The Semper Connected Toolkit outlined here is designed to assist spouses/family members in the creation of a community social network to connect and support spouses/family members through engagement, social events, and periodic check ins.

Contact and similar information is collected with permission from incoming spouses/family members by another spouse/family members within the unit.  This information may be shared with other members of the Semper Connected team and will be used as a resource to support individual spouses/family members.  The provision of contact and similar information is completely voluntary but is highly recommended; connection with and support from other spouses/family members who understand the military lifestyle is the greatest resource! Semper Connected provides a bridge to unit readiness functions and resources but is not an officially mandated program.

This Toolkit shall be managed in accordance with record schedule 1000-23, "Morale and Welfare Program Management" of SECNAV M-5210.1.  A complete list and explanation of the applicable routine uses is published in the authorizing SORN available at: https://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNsIndex/DOD-wide-SORN-Article-View/Article/570630/m01754-5/.

Step 1:  “Make a Copy” of the Semper Connected Contact Information Google Form and RENAME the copy with your unit name.  ***DO NOT MODIFY THIS DOCUMENT***.  It has been created this way to protect privacy of information.

Step 2: Send the link for the new Semper Connected Contact Information Form via your DRC/URC, your unit facebook page, or as determined by the command.

Detailed instructions for using the Semper Connected Contact Information Google Form included below.

Making connections is very personal.  There is no “right way” to do this but some options are included below.

PHONE CALLS:  Review “How to connect by phone” and begin making phone calls with the phone numbers collected from the Semper Connected Contact Information  Google Form.

1. Consider sending a text message first letting the spouse or family member know that you will be calling to say hello
2. The Semper Connected Phone Call Log (Google Form) is a tool available to help you take notes while reaching out to spouses and family members

How to use the Semper Connected Phone Call Log:

1. Make a Copy of the "Semper Connected Phone Call Log"
2. Rename the Semper Connected Phone Call Log
3. Click the Eye Icon “Preview” in the Upper Right corner to fill in the information
4. You can fill this form again with each new contact
5. View all responses with the “Responses” tab and create a spreadsheet by clicking the “Sheets” icon

EMAILS and LETTERS:  Review the Semper Connected Sample Welcome Letter that can be sent via email or USPS.  Feel free to edit and “make it your own”; include your personal touch or use it as is.

1. Include an invitation to the next unit or spouse/family social event
2. Enclose your contact information
3. Include the resource

• Consider sending a text message first letting the spouse or family member know that you will be calling to say hello
• Be friendly, your tone sets the call
• Make your phone calls when you aren't rushed and can actively listen, with minimal interruptions.
• Some people don't like talking on the phone or may be nervous, wondering why you are calling. Do your best to put them at ease
• Our Marine Corps family is an incredible group to be part of ~ THANK YOU for helping to create meaningful Marine Corps family connections!!

1. Introduce yourself (first and last name) If you have met the spouse, remind them where you met them, as they may not remember.   “Hi ________!!  My name is _________, we met at __________” or “My spouse works with your spouse in the (name of unit/shop)”
2. Explain why you're calling.  “My spouse works at UNIT NAME and I am calling to welcome you and say hello.”
3. Ask if they received the welcome letter you (or unit URC/DRC) sent with the local numbers and resources and unit Facebook page and unit social Facebook page?  If they aren't new (ask if they are receiving information).
4. Ask about them (if it seems appropriate):
   • Are they new to the Marine Corps?
   • How long have they been married?
   • Do they work?
   • Are they involved in their (base/unit) community?
5. Ask about their family (if it seems appropriate):
   • Do they have children?
   • What are their ages?
   • How are they settling in?  Adjusting to the new community?
   • Where are they from?  Do they have extended family in the area to help?
6. Let them know about upcoming events, LINKS (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills ) classes, the Facebook page, spouse support groups.  (This information can be obtained through your Unit URC/DRC (Unit Readiness Coordinator/Deployment Readiness Coordinator) and Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program.
7. Let them know you will/might call or text again, if they would like you to.
8. If they do not want you to call them, let them know that's okay. Ask if they'd rather receive emails or texts.  Make a note on the roster.
9. Let them know you enjoyed talking to them and look forward to talking to them again/ meeting them in the future.

How to use the Semper Connected Phone Call Log:

1. Make a Copy of the "Semper Connected Phone Call Log"
2. Rename the Semper Connected Phone Call Log
3. Click the Eye Icon “Preview” in the Upper Right corner to fill in the information
4. You can fill this form again with each new contact
5. View all responses with the “Responses” tab and create a spreadsheet by clicking the “Sheets” icon

• Write the date you called
• Notes about the individual and his/her family (this information helps connect individual to others with similar interests, children’s ages, hobbies, careers, etc)
• Items that need follow-up. (Connections to URC/DRC, resources available, chaplain support, etc.)

