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Vietnam Veterans of America 2007 Convention Resolutions

SUPPORT FOR WOMEN VETERANS

(WV-2-05, WV-3-05 & WV-6-05)

Issue: 

With an increase in the percentage of women serving on active duty in The Armed Forces, more women are entering the ranks of veterans, seeking involvement in veteran service organizations.  During the Vietnam War, more than 265,000 women stood with their brothers when others would not. For this reason, and recognizing the contribution women veterans have made to this organization, Vietnam Veterans of America, had included women as integral and equal members, including them on its legislative agenda and policy concerns. 

Background: 

Vietnam Veterans of America, has been the leader, recognizing the needs of all women veterans.   Vietnam Veterans of America, has recognized the contribution of women veterans in this organization and has elected women veterans to leadership positions at all levels.  Additionally, although women veterans are authorized the same benefits, services and compensation as their male counterparts, many women do not know their rights as veterans, and they do not know how to access programs of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Despite the role of Vietnam Veterans of America, assisting women veterans, outreach, identification and recognition remain major hurdles in helping them realize and access veteran benefits. 

This resolution amends WV-2-95, WV-3-95 & WV-6-95 

Resolved, That: 

Vietnam Veterans of America is committed to the inclusion and involvement of women veterans at all levels and within all arenas of the organization. Efforts will also include: the use of non-gender specific language in any/all communications (written or oral); recruitment; and outreach, providing women veterans with an awareness of their veteran benefits.   

Further, to encourage Vietnam Veterans of America, National Office, State Councils and Chapters to establish women veteran recognition and outreach programs, and to work with state officials and legislators to create the position of a state women veteran coordinator and advisory committees, where none exist, to facilitate assistance to women veterans within the states and provide communication within and between agencies. 

Financial Impact Statement:   In accordance with motion 8 passed at VVA January 2002 National Board of Directors meeting which charges this committee with reviewing its relevant Resolutions and determining an expenditure estimate required to implement the Resolution, presented for consideration at the 2005 National Convention; this committee submits that implementation of the foregoing Resolution though not specific to benefits, outreach materials generated by Vietnam Veterans of America’s National Women Veterans Committee, in the form of a tri-fold handout, cost the Committee budget less than $50 during the past two years. The only other cost, of this Resolution to National would be staff time for legislative address. 

MEDICAL TREATMENT OF WOMEN VETERANS BY DVA

(WV‑2‑05)

Issue: 

Since 1982, Vietnam Veterans of America, has been a leader in championing appropriate and quality health care for all women veterans.  There are many innovations and improvements in the delivery of DVA health care for women veterans that were sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America. Some concerns remain in the treatment, delivery, and monitoring of services to women veterans. 

Background: 

DVA eligible women veterans are entitled to complete health care including gender specific illnesses, injuries and diseases.  The DVA has become increasingly more sensitive and responsive to the needs of women veterans and many improvements have been made. Unfortunately, these changes and improvements have not been completely implemented throughout the entire system. In some locations, women veterans experience barriers to adequate health care and oversight is lacking.  

This resolution amends WV2-03 

Resolved, That: 

Vietnam Veterans of America will continue its advocacy to secure appropriate facilities and resources for the diagnosis, care and treatment of women veterans at all DVA hospitals and clinics. We ask the Secretary that senior leadership at all facilities and VISNs be held accountable for ensuring women veterans receive appropriate care in an appropriate environment.  Further, we seek that the Secretary ensure:  

1. The competency of staff who work with women in providing gender-specific health care
2. The provision of appropriate training regarding issues pertinent to women veterans
3. The creation of an environment in which staff are sensitive to the needs of women veterans, and the environment meets the women’s needs for privacy, safety, and emotional and physical comfort.
4. That privacy policy standards are met for all patients
5. That patient satisfaction assessments and all clinical performance measures and monitors that are not gender-specific, be examined by gender to detect any differences in the quality of care. That the Office of Quality Performance will report any significant differences and this report will be forwarded to the Under Secretary for Operations and Management, the VISN Directors, and the Women Health Program Office. 

Financial Impact Statement: In accordance with motion 8 passed at VVA January 2002 National Board of Directors meeting which charges this committee with reviewing its relevant Resolutions and determining an expenditure estimate required to implement the Resolution, presented for consideration at the 2005 National Convention; this committee submits that implementation of the foregoing Resolution only cost to National would be staff time for advocacy address. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

WOMEN VETERAN PROGRAM MANAGERS

(WV-4-03) 

Issue: 

Not all VA Medical Centers have full time Women Veterans Program Managers, nor is it necessary.  However, many Women Veteran Managers hold collateral positions without the necessary time allotment to fully perform their responsibilities.  This has become an increasing burden in light of the expansion of outpatient care and the establishment of Community Based Outpatient clinics throughout the country.  

Background: 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs instituted the Women Veterans Coordinator Program as a result of the Veteran Health Care Act of 1992.  This program has proven to be a valuable addition to the Women Veterans Health Program, providing outreach, assuring quality of care, and educating the community about the services and care available for women veterans. 

This resolution amends WV-4-01 

Resolved, That: 

Vietnam Veterans of America, urges the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require that all VA Medical Center Women Veterans Program Managers that are less than fulltime should be no less than ½  time (.5 FTEE).   Each VISN should designate one of the Medical Center Women Veteran Program Managers as the VISN Women Veterans Program Manager with additional time allocated for these increased duties and responsibilities. 

Financial Impact Statement: In accordance with motion 8 passed at VVA January 2002 National Board of Directors meeting which charges this committee with the reviewing its relevant Resolutions and determining an expenditure estimate required to implement the Resolution, presented for consideration at the 2005 National Convention; this committee submits that implementation of the foregoing Resolution only cost to National would be staff time for legislative and advocacy address.

A tribute site to those lost in Iraq 

A Considerable Sacrifice:
The Costs of Sexual Violence in the U.S.

Statement of Christine Hansen, Executive Director, The Miles Foundation, concerning the Prevalence, Policies and Protocols in Response to Sexual Violence

Before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Regarding Sexual Misconduct at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Women Veterans
Priorities of 2005
Tri-fold