JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
An organization formed in 2009 plays a critical role for Airmen who reside at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph unaccompanied living quarters.
The Airman's Dormitory Council gives dorm residents a forum to "address their concerns about their environment with a panel of their peers," according to the JBSA-Randolph Housing Office website. Its purpose is to "establish standards for all residents, present solutions for problem areas, establish positive recreational activities and identify facility and furnishing improvements."
John Turnbow, JBSA-Randolph dorm manager, said the dorm council "empowers" residents and gives them a voice.
"Having a dormitory council empowers the residents not only to be responsible and accountable for the living conditions, but gives them a say and a sense of ownership of their home," he said. "It's a place for gathering information and advising leaders about the health of dormitory life."
With meetings held monthly, the dorm council is able to communicate collectively with residents who often work varying shifts. Anyone living in the dorms is encouraged to attend dorm council meetings. Meetings are held at 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month in building 394.
"During the meetings, dorm council officers get together to help all Airmen who live in the dorms," Turnbow said. "The council asks what the residents want, what improvements they want to see and what they expect from their living quarters."
Whether it's to talk about a clogged sink or plan an outing, dorm council officers and residents are able to voice concerns, brainstorm ideas on ways to improve dorm life and plan activities to boost morale.
"It's important to have a dorm council because not all Airmen are comfortable speaking up for themselves or have time to bring up what problems they may be having in the dorms,"Turnbow said. "The meetings give all attendees a chance to bring up problems without feeling uncomfortable."
Once an issue or problem is brought up, the dorm council takes the information forward. With first sergeants and the dorm manager present, the process to resolve the issue is made easier.
While the council can't eliminate things like room inspections, it can help with other issues concerning work orders, mold, noise, new day room furniture and more, Airman 1st Class Abi Mello, Airman's Dorm Council president, said.
"Dorm residents shouldn't feel like their issues have already been presented to the council or that what they have to say is too specific to bring up either," she said.
"Airmen benefit from attending dorm council meetings for various reasons," Mello said. "Not only are the topics discussed imperative to their living environment, but the involvement gained from this cannot be substituted with an email.
"This kind of visibility and connection is what allow us Airmen to grow and network within our base family, creating lasting relationships and developing the team mentality," she said.
The council also plans fun events to foster camaraderie among dorm residents. One of the events the council established is the monthly, "Movie Night."
"With this, the Airmen can depend on having a dorm get-together every single month regardless of whether we are planning another event, like the barbeque that was June 13," Mello said. "For those who attend, it is a perfect opportunity to get to know their neighbors and share similar, entertaining and stress-free interests."
The council also has a welcoming committee program, which greets new dorm residents upon arrival, helps the new residents move in and provides initial groceries.
The council is always looking for more ways to improve the dorm morale too, so residents are asked to share any ideas to current council members or present them at the dorm council meetings.
For more information about the dorm council, call the dorm manager at 652-3600.