WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE 33
VOBS & SUPPLIER DIVERSITY What is the organization's purpose and/or mission?
Our mission is to holistically enrich the lives of Californias transitioning military, veterans, and their families across a wide spectrum of needs under our five pillars or lanes of support: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Wellness, and Family.
What types of events does the organization plan on hosting?
CAVCC collaborates with the USVCC, NGOs, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), academia and corporations across the country to develop and promote events that support Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Wellness and Family. Responding to the pandemic, we are partnering with sister Chambers across the country to conduct webinars to strengthen veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses. We will also collaborate with legal entities and government agencies to help veterans and their families obtain the proper information to access much-needed benefits to fit their particular situations.
What do you see as the missing gaps in California for veterans and veteran families?
Functional cooperation, cross-sector collaboration, and an integrated network to establish a no-wrong-door capacity that allows our state and nation to effectively reintegrate veterans and their families as a matter of course. Said in another way, a holistic approach to veteran and military family reintegration in order to cost-effectively address problems identified by a VA study conducted in November 2015, wherein 8,500 transitioning service members, reservists, veterans and military dependents, reported the following challenges:
60%
navigating VA programs, benefits, and services
55%
inding a job
41%
adjusting to civilian culture
40%
addressing financial challenges
39%
applying military- learned skills to civilian life
Another significant gap is the ability to get access to pertinent, reliable and up-to- date information on services, such as new health and other benefits, to include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. And at a time when COVID-19 deaths continue to climb, knowledge about burial benefits for veterans and family members couldnt be more crucial.
What role does diversity play in your organization moving forward?
Racial equity plays a key role and is a primary driver in our approach. Our leadership team reflects the diversity of our current military, where racial and ethnic minorities comprise 43 percent of those on active duty. We understand equity matters and creating a safe, equitable and inclusive chamber for all veterans and their families is paramount.
What do you feel is the biggest problem facing California veterans?
As a minority-majority state, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our veteran and military family community, with minority- and women- owned small businesses facing the highest rates of failure. Before COVID-19, 65 percent of veterans in their first job did not reach their second anniversary at work. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem, with layoffs adding to the rolls of displaced veterans and military spouses. Downward pressure in the labor market also contributes to underemployment, particularly on military spouses, women and minorities.
How can people get involved in your organization?
Membership is free for veterans, military spouses, as well as for sponsors who support these members. CAVCC serves as a catalyst to unite people, organizations and disparate segments of society that might not ordinarily meet. Also, sponsors can advertise their products and services, with pricing based on the level of coverage they desire.
Anything else that is important that you feel we should know?
House Resolution 2326 [Navy SEAL CPO William Bill Mulder (Ret) Transition Improvement Act], if signed into law, will move the current Transition Assistance Program (TAP) off base to involve the local community. CAVCC has been working closely with H.R.2326 sponsor Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) for the last couple of years to support the resolution, as well as to serve as a Force Multiplier to help ensure the new TAPs success. Our group will be keeping our constituents informed through our summits, lectures, discussions panels, town halls and open forums. Our board members sit on multiple local, state and federal committees, boards and commissions. At a time of social distancing, CAVCC brings people closer together through a commitment to a better future for all.
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