PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives at Intrepid Museum on Veterans Civic Engagement
2:10:29
·
3 min
Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives at the Intrepid Museum, presents testimony on the museum's veterans access initiative and its role in connecting veterans with each other and cultural resources. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive programming and collaboration with other organizations to support veterans and their families.
- The Intrepid Museum offers free, veteran-only programs and inclusive public programs to engage veterans from all backgrounds.
- The museum collaborates with the Department of Veterans Services and other organizations to provide resources and therapeutic workshops for veterans.
- Special focus is given to historically excluded groups such as women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans.
Charlotte Martin
2:10:29
Hello?
2:10:32
Alright.
2:10:33
Just a sec.
2:10:33
Okay.
2:10:36
Hello.
2:10:37
My name is Charlotte Martin.
2:10:39
Thank you for holding today's hearing on Veterans Civic Engagement.
2:10:42
I'm the director of access initiatives at the Intrepid Museum.
2:10:46
And in this capacity, I have the privilege of overseeing the museum's veterans access initiative that includes a range of programs and resources for current and former service members and their families.
2:10:55
Do want to take a moment to acknowledge the generous support of the city council.
2:10:58
Our programs will not be possible without the support.
2:11:01
So thank you to chair Holden and the committee members and staff for your efforts to connect veterans of 1 another and cultural resources like the Intrepid Museum.
2:11:10
Cultural organizations like the Intrepid Museum have a tremendous role to play in connecting veterans with one another and other resources.
2:11:17
Because of the Intrepid Museum's nontraditional ship like meeting spaces, our organization may present a more comfortable environment for veterans who have not previously felt welcome at or drawn to traditional veteran organizations.
2:11:29
Through supportive but not overly therapeutic programming, we can create entry points for veterans to try something new and engaging community.
2:11:36
Veterans come together through a shared interest and end up exchanging resources and opportunities for further engagement.
2:11:42
We have also observed this with veteran and military families who may feel isolated from one another or from the city.
2:11:48
The Intrepid Museum's programs are designed to be inclusive and engaging for all veterans, including those with service related disabilities.
2:11:55
Outreach and programming has also increasingly focused on veterans historically excluded from other veteran spaces, particularly women, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans.
2:12:05
We acknowledge and address the challenges faced by veterans and their loved ones while honoring their strength and contributions.
2:12:11
In order to foster this positive experience, appropriate staff and volunteer training and planning is crucial.
2:12:17
Since starting our veterans initiative almost 10 years ago, the Intrepid Museum has welcomed veterans from all branches, service areas, and backgrounds through both veteran free veteran only and inclusive programs.
2:12:28
At our Cornerstone Veterans only program and Tripadvisor hours, veterans explore the museum, get it behind the scenes experience or workshop, and then connect over a Kate or dinner.
2:12:37
Earlier this year, we started coordinating Department of Veterans Services to ensure that there's always a veteran d DBS representative at programs available to answer questions and share resources.
2:12:47
We have received very positive feedback.
2:12:49
We've also heard from veterans how meaningful it has been to learn about resources and opportunities from other veterans.
2:12:55
Several have even gone on to become volunteers at the Intrepid Museum, part of other organizations, producing isolation and getting back to their community.
2:13:04
At the museum, we always we also make a point to ensure that veterans are specifically invited to public programs whether focused on veteran issues or more general in an effort to reduce isolation and bridge veteran and civilian divides.
2:13:16
Collaborations have been crucial just as our ongoing partnership with Exeter Twelve Dance Company to host therapeutic workshops for veterans and family members culminating in a public performance on the flight flight deck, and our recent program at the Met Opera focused on women in the military.
2:13:30
We recognize the power and value of the arts history, culture and service to bring better
Kristy Marmorato
2:13:35
time to value and
Charlotte Martin
2:13:36
connect them with their communities.
2:13:38
Thank you.
