Policy Engagement - Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Public policy aimed at supporting veterans is most effective when it’s informed by evidence and experience. The IVMF empowers public sector leaders by translating insights from research and practice into better policymaking.

What We Do

Provide relevant research and expertise on key issues to policymakers and their staff through testimony, briefings and thought leadership
Lead the charge on important policy priorities necessary to supporting the veteran population
Amplify and support partner efforts advancing research-backed policy.

Why It’s Important

Good veteran and military family public policy can and should be beneficial for all Americans.
Veterans and their families are a valuable asset to our communities and the economy.
A thriving veteran population with equal opportunity to pursue their post-service aspirations is the surest incentive to sustaining a capable, all-volunteer force, and the security of the United States.

Improving Lives of Veterans

Every veteran and their family is impacted by the decisions of their federal, state, and local government.
As the veteran population evolves, so do their needs, and the policy aimed at supporting them.
Policy that most effectively supports veterans and their families is backed by research.

IVMF Policy Priorities

The IVMF believes it is critical that policymakers, employers, nonprofits and American families come together to support a comprehensive set of policies that advance the post-service aspirations of veterans and their families.

Priority 1: Integrate Health And Social Care

Priority 2: Expand Economic Opportunity For Veterans And Spouses

Priority 3: Improve Capability For Evidence-Based Policy

Learn More About IVMF Policy Priorities

Featured Policy Research

Innovation in State-level Veteran Services

Improving the Delivery of Services and Care for Veterans

Implementation Assessment of U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Veterans Employment Initiative

A National Veterans Strategy

IVMF Policy Team In Action

9.23.21

House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing: Veteran Suicide Prevention Innovative Research and Expanded Public Health Efforts

Veteran suicide remains one of the most pressing issues for the veteran community today. The most recent available data suggest about 17 veterans die by suicide daily, and the age- and sex-adjusted rates of suicide among veterans are higher than rate... Read More ▶

7.30.21

Inspired by Syracuse University Programming, Rep. Katko Introduces Bill to Support Military Families During Transition to Civilian Life

Inspired by programming offered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today introduced the Onward to Opportunity Act. This bipartisan bill aims to help military families make a... Read More ▶

6.28.21

IVMF Executive Director, Dr. Mike Haynie, Wrote About the Mental Health of Veterans

On 6/27/21 Dr. Michael Haynie wrote an opinion piece for The Hill discussing the toll on veterans' mental health fighting in wars. You can read an excerpt below. ... Read More ▶

Applied Research

Through both quantitative and qualitative methods, our diverse research portfolio reflects the range of social, economic, and wellness challenges that can affect transitioning service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more about Applied Research.

Evaluation & Analytics

We offer a range of internal and public data sources to help the military community, researchers, government agencies, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Programs thrive when evaluation is embedded within the fabric of their operations, that’s why at the IVMF our programs are built around a culture of continual evaluation, improvement, and excellence. Learn more about Evaluation & Analytics.

Data Insights & Tools

The data insights team at IVMF team does more than just field data requests. Our team collects and aggregates data but more importantly we provide actionable insights and change that impact the lives of veterans and their families. Learn more about Data Insights & Tools.