Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit

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Reports & ToolkitsFind resources to help your county participate in Operation Green Light, including information on converting municipal lighting to green, outreach materials and more.Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit
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Document
Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit
America’s counties have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Once again this Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 6-12. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
To show support, counties are encouraged to use this template to pass a resolution declaring your county’s participation in Operation Green Light.
Getting Started
Custom training for NACo members
Take a few minutes to learn how to shop for Operation Green Light supplies and support veteran-owned businesses year-round with Amazon Business. Click here to view the training.
Suggested Operation Green Light supplies
Need ideas for lighting your county up in green? Find suggested materials here.
Outreach Resources
Below, access materials to assist you in your outreach efforts. We encourage counties participating in Operation Green Light to contact members of Congress, engage with local news media, and utilize social media to show your county’s efforts and encourage participation.
Share Your Activities with NACo
Use our submission form to share how your county is participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
- Share Your Story
PRINTABLE FLYER
Download the Operation Green Light flyer to spread the word and share key information on how to participate.
- Download Flyer
RESOLUTION TEMPLATE
Use this template to pass a resolution declaring your county’s participation in Operation Green Light.
- Resolution Template
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE
Use this template ahead of November 6 to spread the word about Operation Green Light and encourage individuals, businesses, non-profits and other organizations to participate. Use this template between November 6 and November 12 to announce your county’s participation in Operation Green Light and share photos of county buildings illuminated in green.
- Sample Release | AHEAD OF NOV. 6
- Sample Release | NOV. 6 – 12
SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Use this template ahead of November 6 to spread the word about Operation Green Light and encourage individuals, businesses, non-profits and other organizations to participate.
- Sample Letter
SAMPLE LETTER TO CONGRESS
Use these templates to ask your congressional delegation to support Operation Green Light and advance county federal policy priorities for veterans.
- Sample Letter
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT
Use these graphics and sample social media posts to encourage participation in Operation Green Light and showcase your county’s efforts.
x z Template Posts We are excited to announce that [COUNTY] is joining our colleagues across the nation in launching #OperationGreenLight for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans and their families.
Now more than ever, our veterans need our support. In a time when our country is divided on so many issues, we can all agree that those individuals who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude. #OperationGeenLight for Veterans
As part of #OperationGreenLight for Veterans, [COUNTY] is illuminating our buildings green beginning on [DATE] and we encourage individuals and businesses to join!
Roughly 250,000 members transition out of the armed services each year. Join #OperationGreenLight for Veterans to help shine a light to support and welcome our veterans home.
By shining a green light, we aim to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported. Join us in #OperationGreenLight for Veterans by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb.
This #VeteransDay, join us in shining a light of hope and support. Join #OperationGreenLight and let’s turn [COUNTY] green for our veterans.
Graphics Twitter Graphics
Facebook Graphics
Instagram Graphics
Additional Resources
- NACo Veterans and Military Services Committee
- NACo Policy Brief: Authorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers
- Find a County Veteran Service Officer
Sponsors
Operation Green Light is built upon efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association, who originated this work in 2021.
Find resources to help your county participate in Operation Green Light, including information on converting municipal lighting to green, outreach materials and more.2023-06-28Reports & Toolkits2023-08-28
America’s counties have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Once again this Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 6-12. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
To show support, counties are encouraged to use this template to pass a resolution declaring your county’s participation in Operation Green Light.
Getting Started
Custom training for NACo members
Take a few minutes to learn how to shop for Operation Green Light supplies and support veteran-owned businesses year-round with Amazon Business. Click here to view the training.
Suggested Operation Green Light supplies
Need ideas for lighting your county up in green? Find suggested materials here.
Outreach Resources
Below, access materials to assist you in your outreach efforts. We encourage counties participating in Operation Green Light to contact members of Congress, engage with local news media, and utilize social media to show your county’s efforts and encourage participation.
Share Your Activities with NACoUse our submission form to share how your county is participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans. |
PRINTABLE FLYERDownload the Operation Green Light flyer to spread the word and share key information on how to participate. |
||||||
RESOLUTION TEMPLATEUse this template to pass a resolution declaring your county’s participation in Operation Green Light. |
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASEUse this template ahead of November 6 to spread the word about Operation Green Light and encourage individuals, businesses, non-profits and other organizations to participate. Use this template between November 6 and November 12 to announce your county’s participation in Operation Green Light and share photos of county buildings illuminated in green. |
||||||
SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITORUse this template ahead of November 6 to spread the word about Operation Green Light and encourage individuals, businesses, non-profits and other organizations to participate. |
SAMPLE LETTER TO CONGRESSUse these templates to ask your congressional delegation to support Operation Green Light and advance county federal policy priorities for veterans. |
||||||
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKITUse these graphics and sample social media posts to encourage participation in Operation Green Light and showcase your county’s efforts.
|
Additional Resources
- NACo Veterans and Military Services Committee
- NACo Policy Brief: Authorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers
- Find a County Veteran Service Officer
Sponsors
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StandardOperation Green Light is built upon efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association, who originated this work in 2021.

About Rachel Mackey (Full Bio)
Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services
Rachel serves as legislative director for human services and education.More from Rachel Mackey
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Webinar
Operation Green Light for Veterans: Highlights and Next Steps for Counties
Nov. 29, 2022 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmJoin us for a webinar reflecting on Operation Green Light and learn about opportunities to continue serving and supporting veterans at the county level. -
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Basic page
Veterans and Military Services Committee
The Veterans and Military Service Committee engages NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans and their families.pagepagepage<p>The Veterans and Military Service Committee engages NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans
Contact
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Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services(202) 661-8843
Related News
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BlogApplications open for $52.5 million in VA grants for veteran suicide preventionMar. 13, 2023
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BlogVA shares resources to assist with PACT Act outreach effortsFeb. 23, 2023
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BlogHouse passes CVSO Act to support veteransDec. 2, 2022
Related Resources
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Policy BriefAuthorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs)Feb. 1, 2023
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Press ReleaseOperation Green Light Gains Traction Heading Into Veterans DayNov. 10, 2022
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Press ReleaseCounties Honor Veterans through New National InitiativeNov. 2, 2022
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