ROBERT G. (BOB) BLODGETT, CHAIRMAN
6132 Frazier Mtn. Park Road # 27
Frazier Park, CA 93225
(661) 245-3807 -- FAX (661) 245-9208

     With the advent of consolidation of EDD, DVOP and other Employment Departments in some counties, and the extended use of computer access to employment opportunities many changes have taken place in the field of Veterans Employment. In some cases, veteran organizations have had to field to access or retain the right to veteran’s preference.

     Most veterans are working, but are employed in lower paying jobs. We must find better ways of helping them find more fulfilling work to better their way of life. We will do this through extensive inter-department communication, as well as, intra-agency cooperation. Post Commanders or their Post Veterans Employment Representatives should attend Veterans Employment Council Meeting with their counterparts from the other veterans organizations, EDD, etc. California Employment Development Department (EDD) job placement specialists give veterans the highest priority for employment services. CALJOBS, the Internet-based system can be accessed from any computer on the Internet. This is a statewide system with job opportunities from entry to executive level. If your District or County does not have a Veterans Employment Committee, you as a VFW Representative should take the initiative and organize one for your area of responsibility.

AWARDS

     Our Awards this year will be determined as follows: A plaque will be issued from the Department for the District and Post with the most Outstanding Employment Program. In addition, all Posts reporting on this program will be judged within their membership division for a certificate from the Department.

     The EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM should have entries from every District. These will be judged at the March Council and the winner will be submitted to the Department Commander for his endorsement and forwarded to National for consideration.

     As I receive correspondence pertaining to Veterans Employment matters, I will mail copies to the District Commanders. These should be copied and sent to the District Veterans Employment Chairman and to each Post Commander for their use.

REPORTING GUIDELINES

     All reports must be in the hands of the Department Veterans Employment Committee BEFORE OR AT THE MARCH COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. NO EXCEPTIONS! They must be on the Employment Officer Report (CAVFW FORM -15) located in the back of this book and mailed to the Department Chairman for credit in this program. Reporting Veterans employment activity will give you credit under Community Services.

HONORING EDD, DVOP, and LVER, OR MANAGER OF THE YEAR.

     This is a separate honor and has been done in the past. To honor one of the above listed please make a report, in your own words, including how, what, and where the individual was of special help to the VFW. Send me this report for special consideration. The recipient of this award will be presented with a certificate from the Department Commander.

SUBMITTING EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR NOMINATION

     The California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC) Veterans Committee, together with the EDD, will recognize employers who advocate the hiring of Veterans. An evaluation team of the Veterans Committee will judge the employer nomination in each of three categories:

     Government
     Private - Fewer than 200 employees
     Private - 200 or more employees

     To assist field office managers and veteran’s staff in nominating the most deserving employer in their locale, the CEAC Veterans Committee has provided a list of 20 Evaluation Categories, which they use to select the State Employer of the Year. You may wish to use these criteria as a guide in preparing your nomination.

     Please ensure that all nominations are written in a clear, narrative text. Detailed information relating to as many of the Evaluation Categories as possible is important for consideration as a State Winner. Supporting documents to supplement and enhance nominations are encouraged; however, please do not include original documents, as they will not be returned.

     Please complete the cover sheet (CAVFW FORM -14) located in this book and attach it to your nomination. Send your nomination to the Department of California Employment Chairman to arrive no later than April 2, 2002. Late submissions may not be considered for the Department's selection as "Employer of the Year Award."

     Thank you for your outstanding support in the Veteran’s Employment Program. I look forward to your involvement this year.

EVALUATION CATEGORIES

     1. Has a written policy favorable to employment of veterans.
     2. Has a written policy that emphasizes employment of disabled veterans.
     3. Hires qualified veterans regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
     4. Has made the employment site accessible to facilitate employment of disabled veterans.
     5. Has a ratio of veterans employed to non-veterans of 0-10%, 10-25%, and 25%.
     6. Has a ratio of disabled veterans employed to non-Veterans of 0-10%, 10-25%, and 25%.
     7. Provides opportunity for advancement for all employed veterans.
     8. Provides training, retraining and/or educational opportunities for all employed veterans. Has been active in      programs for economic development that have increased jobs for veterans.
     9. Has been active in programs assisting homeless veterans.
     10. Demonstrates involvement in community activities aimed at the recruitment of veterans, disabled veterans,      and/or homeless veterans.
     11. Demonstrates participation in programs aimed at the promotion of veteran’s employment and business      opportunities throughout the community.
     12. Demonstrates membership in veteran’s organizations.
     13. Supports EDD policy relating to priority of referral for veterans and disabled veterans, including Federal      Contractor Job Listing Compliance.
     14. Supports the Transition Assistance Program, or similar programs, through direct participation in the training      or hiring of participants.
     15. Demonstrates knowledge and support of the U.S. Small Business Administration Veterans Programs and      encourages veterans to start their own.
     16. Is in receipt of other awards and/or recognition pertaining to veterans.
     17. Demonstrates a leadership role in the community as a veterans advocate.
     18. Demonstrates overall achievement in support of veterans.
     19. Has been active in programs assisting women veterans.