Engaging Veterans Through Philanthropy and Employment
Webinar: Engaging veterans through philanthropy and employment
When: Jun 3, 2015 12:00 PM ET
In the United States today, there are more living military veterans than ever before. According to the latest published census in 2014, 19.6 million out of the total 319.2 million Americans are veterans. These men and women have not only sacrificed a great deal defending our country and the freedoms upon which it was founded, they have also accumulated a great many skills and qualities which make them outstanding options as civilian employees. Yet—while their discipline, leadership abilities, and technical skills are widely lauded—military veterans that have served since 2001 have an unemployment rate higher than the national average, one that soars to a staggering 21.4 percent for those between the ages of 18-24.
Unemployment is not the only challenge American veterans are facing. Approximately 13 percent of veterans report having a service-connected disability. Common injuries incurred by these veterans include missing limbs, burns, spinal cord injuries, PTSD, hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries, and other impairments. Protections like the Veterans and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensure that veterans are treated fairly. Many nonprofit organizations also exist to assist veterans who are searching for a job by assisting with interview and resume preparation, matching skills with career placement, and informing them of rights, benefits, etc. Corporations are likewise doing their part to honor the men and women who have served this country—and benefit from their unique experiences and skills—by signing pledges to hire veterans, putting appropriate resources in place, training non-military employees about how to support their colleagues, and much more.
