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Programmatic Expressions of the National Association for Military-Connected Children
The Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF) advances its national mission through targeted initiatives that address recognition, care, cultural identity, and belonging for military-connected children.
Each initiative operates within MCWEF’s national framework and reflects the Foundation’s role as the National Association for Military-Connected Children. These initiatives are not standalone projects; they are programmatic expressions of MCWEF’s institutional responsibilities.
Our Approach to Initiatives
MCWEF initiatives are designed to:
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Respond to identified gaps in care, recognition, and visibility
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Support children without requiring performance, attendance, or self-advocacy
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Align institutions around shared responsibility
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Complement — not replace — existing services and organizations
Initiatives are grounded in dignity, protection, and belonging, and are supported by MCWEF’s national governance, membership, and chapter network.
Current Initiatives
Teen Caregiver Community Service Hours (TCCSH)
Teen Caregiver Community Service Hours (TCCSH) is a national recognition framework that acknowledges the ongoing, unpaid caregiving responsibilities carried by teen caregivers, particularly those in military-connected families.
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TCCSH recognizes caregiving as lived service, not extracurricular activity. The initiative affirms dignity without normalizing burden and provides pathways for institutional recognition without requiring youth to take on additional obligations.
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TCCSH operates nationally under MCWEF and may be supported locally through Chapters, schools, faith institutions, and community partners.
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Learn more about TCCSH →
Arts & Humanities for the Military Child
Arts & Humanities for the Military Child advances cultural preservation, identity formation, and storytelling for military-connected youth.
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This initiative supports creative expression and narrative stewardship as essential components of wellbeing, belonging, and historical continuity. Through arts, humanities, and youth voice, MCWEF affirms military-connected childhood as a distinct cultural experience worthy of preservation.
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This initiative directly supports MCWEF’s role as The Home of the Military Child.
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Explore Arts & Humanities →
How Initiatives Connect to MCWEF’s National Role
MCWEF initiatives are supported by:
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Membership & Chapters, which provide local presence and institutional alignment
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The Military Child World Expo, which serves as the flagship national platform for visibility and convening
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Cultural and civic stewardship, which ensures continuity beyond individual programs
Initiatives do not exist in isolation. They are part of a coordinated national effort to ensure military-connected children are seen, supported, and valued.
Growing Responsibly
MCWEF develops initiatives deliberately and only in response to demonstrated need. New initiatives are evaluated for alignment with MCWEF’s national role, ethical standards, and long-term sustainability.
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This approach ensures focus, clarity, and integrity across all programmatic work.
Call to Engagement
Institutions, communities, and individuals interested in supporting or aligning with MCWEF initiatives are encouraged to explore Membership and Chapter participation as primary pathways for engagement.