• To ease the burden of letter writing, consider making photo copies of a typed personal letter and writing a brief message at the bottom saying “Hello!” with your signature
  Include an invitation to a coffee, wine tasting, hike, or park meetup
• Include your personal business card with your contact information. If you do not have a business card, include your personal contact information in your signature line.
• Consider including your region specific Marine and Family Programs Resource Guide
  • Installation - 29 Palms - PDF Format
  • Installation - Iwakuni - PDF Format
  • Installation - Quantico - PDF Format
  • Installation - Albany - PDF Format
  • Installation - Barstow - PDF Format
  • Installation - Beaufort - PDF Format
  • Installation - Okinawa - PDF Format
  • Installation - Camp Lejeune - PDF Format
  • Installation - Camp Pendleton - PDF Format
  • Installation - Cherry Point - PDF Format
  • Installation - Hawaii - PDF Format
  • Installation - Henderson Hall - PDF Format
  • Installation - San Diego - MCRD - PDF Format
  • Installation - Miramar - PDF Format
  • Installation - New River - PDF Format
  • Installation - Parris Island - PDF Format
  • Installation - Yuma - PDF Format
• Ask the URC/DRC to share your “Welcome Letter” in one of their newsletters and advertise your Social group and/or Social roster
• Let your personality show through in your writing ~ a more relaxed tone could be more welcoming and put your recipient at ease and help encourage them to join
• Consider putting a note at the bottom of your email encouraging recipients to send it along to new spouses and family members
  • Language to consider “Feel free to forward this along to anyone that you might like to join our group, ALL are Welcome!” (if this language applies)
• If overseas:
  • Ask if you can include the letter in the welcome package provided by the spouse’s sponsor.
  • Before you leave, purchase a bunch of cards of all types (Birthday, Thank you, Thinking About You, Congratulations) at a Dollar Store ~ there is nothing quite like receiving mail overseas!
• Letters can be left on the recipient’s front step, as an alternative to postal mail

1. What is Semper Connected and how was it formed?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of spouses felt there was an even greater need for Marine Corps spouses and family members to connect.  With much research, effort and an exceptional partnership with Marine and Family programs, the Semper Connected toolkit was created.  Semper Connected is not an official Marine Corps program.

2. Who can use the Semper Connected toolkit?
 
The Semper Connected toolkit is available for spouses, service members or family who would like to make social connections.  It can be used to start social groups within units and provides a platform to help collect contact information. 
 
3. How can I use the Semper Connected toolkit?

You can use the toolkit to communicate with other spouses and family members by creating a social roster.  Connections are made via emails, texts, phone calls, and welcome letters.  Some ideas for creating social rosters include supper clubs, creating sports teams (kickball, softball, basketball, etc), book clubs, running clubs, playdates at the park, monthly dinners at the barracks and SO MUCH MORE!!! Additionally, the Best Practices button provides creative ideas to help create social connections.  Check out our training video here.
 
4. Is there training available for the Semper Connected Toolkit?

Yes, we have created a short, 10-minute training video under the Training button. Additional assistance is available through the “Ask an Expert” email at hqmc.upfrp@usmc.mil or semperconnected@gmail.com. (Questions will be answered M-F 8:00-4:30 EST.)
 
5. Is there a social media Semper Connected page?

We’ve got you covered - join our Facebook page and stay updated on Semper Connected new developments.

 
6. How can I invite spouses and family members in my unit to connect?

The link to the Contact Information Google form can be shared several ways including posting it on your unit social media pages, hanging a flyer in the unit with the link to sign up specific unit or group, or whatever other creative ways you have to share information in your unit! The link to the Contact Information Google Form can be found under the Get Semper Connected button. Make sure to follow the instructions so that you create a Contact List for your specific unit.

7. What is the role of the Uniformed Readiness Coordinator (URC) or Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC) and Semper Connected?

The URC/DRC can help spouses and family members get connected to resources.  If a spouse or family member shares with another spouse that they could use support in a specific area (new baby, relationship management, child development, financial support, education, employment, etc) the spouse can provide a bridge to the URC or DRC in the unit. Additionally, they can help spread the word about official and non-official events and trainings that are being held for families in the unit.

8. If I call a spouse or family member and they express that they could use some resources for an issue that they are having at home, what should I do?
 
The URC/DRC can help spouses and family members get connected to resources.  If a spouse or family member shares that they could use support in a specific area (new baby, relationship management, child development, financial support, education, employment, etc) the spouse can serve as a bridge to the URC or DRC in the unit or they can check out Help Guides at USMC-MCCS/help.  By providing the phone number for the URC or DRC, and then following up later, spouses can make sure the  issue was addressed.
 
9. What happens if I am talking to someone and they express concern about the safety of themselves or someone else in the home?
 
In the event of an active emergency, spouses should call 911 for assistance.  Support can also be provided through the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (24/7).  Additional installation resources for situations such as abuse, alcohol, assault, grief, and many more are provided on the Ask the Expert button, at the Connect to Resources link of the Semper Connected website.

10. How is my personal information stored and safeguarded?

Contact and similar information is collected with permission from incoming spouses/family members by another spouse/family members within the unit.  This information may be shared with other members of the Semper Connected team and will be used as a resource to support individual spouses/family members.  The provision of contact and similar information is completely voluntary but is highly recommended; connection with, and support from other spouses/family members who understand the military lifestyle is the greatest resource!  Personal information is collected and maintained in accordance with The Privacy Act of 1974; 10 U.S.C. 5013; Secretary of the Navy; 10 U.S.C. 5041, Headquarters, Marine Corps: function; composition; Marine Corps Order (MCO) 1754.6C, Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB); E.O. 9397 (SSN), as amended; and SORN M01754-5.
 
11. If I want to be removed from Semper Connected, how do I request my removal?

To unsubscribe, send an email to the Semper Connected spouse coordinator and include the word “Unsubscribe” in the Subject line.

• 29 Palms
• Albany
• Barstow
• Beaufort
• Camp Lejeune
• Camp Pendleton
• Cherry Point
• Hawaii
• Henderson Hall
• MCAS Iwakuni
• Miramar
• New River
• Okinawa
• Parris Island
• Quantico
• San Diego
• Yuma