The American Legion Auxiliary
  Department of Virginia Membership News Update  - 
  February 15, 2013
 

"STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN"

Leaderboard 

 

I have moved the old standings to a linked page to make room for our current and future leaderboard steps. 

 

Earned Their Wings 100%

Milestone #1 ~ 55%

Floating in the Clouds ~ 75%

  

Cupids Arrow ~ 100% by February 14th

4th District

9th & 10th District

14th District

Madison Heights Unit 274

Dillwyn Unit 134

Chesapeake Unit 280

Portsmouth Unit 190

Churchland Unit 310

Disputanta Unit 120

Keysville Unit 260

Danville Unit 1097

 

Tough Get Going ~ Step increase by February 14th

Northampton Unit 56

Chesapeake Unit 280~3 Steps

Portsmouth Unit 190~2 Steps

Phoebus Unit 48

Newport News Unit 368

Floyd Unit 127

Luray Unit 22~2 Steps

Strasburg Unit 77

Dumfries Unit 28

McLean Unit 270

Churchland Unit 310~2 Steps

Norfolk Unit 327

Newport News Unit 25

Mathews Unit 83

Disputanta Unit 120

Keysville Unit 260

Danville Unit 1097

Narrows Unit 68

Richmond Unit 125

New Market unit 166

Warrenton Unit 72~2 Steps

Stafford Unit 290

Fairfax Unit 177

National Milestone 2 ~ 70% by February 14th

 

Since every unit but 17 made this goal, I have put the Unit names view-able by clicking on this link:

 

Milestone #2 Achievers 

 

 

NEW STEP TO THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN ~ 

SPRING IS IN THE AIR RECRUITING STEP 

From now until March 20th, the first day of spring, we will be focusing on recruiting....For each new recruit or revitalized member (hasn't been a member for 2 years or more) you sign up, you will receive the following:

  • Recruiters get 25 tickets for each new member you sign up from February 15th through March 20th.
  • For Every 5 New or Revitalized members you recruit receive an additional 25 tickets.
  • Unit Membership Chairman and Unit Presidents each get 5 tickets. 

You will need to complete the appropriate forms and send them to me to receive your tickets.

 

Spring Is In The Air Recruiter Form

Spring Is In The Air Unit Form

MEMBERSHP ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Making sure your renewal information that goes out to your members is key to getting membership turned in timely.  The only way to insure this is if the Units send in their information to Department as soon as possible.  To that end, attached is the 2014 UNIT DATA FORM you are to use to update your information with Department for next year.  Please send this to Christy as soon as possible.  Corrections for the 2013 year should have been made by February 1st.

2014 Unit Data Form  

 

  • Change in Continuous Years:  If you have a member that needs to have her years corrected, you will need to get this information to Christy prior to March 31st so she can make the changes. These need to get onto the National Database by April 1, 2013.
  • Service not Self Award:Units that demonstrate Service not Self will be eligible to receive recognition at National Convention, recognition in national publications and a $50 donation for mission related projects.  You could be 1 of 10 Units selected.  The form is due to National no later than April 1, 2013. The Department Secretary must sign the form to validate that the Unit has maintained their 2011 membership.
  • Silver Brigade and Extra Silver Brigade Award: For members who recruit 25 or more new Senior members.  Forms are due in to National by May 1, 2013.  Receive the Angel Necklace as my gift to the first 3 that recruit 25 new members.
  • Recruit One Award:  For members who recruit one new Senior member.  Send form into National no later than May 1, 2013 to receive the National President's Angel Pin.   If you sent your form in by December 31, 2012, your name will be in an early bird drawing for a cash prize.  Only one entry per recruiter.

MEMBER-SHIP RAFFLE

 

We have sold over 120 tickets to the Cash Drawing membershp Raffle.  Tickets are $5 each and if your purchase 3 you will get 5 tickets to the Stairway to Heaven Drawing.  This is open to members and non-members, Legion, Auxiliary and SONS.  If you would like to help selling tickets, let me know and I will forward a supply to you to sell. 
  
Prizes are CASH!!   and are as follows:
  • One 1st Place Prize ~ $500
  • Two 2nd Place Prizes ~ $250 each
  • Three 3rd Place Prizes ~ $100 each

Don't forget that you can order tickets by filling out the form attached and mailing it back to me. Checks should be made payable to: "Dept. Secretary/Treasurer" with a note in the memo line "membership raffle".

