(NewsUSA) - The average military family moves three times as often as their civilian peers, and most of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities around the world.

Many military families live in their local civilian communities. However, military families whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves often struggle to feel part of these communities, according to Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Blue Star Welcome Week is a new American tradition spearheaded by Blue Star Families to create a greater sense of belonging and community for everyone.

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, says, “It’s time for a new tradition where we make military families feel valued and included. Welcome Week connects military families with their civilian neighbors. Whether it’s a simple message or a community event, every gesture builds a stronger, more inclusive community. This is how we honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude.”

Blue Star Welcome Week happens every year during the last week of September – this year’s event is scheduled for September 21-29, 2024.

As we gear up for Welcome Week, here are four ways you can ‘do your part’. And, you can check out more inspirational ideas here!

• Host a Blue Star Family Welcome Week Block Party. Welcome the newest military families to your neighborhood by hosting a festive gathering where military and civilian families can connect and make memories. If hosting solo feels overwhelming, team up with a local organization or form a block party host group. With events happening around the world, your volunteer efforts help bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. Let's make a difference together!
   
• Every Little Bit Helps. Support military families in your neighborhood through small thoughtful actions. Make a meal, bring up trash cans, help find a babysitter (or babysit), cut their grass, or invite them to your next holiday gathering. These simple gestures can make a significant impact in helping our military families feel connected to their community.
   
• Educate Yourself on Their Unique Challenges. Military families face unique challenges that impact their daily lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) by Blue Star Families highlights key issues like financial strain, underemployment of spouses, mental health concerns, and feeling disconnected from their communities. These quality-of-life concerns have led to fewer service members recommending military service, threatening the future of our All-Volunteer Force. By understanding these challenges, you can better support and advocate for military families in your neighborhood!
   
• Support Companies That Hire Military Spouses. For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher, three to four times higher than their civilian counterparts – this remains the top concern for active-duty spouse respondents for the sixth consecutive year. The 4+1 Commitment is a way for employers to voluntarily commit to improving military spouse employment outcomes – extend your support by patronizing those who have made this commitment, like Starbucks, T-Mobile, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, Nextdoor, Navy Federal Credit Union, Comcast NBCUniversal, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Johnson & Johnson, and Humana.

Blue Star Welcome Week is more than just a series of events – it's a movement to build stronger, more inclusive communities for our military families. By participating, you play a vital role in making every military family feel valued and supported and help lay the foundation for a new tradition.

Join us from September 21-29, 2024, and make a difference in the lives of those who serve our nation.