‘being able to care of oneself) versus the stringent All Volunteer Force (AVF) requirements. While the AVF will continue in its present form, SOS America volunteers will join the newly established US Military Service Corps (working title) and provide augmentation on a small unit basis to all the services, guard and reserve plus federal and state agencies requesting augmentation. This ‘on request’ or ‘on demand’ feature insures that the SOS America program is not seen as a ‘forced’ program. There must be a forecasted demand that is requested although the ability for a short notice surge in the face of immediate need is anticipated. Service will be primarily support duties in nature with the specifics left to the requesting service or agency. It is truly all about nation building in America and all the more crucial as we emerge from this period of pandemic. In term of acceptance, broad national support exists with many favoring an even more agressive approach of mandatory and two year service.
With the publication of the National Commission on Service report to the Congress and the President, SOS America enters a new phase of activity. While the agenda for service initiatives has seen reduced enthusisam given the Covid-19 virus, there remains possibility for injection into election year politics and certainly there should be agenda room for the new administration come Jan 2021 be it Republican or Democrat.
In that vein, SOS American has undertaken a major outreach initiative to bolster public support and membership. There are roughly 3200 counties in America. It is the aim to establish and empower SOS America County Chairpersons across the land. Their purpose is to provide for ‘boots on the ground’ (their home turf if you will), local and representational advocacy and support for SOS goals and objectives, leading local chapters of SOS America and increasing membership.
As County chairs are identified and become active, they will serve as independent contractors to the national organization. As such, they will join at the national level of membership (or greater) and contribute an annual ‘franchise fee’ for the county (or counties they represent). For counties of 100,000 persons or less, the fee is $150 and for those over that number, $300. The first year fees will be reimbursed from membership revenues generated in the specific county. Additionally, quarterly distirbution of 50% of net county revenues will be remitted to the county chairperson.
As you are aware, there have been no salaries paid to this point in the organization and this process of remuneration is designed and directed at the county level. It has been long recognized that assistance from a major lobbying firm (or firms) in Wahsington will be required to achieve the necessary legislation and/or authorities to stand up the beginnings of the program under DOD auspices. Added revenue will enable that effort and can provide for more robust national staff to bring added pressure to bear. Given resources, such an expansion will require compensation but is a logical next step to ensure growth and success. Given that growth and success, SOS America will then be able to claim victory and, absent ongoing needs, disband.
This effort to achieve dramatic growth with attendant impact is aided by your current membership (and contirubtion as you may choose). Thank you and for a requested investment of one hour a month to search out new members and nominate prospective county chairpersons to national. Emails to [email protected] please. Similarly, SOS America facebook seeks your review and sharing. Again, thank you.