Finding Connection Through Spouse Clubs

Carolyn Crissman

Advocacy in Action

All military spouses know the loneliness that can come with a PCS. After the boxes are unpacked, the kids have started school, and the service member has gone back to work, spouses are often the last to feel settled after ensuring everyone else is. Since the earliest days of military life, spouse clubs have been a steadfast beacon of community and connection. Amid frequent relocations, deployments, and the unique challenges of military life, these clubs provide lifelines—offering belonging, understanding, and solidarity. They give spouses a place to connect with like-minded peers while serving their communities, giving members both purpose and the reassurance that their volunteer efforts truly make a difference.

Just as individuals need care and intentional connection, so do these clubs. Run entirely by volunteers in a constantly shifting environment, they often require added support to thrive. To meet that need, the Council for Military Spouse Clubs was established in 2021 to strengthen and sustain the very organizations that have supported spouses for generations. Under the leadership of CEO Carolyn Crissman, the Council has built a robust library of downloadable resources, hosted virtual sessions for collaboration among club leaders, produced webinars on topics such as inclusion and nonprofit management, and provided countless hours of consultation and training to clubs worldwide.

As Military Spouse Clubs begin a new board year, the Council remains committed to walking alongside them—equipping leaders, fostering connection, and empowering spouses to build thriving communities. Learn more at www.councilformsc.org

And mark your calendar: the Council’s first in-person Leadership Summit will be held in Washington, D.C., on 15 September 2025—a dynamic and interactive event designed to provide military spouse club leaders with the tools, training, and inspiration they need to lead with confidence.