 

My address:

 

Janet Renner

Membership Chairman
Department of Virginia
2881 Cedar Crest Court
Woodbridge, VA. 22192
  


FROM YOUR NATIONAL  
MEMBERSHIP TEAM
 

I received the following email from our National Membership Chairman, Sue Britton, addressing the Public Awareness Campaign.  She has added some wonderful links that should prove helpful in your recruiting efforts:

 

Greetings Everyone-

I wanted to take the opportunity to

share with all of you some

pertinent information that was

sent along to me by the national

headquarters office of the American Legion Auxiliary. As you are aware, we are progressing with the Public

Awareness Campaign and the firm hired to help with this campaign has shared the three websites (shown below) used during the process.  I wanted to forward them on to all 

 Departments. Please review and

feel free to use for any possible

membership recruitment in the ALA.  We are very close to our Milestone #2 deadline date of February 14, 2013.  It looks VERY promising that we could

possibly have EVERY Department at 70% by then. CONGRATULATIONS

on doing an absolutely wonderful job this year. I know we can look forward to a "banner angel year" for National President Peggy Thomas. Keep up the good work. For those in the colder climates, stay warm and stay busy with membership. You are the best!

For God & Country,

Sue Britton

National Membership Chairman


USA Military Benefits


US Military

Military Bases

2ND RENEWAL NOTICE IS OUT

 

 By now the second renewal notice has arrived and it is now up to our Unit membership Chairman and their team to start calling those members who haven't sent in their dues.  I know I don't have to remind you, but remember to remind them why they joined, of the benefits the enjoy and that those benefits have been suspended until we receive ther dues, find out what interests them and find ways to engage them and of course...don't forget to thank them and all our members for their continued membership in this wonderful organization.

  

HONOR THEIR SERVICE BUTTONS

 

The Buttons have changed slightly for the new year so I have attached the 2012/2013 form for your use.  These buttons are great conversation openers and can be used to attract new members everywhere you go.  Here is the link to the form which can be downloaded, completed and mailed in.

 

Honor Their Service Button 

 

DEPARTMENT ONLINE
P.S. ~ Don't forget our challenges/goals:
 
New Goal ~ 100% Paid 2013 Membership by March 20, 2013 when our National President makes her official visit to Virginia
 
Top 3 in the Country by July 1, 2013
 
All Time High of 9,039 by July 1, 2013  
 

 Greetings!

 

We have been victorious in reclaiming 1st place in the Southern Division and the Department of Virginia has climbed to 5th in the Nation! 
  
To the Angels of the Department of Virginia...
   
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR CONTINUED HARD WORK AND DEVOTION TO OUR MEMBERSHP GOALS ~
YOU ARE AWESOME!
  
This past week brought an abundance of angel wings flying in with renewals and new members bringing the Department to 86.16%. This is absolutely wonderful!  We went from 26 units that weren't at the 70% cloud down to only 17.  Even units that hadn't turned in membership yet did! The Department is on a roll so lets keep it going and reach that 100%.
 
As you continue calling around, please remember to remind members that to reinstate their benefits immediately, all they need to do is to pay their dues for 2013.  Also, remember:
  • Units are NOT to hold membership for any reason.  If you hold membership and the member needs to call upon their benefits, the Unit could be looking at a lawsuit.  Please don't put your Unit in this position and send in information as soon as you receive it.

I am a firm believer of positive reinforcement, so I would like to start our Leaderboard run down by congratulating the Units that worked so hard but with struggles within their units, didn't quite make the 70%  You all did a fabulous job and I know you will make the next Milestone.  They are:

 

Unit 67 Hampton * Unit 151 Emporia * Unit 99 Halifax * Unit 29 Danville * Unit 42 Martinsville * Unit 9 Wytheville * Unit 164 Grundy * Unit 3 Roanoke * Unit 182 Blacksburg * Unit 186 Midlothian * Unit 210 Richmond * Unit 82 Saluda * Unit 241 Locust Hill * Unit 329 Dahlgren * Unit 53 Front Royal * Unit 181 Leesburg * Unit 330 Culpeper 

 

Angels, please give them a huge "you can do it" and lets inspire them to keep going! 

 

Our Arc Angels are furiously battling for first place and each week seems to bring a different leader.  Here is how we stand this week:

 

Raphael and her Angels of the Eastern Zone is in the lead at 86.81%. She is followed by St. Michael of the Western Zone at 85.77%. However, Gabriel of the Northern Zone is but .27% behind the Western Zone at 85.50%  And I must say...that as of this moment, the Department and all our zones have already reached the 3rd National Milestone of 85% way ahead of schedule!  Way to go!  

