The Semper Connected Toolkit outlined here is designed to assist spouses/family members in the creation of a community social network to connect and support spouses/family members through engagement, social events, and periodic check ins.

Contact and similar information is collected with permission from incoming spouses/family members by another spouse/family members within the unit.  This information may be shared with other members of the Semper Connected team and will be used as a resource to support individual spouses/family members.  The provision of contact and similar information is completely voluntary but is highly recommended; connection with and support from other spouses/family members who understand the military lifestyle is the greatest resource! Semper Connected provides a bridge to unit readiness functions and resources but is not an officially mandated program.

This Toolkit shall be managed in accordance with record schedule 1000-23, "Morale and Welfare Program Management" of SECNAV M-5210.1.  A complete list and explanation of the applicable routine uses is published in the authorizing SORN available at: https://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNsIndex/DOD-wide-SORN-Article-View/Article/570630/m01754-5/.

Step 1:  “Make a Copy” of the Semper Connected Contact Information Google Form and RENAME the copy with your unit name.  ***DO NOT MODIFY THIS DOCUMENT***.  It has been created this way to protect privacy of information.

Step 2: Send the link for the new Semper Connected Contact Information Form via your DRC/URC, your unit facebook page, or as determined by the command.

Detailed instructions for using the Semper Connected Contact Information Google Form included below.

Making connections is very personal.  There is no “right way” to do this but some options are included below.

PHONE CALLS:  Review “How to connect by phone” and begin making phone calls with the phone numbers collected from the Semper Connected Contact Information  Google Form.

1. Consider sending a text message first letting the spouse or family member know that you will be calling to say hello
2. The Semper Connected Phone Call Log (Google Form) is a tool available to help you take notes while reaching out to spouses and family members

How to use the Semper Connected Phone Call Log:

1. Make a Copy of the "Semper Connected Phone Call Log"
2. Rename the Semper Connected Phone Call Log
3. Click the Eye Icon “Preview” in the Upper Right corner to fill in the information
4. You can fill this form again with each new contact
5. View all responses with the “Responses” tab and create a spreadsheet by clicking the “Sheets” icon

EMAILS and LETTERS:  Review the Semper Connected Sample Welcome Letter that can be sent via email or USPS.  Feel free to edit and “make it your own”; include your personal touch or use it as is.

1. Include an invitation to the next unit or spouse/family social event
2. Enclose your contact information
3. Include the resource trifold

• Consider sending a text message first letting the spouse or family member know that you will be calling to say hello
• Be friendly, your tone sets the call
• Make your phone calls when you aren't rushed and can actively listen, with minimal interruptions.
• Some people don't like talking on the phone or may be nervous, wondering why you are calling. Do your best to put them at ease
• Our Marine Corps family is an incredible group to be part of ~ THANK YOU for helping to create meaningful Marine Corps family connections!!

1. Introduce yourself (first and last name) If you have met the spouse, remind them where you met them, as they may not remember.   “Hi ________!!  My name is _________, we met at __________” or “My spouse works with your spouse in the (name of unit/shop)”
2. Explain why you're calling.  “My spouse works at UNIT NAME and I am calling to welcome you and say hello.”
3. Ask if they received the welcome letter you (or unit URC/DRC) sent with the local numbers and resources and unit Facebook page and unit social Facebook page?  If they aren't new (ask if they are receiving information).
4. Ask about them (if it seems appropriate):
   • Are they new to the Marine Corps?
   • How long have they been married?
   • Do they work?
   • Are they involved in their (base/unit) community?
5. Ask about their family (if it seems appropriate):
   • Do they have children?
   • What are their ages?
   • How are they settling in?  Adjusting to the new community?
   • Where are they from?  Do they have extended family in the area to help?
6. Let them know about upcoming events, LINKS (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills ) classes, the Facebook page, spouse support groups.  (This information can be obtained through your Unit URC/DRC (Unit Readiness Coordinator/Deployment Readiness Coordinator) and Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program.
7. Let them know you will/might call or text again, if they would like you to.
8. If they do not want you to call them, let them know that's okay. Ask if they'd rather receive emails or texts.  Make a note on the roster.
9. Let them know you enjoyed talking to them and look forward to talking to them again/ meeting them in the future.

How to use the Semper Connected Phone Call Log:

1. Make a Copy of the "Semper Connected Phone Call Log"
2. Rename the Semper Connected Phone Call Log
3. Click the Eye Icon “Preview” in the Upper Right corner to fill in the information
4. You can fill this form again with each new contact
5. View all responses with the “Responses” tab and create a spreadsheet by clicking the “Sheets” icon

• Write the date you called
• Notes about the individual and his/her family (this information helps connect individual to others with similar interests, children’s ages, hobbies, careers, etc)
• Items that need follow-up. (Connections to URC/DRC, resources available, chaplain support, etc.)

• To ease the burden of letter writing, consider making photo copies of a typed personal letter and writing a brief message at the bottom saying “Hello!” with your signature
  Include an invitation to a coffee, wine tasting, hike, or park meetup
• Include your personal business card with your contact information. If you do not have a business card, include your personal contact information in your signature line.
• Consider including your region specific Marine and Family Programs Resource Guide trifold
• Ask the URC/DRC to share your “Welcome Letter” in one of their newsletters and advertise your Social group and/or Social roster
• Let your personality show through in your writing ~ a more relaxed tone could be more welcoming and put your recipient at ease and help encourage them to join
• Consider putting a note at the bottom of your email encouraging recipients to send it along to new spouses and family members
  • Language to consider “Feel free to forward this along to anyone that you might like to join our group, ALL are Welcome!” (if this language applies)
• If overseas:
  • Ask if you can include the letter in the welcome package provided by the spouse’s sponsor.
  • Before you leave, purchase a bunch of cards of all types (Birthday, Thank you, Thinking About You, Congratulations) at a Dollar Store ~ there is nothing quite like receiving mail overseas!
• Letters can be left on the recipient’s front step, as an alternative to postal mail

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