Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Launching VAntage Point Blog

November 11, 2010 - Over the last 6 -12 months, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been actively attempting to engage veterans and their families through various mediums. The VA varies the mediums they utilize depending on the topic they want to address, and the demographics they are approaching. The VA's most recent effort to engage their clients will come in the form of a blog, which will be called VAntage Point. 

The VA has made it a point to stay current with technology in order to keep in touch with veterans and clients. Given the steps they have already taken, developing a blog to increase online interaction is the next logical progression. If the veterans are going to be online, the VA is going to develop the biggest online presence possible. By doing this, veterans, their families, and the general public will gain access to the VA like never before possible.

VAntage Point will be broken into two sections. The first will feature articles written on a daily basis by various VA staff members. The second will consist of articles written by "guests," which include both VA employees and the general public and will include a "letters to the editor" segment. Every article will be completely open to comments and full discussion participation. Further, articles submitted for publication will be considered based on their writing, not on their political slant. 

Two VA staff members will write on two distinct topics in the first section of the blog. One writer will focus on the fairly wide topic of veterans issues, while the other will keep readers up-to-date on the VA's IT programs as they develop. Both writers expect to offer frequent interaction with readers.

Direct communication between the VA and people using VA services is imperative. Direct feedback is often the most useful tool for an organization to have. Now the avenue of communication doesn't have to be established by the VA, veterans can establish that communication as well.