Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) is an educational program designed to raise the awareness of issues facing military families. Through youth-led simulations, interviews, and research participants find out first hand what military families go through. Based on their experiences, SOMK participants become members of speakers' bureaus and develop lectures, public service announcements, videos, and other material to share their experiences with others in the community.

In addition to building public awareness about issues facing military families during mobilization and deployment, SOMK provides its youth participants with the opportunity to gain valuable leadership, research, organization, technology, and public speaking skills. Fifteen Operation: Military Kids pilot states will implement "Speak Out for Military Kids" and document the process for use by all other state 4-H programs. A youth speakers’ bureau, formed by military and non-military youth that provide presentations to schools and community groups to help educate and raise awareness about military life, deployment, and reunion.

Copyright © 2005 Michigan State University
Last Updated: December 8, 2005
Last Reviewed: 2005

Updated: December 12, 2005 5:12 PM