VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

11/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2024 08:20

VFW Joins TikTok’s 'Veteran Voices' Initiative

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce the launch of its TikTok channel, joining nine fellow veteran-serving organizations as part of TikTok's new "Veteran Voices" initiative. Veteran Voices focuses on key challenges afflicting the military and veteran community - mental health, affordable housing, and employment. Together, these trusted organizations will leverage TikTok's influential community of creators and engage audiences to provide critical support to those in need.

"In this day and age, many veterans aren't going to walk into a VFW Post, so you have to meet them where they are," said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. "Nothing beats a warm handshake and looking someone square in the eye to let them know you care about them. But if we want to have that chance, we need to let them know first we exist. In joining TikTok's Veteran Voices campaign, we now have a platform to connect with service members and young veterans where they like to link up, consuming the content they care about."

Veteran-serving organizations supporting the Veteran Voices initiative alongside the VFW are: America's Warrior Partnership, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Independence Fund, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Student Veterans of America (SVA), Team Rubicon, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition to providing comprehensive training tailored specifically for nonprofits, which includes guidance on LIVE, content creation, and platform safety to maximize their impact and reach on the platform, TikTok will also be launching a newly updated donation sticker this fall, allowing users to support the organizations above. This feature will empower its online community to contribute directly to causes they support and create a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

One in three U.S. veterans report using TikTok monthly based on data available via GWI Core, measured in Q2 2024 among internet users ages 16-64. Through continued collaboration with nonprofit organizations, creators, and our TikTok community, we look forward to continuing to raise awareness and foster a community where veterans are supported - during Veterans Day and beyond.

Be sure to follow the VFW on TikTok and help us raise awareness and make an even bigger impact #FORVETERANS.