Calling all Auxiliarists — I need your wisdom.

I'm the VFC of my flotilla, and I'm wrestling with something I know I'm not alone in.

Our membership numbers look solid on paper. But in practice? Our active members barely make a quorum. We have a lot of names on the roster, but fewer and fewer hands in the air.

When I joined, I was all in. I wanted to learn, qualify, serve, and be part of something bigger. I felt a real sense of purpose. Lately, I'm not seeing that same energy from new members — and I'm wondering how much of that is on us as leaders.

So I'm asking openly: How are you building engagement in your flotilla?

How do you actively recruit — not just wait for people to find you? How do you reignite the spark in existing members who've gone quiet? And how do you inspire your staff officers to lean in, not just check a box?

I know this conversation is happening everywhere. I'm hoping to learn from those of you who've found creative ways to bring your flotillas back to life — or keep them thriving.

Let's share what's working. What's not. What you've tried and failed at. What surprised you.

I'm listening — and I'm ready to learn.

Semper Paratus.

I know the regs say we need to wear the AWU polo with the non-ODU blue cargo pants and boots. And, I know the alternative blazer uniform also exists. But I am curious whether it’s appropriate to wear the polo with anything other than the cargo pants.

I ask because there are times the polo and some khakis would be ideal. I was watching some local gold side recruiters recently and they were wearing USCG polos and khakis and it worked.

There are times we don’t need the operational look that the cargo pants and boots bring, but the polos might make us more approachable. Is there anything that might allow them to be worn with another kind of pants, like khakis? Could be good for PE or more business casual community meetings, especially when there are security concerns around the uniform.