Plan of Action

In keeping with a military style of deployment, activity teams of listeners at selected sites in local neighborhoods or national venues will be mobilized to form a ready reaction force for on-the-ground action. There are millions of veterans who have returned from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas of past conflicts or are still on active duty who would benefit from such on-the-ground action. The VLP’s goal is to create a listening post in every state, county, and neighborhood, where people are willing and able to support veterans and military people by displaying outward signs with inward listening. This can all be done through the Veterans Listening Post blueprint.

Team leaders, team listeners, and individual listeners will be lightly trained because most of the requirements come hardwired: listening, focus skills, patience, compassion, commitment, and honor for their part in this journey. Teams are made up of at least two volunteers, or as many as will further the action plan in place for the appointed day.

Hot spots will be organized through small marketing campaigns directed toward qualified locations selected by the Veterans Listening Post team to aid in setting up and preparing for action within their area of organization. The marketing campaigns will inform local veterans and active military that a listening post will be available in their area on a certain date for all who would like to tell their stories. It should be a fun and happy time – a time of celebration. No need to wait for Veterans Day or Memorial Day. The time for action is now.

In addition, the programs function independently of one another. Each platform serves a different type of need. Some veterans do not have ready access to the internet, but have a phone. Some have no phone but through word of mouth and local advertisements can find a safe place to meet with on-the-ground VLP staff and services. These three services can be used together or independently.