MALMSTROM SPOUSES CLUB

My name is Leanne Ward. I’m a spouse of a 22 year veteran and a mother of three. I work as a GS civilian for the 341 CES. I’m an avid crafter, reader, gardner and love a great brunch. I have a great passion for the MSC and Malmstrom as a whole and have dedicated many years to enhancing our members' experience at Malmstrom. 

 

Why are you interested in serving on the board of the Malmstrom Spouses Club?

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I am interested in continuing to serve as president of the Malmstrom Spouses Club because I deeply value the sense of community and support it provides to military spouses.I would like to contribute by helping the club grow, foster relationships, and offer meaningful programs that enhance the lives of all its members. I am passionate about making a positive impact and ensuring that the club remains a vital resource for everyone at Malmstrom AFB.

 

What unique skills or strengths do you bring to this position?

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I have 20 years experience as a spouses club board member. I bring a diverse set of skills to this position, including strong communication, event planning, and leadership abilities. In previous roles, I have coordinated various projects, collaborated with diverse groups, and worked towards clear goals. My organizational skills and attention to detail allow me to effectively plan events and manage tasks efficiently. Additionally, I am adept at building relationships, which would help in fostering engagement among members.

How would you engage and motivate volunteers or members of the club?

 

To engage and motivate volunteers, I would focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. I believe in recognizing the contributions of all members and providing opportunities for them to develop new skills. By creating clear and meaningful roles for volunteers, offering regular feedback, and ensuring that their efforts are appreciated, I can keep motivation high. Additionally, I would encourage open communication and actively listen to members' ideas and concerns to ensure they feel heard and involved.

 

The board requires a time commitment for meetings, events, and planning. Are you able to dedicate the necessary time to fulfill your responsibilities? 

 

Yes, I am fully aware of the time commitment involved and I am prepared to dedicate the necessary time to fulfill my responsibilities. Over the past year I  have prioritized my commitments and am confident that I can balance this role alongside my other obligations. I am eager to contribute my time and energy to the success of the board and the club.

 

Do you have any ideas on how the club can improve engagement or better serve the Malmstrom AFB community?

 

I believe one way to improve engagement is to offer a variety of events and activities that cater to different interests and schedules. This could include social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and workshops aimed at personal and professional development. Additionally, creating more opportunities for members to connect with each other both in-person and online could enhance engagement.

 

What are your top three goals for the club during your term?

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1. Enhance Member Engagement: Develop programs and activities that encourage more involvement from current members while attracting new ones.

2. Strengthen Community Connections: Build stronger partnerships with local organizations and resources to support the military spouses at Malmstrom AFB.

3. Increase Volunteer Participation: Create opportunities for members to take on leadership roles and actively contribute to the club's growth and success.

How would you handle situations where club membership or participation declines?

 

If membership or participation were to decline, I would first work with the board to assess the reasons behind it through surveys or direct feedback from members. Understanding the root cause is key to addressing the issue. Based on that information, I would help implement new strategies to engage members, such as revitalizing events, offering more relevant programs, or improving communication. It would be important to take a collaborative approach and keep members informed, making sure they feel connected to the club's purpose.

 

Provide a paragraph encompassing the following questions: How would you ensure the board stays focused on its mission while also fostering a positive and inclusive environment? What strategies would you use to keep the board and members motivated and engaged? How would you handle conflicts or disagreements within the board or club members?

 

To ensure the board stays focused on its mission while creating a positive and supportive environment, I would emphasize open, honest communication and a shared sense of purpose. By regularly reminding everyone of our collective goals and values, I would help keep the group aligned while fostering a sense of belonging and respect. To keep the board and members motivated and engaged, I would make sure to celebrate both big and small achievements, always acknowledging each person’s unique contributions. I believe in offering opportunities for growth and learning, so that everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute their best. When conflicts or disagreements arise, I would approach the situation with empathy and a commitment to understanding all perspectives. Through calm and respectful conversations, I would work to find solutions that bring the group closer together and reinforce our shared mission, ensuring that the environment remains one of trust and collaboration.