MALMSTROM SPOUSES CLUB

My name is Liz Arcand, and I am running for treasurer.  I'm originally from Michigan, but you won't find me yelling "Go Blue!" during college football or basketball season-- I'm a Michigan State Spartan for life!  I have two kiddos-- Alex (5) and Natalie (almost 3).  I love to cook, read, and be outside.  My husband is a Huey pilot, and this is our 6th duty station (2nd time at Malmstrom).

 

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

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I'm a firm advocate for ensuring there are opportunities to provide community and support the mental health of military spouses.  However, time and energy are needed to provide these opportunities, and man/womanpower is needed to provide these resources.  Having a strong MSC board is vital to successful club participation base-wide, so knowing there are still vacancies on the board, I am more than happy to step up and fulfill that need.

 

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

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I am a former math teacher, so my budgeting and financial literacy skills are strong.  I also served as secretary on the Offutt Officers Spouses Club board for 2023-2024.  Having knowledge of the way another spouses club operates might allow me to provide a different perspective at board meetings.

 

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

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Power in numbers!  A lot of times, people aren't aware of the resources or community-building opportunities.  Continuing to spread the word about the fun opportunities that the MSC offers (maybe larger socials are daunting, so highlighting the mini-clubs or volunteer opportunities) and inviting acquaintances to an event (perhaps they can tag along to one event for free?) is something easy that everyone can do.

 

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

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Yes.  I am fairly flexible so long as I know in advance what is needed from me.

 

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

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Finding ways to encourage participation for all schedules and setups may provide opportunities for spouses who may not be able to attend evening or weekend events (or who have spouses in the field, TDY, or deployed).  Another fun opportunity for spouses could be starting a Spouses Dining In event.  I know this takes a whole lot of planning, commitment, and buy in, but it's a fun way for spouses to be celebrated and also provides an avenue for non-spouse club members to engage in community building which in turn could bring future participation to other spouse club events/membership.  

 

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

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1) Get up to speed with the mission and operating procedures of the club

2) Help develop a budget that provides needed support for members and events 

3) Ensure that dues have been paid/deposited and reimbursement checks have been distributed in a timely manner

 

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

 

This would be something I'd hope that the board as a whole would come together and brainstorm how best to combat this decline.  I know participation in spouses clubs and volunteers in general has been in flux these last few years, so being open-minded to new ideas would be a must.

 

What experience do you have with budgeting, financial reporting, or managing funds?

 

While I have never officially held a treasurer position before, I helped make and review the budget for the OOSC with the executive board.  My background with math and economics also makes me confident that I can fulfill treasurer duties, especially with guidance/notes from those who have previously held this position.