Supporting Those Who Serve: How the Do Your Part State Initiative Helps Military Families Thrive

By Sierra Martinez | Senior Manager, Digital Marketing & Innovation

Military life is filled with moments of pride, purpose, and service, but it also comes with real challenges for the families standing beside those in uniform. From frequent relocations to employment shifts and childcare hurdles, military-connected families juggle a lot as they support our nation's defense.

That's why our latest resource, the Do Your Part State Toolkit, developed by Blue Star Families in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA), was created. Launched in February 2026, this toolkit brings together effective, practical state-level solutions and makes them easy for policymakers, advocates, and communities to adopt, too.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, the toolkit showcases innovative policies and programs that have made a real impact. It's a centralized hub that highlights what's working across states and empowers others to do the same.

What's Inside the Toolkit?

From community programs to state policy approaches, the toolkit offers:

• Case studies of impactful military family initiatives across the USA.

• A searchable database of programs organized by topic (such as employment, childcare, financial support, and community belonging).

• Practical examples that states can easily replicate.

Why Does This Matter to Military Families?

While the Department of War supports service members in uniform, many aspects of family life — from schools and childcare to jobs and community support — happen at the state and local level. That's where the Do Your Part State Initiative comes into play.

According to the Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey, only 44% of military family respondents reported satisfaction with their military way of life, with ongoing pressures such as PCS costs, childcare access, and food security shaping that experience.

By elevating proven solutions, the toolkit gives states a roadmap to:

• Strengthen community support for military families.

• Advance policies that ease transitions and improve quality of life.

• Encourage cross-state collaboration and innovation.

A Collaborative, Nationwide Effort

The State Toolkit builds on a nationwide initiative that's gaining momentum: states including North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, and many others — more than 20 — have already signed on as official Do Your Part States, publicly committing to better supporting their military communities.

This is a bipartisan, community-driven effort, and it's only growing. Governors, local leaders, nonprofits, employers, and everyday Americans all have opportunities to participate and make a difference.

What You Can Do

Military families are the backbone of our national strength, and this toolkit is a chance for every community to help them thrive. Explore the toolkit here, talk with your state representatives about adopting smart policies, and share your story.

Whether you're a military spouse, guardian, community partner, employer, or policymaker, the Do Your Part State Toolkit is a powerful resource for strengthening the fabric of military family life.