MALMSTROM SPOUSES CLUB

Hello! My name is Lainie Norman and I am running for President of the  Malmstrom Spouses Club.  I am married to my high school sweetheart and  have been a military spouse for 16 years. This is our 5th duty station. We have two almost teenagers, and one loyal dog. I have been involved with spouses’ clubs at varying levels at each of the bases we have been at. 

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

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I strongly believe in our mission, where service intersects with community. The dedication that goes into operating the thrift store generates funds that are reinvested into supporting our military community. Additionally, the social events that bring together individuals at all stages of their military journey are truly inspiring. The efforts behind the scenes of the spouses' club are significant, and witnessing the camaraderie and their ability to organize meaningful events for the members of Team Malmstrom is truly remarkable.

 

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

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I believe empathy, resiliency, and a strong ability to unite people would be my core traits that I would bring to the role as MSC President. My empathy stems from understanding that we all have unique lifestyles yet a shared connection. Resiliency is key, especially when helping lead a spouses' club team, which can be demanding. However, with the right skills, it's possible to adapt, rethink strategies, and streamline processes to achieve team goals more effectively. I thrive in connecting with others—no one is a stranger to me. I genuinely enjoy learning what makes each individual unique. Through attending social events and networking opportunities, I can build relationships and encourage others to engage, whether by participating in events or joining the club.

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

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Volunteers play a critical role in determining the success or failure of spouses’ clubs. They are not compensated for their time and efforts but contribute because they are genuinely committed to the mission. Recognizing and valuing their dedication is of utmost importance. Taking the time to acknowledge and understand our volunteers is something I deeply prioritize, as it fosters a sense of support and appreciation. It is crucial that we, as a board, demonstrate our commitment to both the organization’s mission and the individual missions of our volunteers.   Additionally, members need a compelling reason to invest in their membership. This ultimately depends on our ability to engage with them personally and meet them where they are in their current stage of life. 

 

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 currently serve as the socials chair and have been able to make meetings and events. 

 

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

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Networking with other organizations on base. Finding out if there are volunteer needs we can fill. Show the base that we are here and can offer a lot to Team Malmstrom.  Getting in with the M&FRC to have speaking engagements at Heartlink, getting our message and purpose out there. Strengthening our relationship with the Great Falls Chamber of commerce and the Military Affairs Committee 

 

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

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My goal is to empower and support the board by fostering a cohesive, united front. I aim to understand the unique strengths and working styles of each member, bringing these together to drive the club's success. Additionally, I would focus on enhancing our monthly socials and membership engagement, ensuring that members find value in their participation and see where their membership fees go. Finally, I would strive to effectively communicate our mission, our reasoning behind it, and demonstrate how Team Malmstrom can actively support our goals while we work to support them in return."

 

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

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I would begin by evaluating what we offer and assessing the club's needs, with the board. We, as a team, would review whether our events are being adequately advertised and whether members have enough information to engage, as well as identifying any potential confusion that might be limiting attendance. We would also assess whether we are asking too much of our members or if there are any unmet needs. Communicating with our members is vital. It allows them to have a voice and be heard. By doing these steps I would hope we would identify any overlooked opportunities to enhance our members satisfaction and ensure their membership dues are being put toward something they value.  

 

Provide a paragraph encompassing the following questions: How would you ensure the board stays focused on its mission while also fostering a positive and inclusive environment? What strategies would you use to keep the board and members motivated and engaged? How would you handle conflicts or disagreements within the board or club members?

 

To ensure the board stays focused on our mission while fostering a positive and inclusive environment, I would prioritize clear communication and shared goals. Emphasizing the importance of our organization's purpose in all discussions and decisions. Setting a time at the start of the board year to work on team building and learning how we all work together. Providing a sense of ownership and involvement in key decisions is a way I would  help to keep that motivation going.  People want their voice heard. Recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements and creating an environment of trust. Disagreements and conflicts are natural in a group of individuals with different ways of leading and learning, to help de-escalate situations, I would approach them with empathy and a solution oriented mindset. I would help facilitate respectful conversations ensuring all voices are heard and propose solutions that can help make everyone involved feel like their voices have been heard, a solution has been met, and the clubs goals and mission have been upheld.