143: "Changing the language from 'dependent' to 'family member' is one easy way to make people feel like they belong." Connection & military spouse advocacy with Jennifer Barnhill In Jennifer Barnill's research of studying the military spouse community, one theme stands out: the desire to belong. Although she can relate as a military spouse, it has become a sense of responsibility for her to collect data to support, represent and advocate for the military spouse community as a whole. She explores why pivotal roles within military spousal support organizations often go unpaid, how the word 'dependent' continues to send a negative message, the importance of finding connection no matter what - even if it's not with fellow spouses, and much more. Connect with Jennifer Barnhill https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermbarnhill/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermbarnhill/) https://www.facebook.com/morethanadependent (https://www.facebook.com/morethanadependent) https://www.instagram.com/weservetoo/ (https://www.instagram.com/weservetoo/) https://twitter.com/more_than_mommy (https://twitter.com/more_than_mommy) Learn about Jennifer's work as Chief Operating Officer of Partners in PROMISE http://thepromiseact.org/ (http://thepromiseact.org/) Disruptive Storytelling with Military Changemakers Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruptive-storytelling-with-military-changemakers/id1576261817 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruptive-storytelling-with-military-changemakers/id1576261817) Resources 2021 Military Spouse Group Survey Findings https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2021-military-spouse-group-survey-findings-jennifer-barnhill/ (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2021-military-spouse-group-survey-findings-jennifer-barnhill/) 2021 Military Spouse Group Survey Findings (Interactive Pictograph): https://create.piktochart.com/output/45112575-2021-military-spouse-group-survey-findings (https://create.piktochart.com/output/45112575-2021-military-spouse-group-survey-findings) A Military Spouse’s Journey From Annoyance to Advocacy article https://thewarhorse.org/from-annoyance-to-advocacy/ (https://thewarhorse.org/from-annoyance-to-advocacy/) Future military spouse clubs must change to survive https://militaryfamilies.com/military-spouses/future-military-spouse-clubs-must-change-to-survive/ (https://militaryfamilies.com/military-spouses/future-military-spouse-clubs-must-change-to-survive/) -- The award-winning show, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, returns for Season 6 to answer the biggest question for career military families, “So… when are we gonna get out?” and everything involved with answering this question. Co-hosts Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne Stroup continue to converse with special guests from and for our military community to share knowledge, resources and relevant stories on how we can best “hold down the fort” while on active duty, going through transition, and into post-military life. Holding Down the Fort is sponsored by US VetWealth. Navigate your military retirement pay and survivor benefit plan alternatives by getting FREE access to our white papers. We have a case study library for the following ranks: E7, E8, E9, O5 and O6. Visit https://usvetwealth.com/ (https://usvetwealth.com/) Looking for a similar show to listen to? Check out our sister podcast show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/ (http://thespousebenefitplan.com/) Stay connected and get the latest updates from our Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth community by subscribing to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT (http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT) Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com March 2022, Jenny Lynne was voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie