Working groups / Waypoint
Working group
Waypoint
A national working group focused on archiving and commemoration for the veteran and service community — preserving records at risk of being lost, and helping commemorative-service organisers plan for what comes next.
About the group
Preserving what would otherwise be lost
Waypoint is a VESPIIA working group focused on archiving and commemoration for the veteran and service community. Its scope covers branch records, war diaries, unit histories and similar material that is at risk of being lost as the people who hold and maintain it step back.
What it preserves
Branch records, war diaries, unit histories and similar material connected to the veteran and service community — material that is often undocumented and held informally.
Why it exists
Many commemorative-service organisations are run by an ageing group of dedicated organisers. Waypoint addresses the succession risk this creates — so records and knowledge aren't lost when people step back.
Who it's for
Open to the full sector — not limited to a specific service branch or commemorative organisation. Anyone holding or responsible for at-risk records is welcome to engage.
The succession problem Waypoint addresses
Across the veteran and service community, commemorative and historical records are often held by a small number of long-serving, ageing organisers. When they step back, there is frequently no clear plan for what happens to the material they've maintained — sometimes for decades. Waypoint exists so that this transition can happen deliberately, with organisers able to step back knowing the records they've cared for are in good hands.
Scope note: Waypoint's mandate is archiving and commemoration only. It does not extend into other areas of service or chaplaincy support — those are addressed through VESPIIA's other working groups, including the Cadre of Padres & Madres.
Leadership
Meet the committee
Waypoint is led by Hannah Laws, supported by a committee of practitioners and organisers from across the sector.
Chair, Waypoint · VESPIIA Director
Hannah Laws
Hannah leads Waypoint and serves as a Director on the VESPIIA Board, bringing experience in content delivery and program development to the working group's focus on archiving and commemoration.
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Committee member name
Affiliation / sector
Interested in joining the committee? Get in touch →
Events
Upcoming Waypoint events
Briefings and sessions for the Waypoint working group. All events are also listed on the main VESPIIA events page.
No Waypoint events scheduled right now
Check the main events page for all upcoming VESPIIA activity, or subscribe to be notified when a Waypoint session is announced.
Resources
Waypoint resources
Resources relevant to archiving and commemorative record-keeping. The full VESPIIA resource library is available to all members.
Terms of Reference
The governing document for the Waypoint working group — purpose, membership and reporting.
View Terms of Reference
VESPIIA resource library
Templates, guides and professional development sessions available to all VESPIIA members.
Browse the resource library
Want to get involved with Waypoint?
Participation is by expression of interest, and open to the full sector — not limited to a specific service branch. If you hold or are responsible for at-risk records, we'd like to hear from you.
Get involved with VESPIIA
Working groups are one way to contribute. Explore membership or get in touch directly.