America’s Waterway Watch Program
Mary Larsen, DVC-MW

December 2006

Within a few days of assuming responsibility for AWW, a request came from the Gold side for briefing material.

We were asked how many Auxiliarists are involved in the Program. My first, initial response would have been close to thirty thousand. The reasoning being, that all of us ideally are involved in waterway watch. In a sense we all are, or should be.

Every Auxiliarist who hands out American’s Waterway Watch material when doing a Vessel Safety Check is involved. Every Program Visitor who stocks the rack with AWW materials is involved and every time we teach a class and distribute materials there is more involvement. Boat show booths, public affairs events, -- all provide opportunities for involvement.

Obviously the request was for the number of program managers, or points of contact serving the AWW program.

Unfortunately, that number is far smaller.

Although ideally, each flotilla has identified a point of contact, or an individual who will ensure that materials are on hand for outreach programs it usually falls to the flotilla staff officer for that program to place an order.

As part of the 2007 goal of increasing visibility for AWW, we plan to enlist the help of district staff officers to spread the word and nudge divisions and flotillas to identify personnel willing to act as contacts.

There is a wealth of excellent information available, -- brochures, decals, posters and training materials but flotillas need to be made aware of their existence and need to order them.

An excellent way to acquaint officers and members with the materials is an exhibit at a district conference. The quality of the AWW material makes it eye catching and members will go away with ideas and samples.

Materials for an exhibit are available on request from the Auxiliary National Supply Center. There is a separate order sheet, followed by an illustration, in the online catalog from ANSC.

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