A. In order to be a member in good standing, you must be active in your outreach events.  The program is not designed to be a burden.  If you're looking at this brochure, chances are you are already conducting outreach activities.  COMPASS seeks to be your central support point in your efforts. 

A: There is great flexibility in what you can do. Many go to schools in their local area (elementary through high school) and talk about the Coast Guard. Colleges, universities, and trade schools are other great venues. Community events such as Pow Wows or cultural festivals provide other opportunities to interact with the public. Scout troops and other youth groups are often open to guest speakers as well. The YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America are great places to know your local staff. Truly, you are limited only by your imagination.

A: There are many ways to find outreach activities. The COMPASS program utilizes the local knowledge its members have of their own community. Talk to local schools and find out if they are having a career day. Discuss the possibility of presenting CG missions to a local Girl Scout or Boy Scout Troup. Watch the newspaper for community fairs. The only limit is your creativity!  

A: You decide what events you would like to attend. Then, obtain approval from your command (unless you are an auxiliarist or retired) and apply for approval for the event through the COMPASS manager. Generally, you should be finding and planning your own events. After all, no-one knows your community and the opportunities in your town better than you. Occasionally the COMPASS manager or a local recruiter will request your assistance at an event. You are not obligated to assist – we understand that your schedule, or operational commitments, may preclude you from participating sometimes.

A: Tell YOUR Coast Guard story. Talk about the wide variety of Coast Guard missions, and the multitude of opportunities through active duty, the reserve force, civilian employment, and Auxiliary service. People enjoy hearing first hand accounts of life in the Coast Guard. Your presence and the example you set communicate volumes about our organization. What you should not talk about are the specific requirements for joining our service. We are not trained to be recruiters and recruitment criteria changes frequently. Specific questions about eligibility to join should be directed to a local recruiter. It is a good idea to bring along a few business cards from your local recruiter to hand out when audience members have more specific recruitment questions.