MAJOR INITIATIVES & CAMPAIGNS

A detailed infographic presenting the major initiatives and campaigns of the Military Brat Caucus, including themes of identity recognition, education, mental health, family policy reform, career readiness, global connections, and advocacy. It features groups of diverse young people engaged in discussions and activities, with a dark blue background and gold accents, and includes maps, icons, and slogans emphasizing empowerment, collaboration, and impact.
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What We're Working On Right Now

The National Military Brat Caucus™ is currently leading or co-leading major initiatives that will transform military-family policy and military-brat lives.

Here's what we're focused on in 2027.

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Current Initiatives (with progress updates):

INITIATIVE 1: Military Brat Recognition Act™

Status: Led by Policy, Research & Strategic Affairs Caucus™; supported by all seven caucuses

Timeline: Introduction Jan 2027 → Committee process (spring/summer) → Floor vote (fall 2027)

Caucus Roles:

  • Youth Caucus: Recruit youth advocates; organize constituent campaigns

  • Military Brat Caucus: Develop Congressional relationships; testify before Congress

  • Heritage Caucus: Provide historical perspective on military-brat identity and contributions

  • Global Caucus: Coordinate international support and testimonials

  • Adaptive Futures Caucus: Ensure disability and inclusion language in bill

  • Education Caucus: Focus on education components of bill

  • Policy & Research Caucus: Develop policy language; conduct expert briefing; provide testimony

How to Get Involved:

  • Constituent Advocacy: Write letters to Congress (template provided)

  • Social Media: Share campaign content (#MilitaryBratRecognitionAct)

  • Media Outreach: Submit op-eds to local media

  • Events: Attend Congressional meetings in your district

  • Testimony: Military brats willing to testify at Congressional hearings (training provided)

"Support Military Brat Recognition Act™" → bratcorps.org/caucus/advocacy/mbra

INITIATIVE 2: Mental-Health Funding for Military-Connected Youth

Status: Led by Education, Mobility & Transition Caucus™ and Policy, Research & Strategic Affairs Caucus™

Goal: Secure $150M–$200M federal funding for military-connected youth mental health

Strategy: Develop policy brief; brief Congressional staff; co-sponsor bill with Representative; advocacy campaign

Caucus Roles:

  • Youth & Adult Caucuses: Testify about mental-health needs; share personal stories

  • Adaptive Futures Caucus: Center disability and mental-health equity

  • Policy & Research Caucus: Conduct research on mental-health outcomes; develop policy language

  • All Caucuses: Advocacy campaign; constituent engagement

How to Get Involved:

  • Share Your Story: Tell us about mental-health challenges you've faced as military brat

  • Advocacy: Contact Congress on mental-health funding

  • Research: Participate in research studies on military-brat mental health

  • Program Support: Volunteer for mental-health initiatives at Brat Corps Posts™

"Advocate for Military-Youth Mental Health Funding" → bratcorps.org/caucus/advocacy/mental-health


INITIATIVE 3: Educational Equity & Transition Support

Status: Led by Education, Mobility & Transition Caucus™

Goal: Secure federal standards for credit portability, transition support, and educational equity

Strategy: Develop policy briefs; partner with education groups; brief states and schools; pilot transition support programs

Caucus Roles:

  • Education Caucus: Lead policy development; train educators; build school partnerships

  • Youth & Adult Caucuses: Share education experiences; advocate for change

  • Policy & Research Caucus: Conduct research on education outcomes; develop policy language

How to Get Involved:

  • Educator Training: If you're an educator, complete military-family training and certification

  • Student/Parent Resources: Access transition support guides and resources

  • Advocacy: Contact state education officials about credit portability

  • Program Development: Help pilot transition support programs in your region

"Advocate for Educational Equity" → bratcorps.org/caucus/advocacy/education

INITIATIVE 4: Global Military-Brat Coalition & International Standards

Status: Led by Global Military Brat Caucus™; coordinating with international partners

Goal: Establish international coalition of military-connected youth; create unified standards for military-family support across NATO allies

Strategy: Quarterly calls with international leaders; develop international policy briefs; establish youth exchange program; coordinate international tournament (Battle of the Bases® expansion)

Caucus Roles:

  • Global Caucus: Lead international coordination; recruit international partners; develop shared standards

  • Youth Caucus: Participate in youth exchange; lead international tournament

  • All Caucuses: Prepare materials for international sharing; participate in calls

How to Get Involved:

  • International Exchange: Apply for youth exchange program (ages 18–25)

  • International Networking: Attend quarterly calls; connect with international leaders

  • Translation & Access: Volunteer to translate Brat Corps materials into other languages

  • International Advocacy: Share your experience with military-brat leaders in other countries

"Join Global Military Brat Coalition" → bratcorps.org/caucus/global/join

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

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Start Your Journey in the Caucus

Step 1: Choose Your Caucus

  • Review the seven caucuses

  • Identify which resonates with you (Youth, Military Brat, Heritage, Global, Adaptive Futures, Education, Policy & Research)

  • You can join multiple caucuses

Step 2: Apply

  • Complete online membership application (5 minutes)

  • Select your caucus(es)

  • Choose your engagement level (Community Member, Active Participant, Caucus Leader, or Council Member)

  • Submit

Step 3: Get Started

  • Receive welcome email with orientation info

  • Attend first monthly caucus meeting

  • Connect with other members

  • Explore programs and opportunities

"Join National Military Brat Caucus™" → bratcorps.org/caucus/membership/join

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely! Many members are active in 2–3 caucuses. You can attend meetings and participate in programs across all caucuses.

  • No. Membership is free. Optional sustaining memberships ($100–$500/year) support Caucus operations, but not required.

  • While Caucus is primarily for military brats (ages 18+), we welcome military spouses, military family members, and allies. Some programs are specifically for military brats; others are open to all military-connected individuals.

  • Perfect! Community Member level is designed for people with limited time. Attend monthly meetings and participate as you're able. No minimum commitment beyond joining.

  • At the annual election (December), nominations open. You submit your name and statement. Members vote. If elected, you begin service January 1. Most elected leaders have 6–12 months experience as Active Participant or Caucus.

  • Caucus is designed for ages 18+. However, we have J-POST™ (ages 13–21) in National Initiatives for younger military brats. At age 18, you're welcome to transition into Caucus.

  • Propose it! Contact your Caucus Chair with your idea. If it aligns with Caucus mission, you can lead or co-lead a working group. Caucus provides resources and support.

  • Caucus is one of Brat Corps® National Initiatives. The National Military Brat Caucus™ Chair sits on Brat Corps® leadership team. Caucus advocates for policies that support all military brats; Partners with other programs (Posts™, Esports, Summit, etc.) on shared initiatives.