Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC)

The Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR) Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) is a dedicated group of volunteers representing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families across the NCR. Our primary role is to ensure that programs and services provided by MFS NCR effectively meet the needs of CAF families. By leveraging the collective perspectives and expertise of the committee, along with representation from the unit, we foster strong partnerships both within and outside the command, enhancing family services and support. We are committed to advocating for military families and ensuring their voices are heard in the development and delivery of essential resources.

MFS NCR MILITARY FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MFAC)

The purpose of Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR) is aligned with the mission of Military Family Services (MFS), which aims to enhance the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). MFS NCR is committed to providing comprehensive services that foster family resilience, equipping military families to navigate the unique challenges associated with military life. By prioritizing the well-being of families, we contribute to a supportive environment that strengthens both individual and collective capabilities withing the CAF.

The MFS NCR Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) serves as a bridge between CAF families and essential services, enhancing MFS's capacity to deliver effective family programs across the NCR. The MFAC exists to provide support, input, and valuable advice to the Senior Manager of MFS NCR regarding community needs and the effectiveness of existing programs. Our membership prioritizes equity and diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of the local military community, ensuring equitable representation of various groups, including racialized families and LGBTQ+ populations. By engaging in community development and advocacy, we promote programs and services designed by families, for families, ensuring that every voice is valued.

The core characteristics of Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR) Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) emphasize teamwork and collaboration to achieve common goals within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community. MFAC actively networks and builds relationships to cultivate a robust support system, ensuring that the needs of military families remain central to its initiatives. Through proactive communication, MFAC engages with the NCR military community to understand their unique challenges, enabling the committee to recommend adaptations to programming that effectively address current issues.

MFAC leadership champions the principles of the MFS NCR program throughout all levels of the NCR military community, reinforcing a commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness. MFAC prioritizes building confidence in its approach, successfully seeking community input to guide program development and solutions. By fostering innovation, MFAC collaborates to create tangible and impactful strategies for community engagement, ultimately enhancing the well-being and resilience of military families within the NCR.

The Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) is instrumental in advocating for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families, recognized as the "strength behind the uniform." Comprising at least 51% local military family members, including military spouses and youth, the committee provides valuable insights that guide the services offered by Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR). MFAC ensures that the unique needs of CAF families who face challenges such as frequent relocations and separations are addressed through adaptable and responsive programming.

In addition to validating the effectiveness of MFS NCR programs, the MFAC helps shape the local strategic direction of program development while emphasizing that it does not hold authority over staff nor possess financial or fiscal responsibilities. MFAC members leverage their lived experiences to act as liaisons between families and MFS NCR, fostering meaningful partnerships to ensure services align with the evolving demands of military life.

As ambassadors for MFS NCR, MFAC members welcome new families, direct them to resources, and engage in community events. With a commitment to equity and diversity, the committee reflects the varied demographics of NCR military families and meets regularly to advance its mission. Through ongoing communication and engagement, the MFAC remains dedicated to refining offerings and enhancing the well-being of military families in the NCR.

By Families, For Families

The purpose of Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR) is aligned with the mission of Military Family Services (MFS), which aims to enhance the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). MFS NCR is committed to providing comprehensive services that foster family resilience, equipping military families to navigate the unique challenges associated with military life. By prioritizing the well-being of families, we contribute to a supportive environment that strengthens both individual and collective capabilities withing the CAF.

The MFS NCR Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) serves as a bridge between CAF families and essential services, enhancing MFS's capacity to deliver effective family programs across the NCR. The MFAC exists to provide support, input, and valuable advice to the Senior Manager of MFS NCR regarding community needs and the effectiveness of existing programs. Our membership prioritizes equity and diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of the local military community, ensuring equitable representation of various groups, including racialized families and LGBTQ+ populations. By engaging in community development and advocacy, we promote programs and services designed by families, for families, ensuring that every voice is valued.
Core Characteristics

The core characteristics of Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR) Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) emphasize teamwork and collaboration to achieve common goals within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community. MFAC actively networks and builds relationships to cultivate a robust support system, ensuring that the needs of military families remain central to its initiatives. Through proactive communication, MFAC engages with the NCR military community to understand their unique challenges, enabling the committee to recommend adaptations to programming that effectively address current issues.

MFAC leadership champions the principles of the MFS NCR program throughout all levels of the NCR military community, reinforcing a commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness. MFAC prioritizes building confidence in its approach, successfully seeking community input to guide program development and solutions. By fostering innovation, MFAC collaborates to create tangible and impactful strategies for community engagement, ultimately enhancing the well-being and resilience of military families within the NCR.
Role of the Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC)

The Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) is instrumental in advocating for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families, recognized as the "strength behind the uniform." Comprising at least 51% local military family members, including military spouses and youth, the committee provides valuable insights that guide the services offered by Military Family Services National Capital Region (MFS NCR). MFAC ensures that the unique needs of CAF families who face challenges such as frequent relocations and separations are addressed through adaptable and responsive programming.

In addition to validating the effectiveness of MFS NCR programs, the MFAC helps shape the local strategic direction of program development while emphasizing that it does not hold authority over staff nor possess financial or fiscal responsibilities. MFAC members leverage their lived experiences to act as liaisons between families and MFS NCR, fostering meaningful partnerships to ensure services align with the evolving demands of military life.

As ambassadors for MFS NCR, MFAC members welcome new families, direct them to resources, and engage in community events. With a commitment to equity and diversity, the committee reflects the varied demographics of NCR military families and meets regularly to advance its mission. Through ongoing communication and engagement, the MFAC remains dedicated to refining offerings and enhancing the well-being of military families in the NCR.

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BE A MEMBER OF THE MFS NCR MFAC?

Share Expertise: Contribute your insights to enhance programs and services for military families.
Influence Decisions: Participate in a consultative role that directly impacts the responsiveness of Military Family Services (MFS) in the NCR.
Personal Development: Engage in community contributions that promote personal growth and learning.
Professional Enhancement: Strengthen your resume and portfolio through valuable experience and networking opportunities.

Joining the MFAC empowers and offers a unique chance to make a difference in the local military community while fostering your own development and professional journey.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are seeking dedicated individuals eager to represent their local community and support military families.

Ideal candidates will have:

Commitment and Empathy: A strong dedication to community service and understanding of military family needs.
Interpersonal Skills: Team spirit and the ability to collaborate effectively.
Communication Abilities: Proficient verbal and presentation skills, with diplomatic and supportive communication for engaging discussions on issues facing military families.
Technology Proficiency: Comfort with electronic communication and file management.
Analytical Thinking: Experience in program and policy development, including implementation, evaluation, and assessment, with strong time management skills and analytical thinking, ideally within nonprofit, private, or government sectors.

The MFAC ensures authentic representation for all CAF members and families in the NCR. Members serve a two-year term with the option for reinstatement and meet at least four times a year. This is an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth within the military community. Contact [email protected] for more information.