 

All year long I keep adding new steps to the "Stairway to Heaven" Contest and with Spring just around the corner, yes I have seen my first robin, I have added yet another one...Spring is in the Air Recruiting Step.  This is designed to get every member to recruit at least one new member.  I would love to have each member earn the "Recruit One" President's Pin.  You can find all the details to the left.....

  

 

Please remember that Tuesday each week is the deadline that Christy needs to receive membership to count towards that weeks National Standings which come out on Wednesday Morning.  Please try to keep this in mind when mailing membership in.

  

So here is our current Leaderboard additions and special shoutouts:

  
KEYSVILLE UNIT 260 AT 100%
DANVILLE UNIT 1097 AT 101.94
DISPUTANTA UNIT 120 AT 104.65%
CHURCHLAND UNIT 310 AT 114.29%
  
other notable changes  
  
Lynchburg Unit 16 continues to climb 5.14% to 117.71%
Appomattox Unit 104 continues to climb 7.69% to 107.69%
Staunton Unit 13 continues to climb 8% to 128%
Chesapeake Unit 280 continues to climb 24% to 124%
Mathews Unit 83 increased 35% to 80%
Clarksville Unit 45 increased 6.66% to 93.33%
Martinsville Unit 78 increased 8.12% to 83.67%
Danville Unit 325 increased 6.06% to 89.90%
Narrows Unit 68 increased 6.97% to 72.09%
Blacksburg Unit 182 increased 7.70% to 53.85%
Richmond Unit 125 increased 6.90% to 89.66%
Dahlgren Unit 329 increased from zero to 66.67%
Dayton Unit 27 increased 6% to 94%
New Market Unit 166 increased 9.13% to 89.13%
Warrenton Unit 72 increased 40.99% to 85.45%
Stafford Unit 290 increased 8.85% to 92.52%
Arlington Unit 85 increased 7.35% to 97.06%
Fairfax Unit 177 increased 14.29% to 83.93%
 
This brings our total number of Units over 100% to 40!!
  
Congratulations ladies for your dedication to our membership goal this year and for showing Miss Peggy your support.  You will receive your milestone certificates and tickets at the next Department Meeting..  

 

Don't forget you still have time to apply for the "UNIT DEVELOPMENT AWARD" and bring home some money for your programs.  To be eligible for this award, units that increase their 2013 membership by one (1) or more members over their 2012 membership as of 12/31/12 by March 1, 2013 will be eligible for one of six $200 cash drawings (one in each membership category) to be used for mission outreach and/or membership efforts.  This is a very easy way to win cash for your Unit, so be sure to enter.  It's easy, Units may find out their total 2012 Unit membership as of 12/31/12 by contacting Christy.  Don't forget there is a form that will need to be completed and it is due to National Headquarters by April 1, 2013.  If your unit is close to reachiing this goal, and need help reaching it, please let me know and I will be happy to assist.  This is an award every unit, large or small, will be able to take part.  And for those units that aren't at 100%, you can still do it before March 1st. 

 

This means that we have 111 Units that reached the National Milestone #2 ~ 70% by midnight February 14th.  Congratulations to each and every one of you!  Here are the Units that have already met National Milestone #3 ~ 85% and are working towards joining our Leaderboard by reaching 100%: 

 
Arlington Unit 85 at 97.06%
Rural Retreat Unit 229 96.67%
King George Unit 89 at 96.49%
Kilmarnock Unit 86 at 96.15%
Poquoson Unit 273 at 95.65%
Charlottesville Unit 74 at 94.62%
Centreville Unit 1995 at 94.12%
Dayton Unit 27 at 94%
Clarksville Unit 45 at 93.33%
Virgilina Unit 337 at 92.86%
Hopewell Unit 146 at 92.52%
Stafford Unit 290 at 92.52%
Luray Unit 22 at 92.31%
Falls Church Unit 225 at 91.67%
Phoebus Unit 48 at 91.49%
Richmond Unit 137 at 90.91%
Arlington Unit 139 at 90.78%
Cumberland Unit 269 at 90%  
Danville Unit 325 at 89.90%
Alexandria Unit 24 at 89.77%
Richmond 125 at 89.66%
Floyd Unit 127 at 89.47%
New Market Unit 166 at 89.13%
Newport News Unit 368 at 89.03%
Colonial Heights Unit 284 at 88.96%
Beaverdam Unit 90 at 88.89%
Annandale Unit 1976 at 88.76%
Chincoteague Unit 159 at 87.66%
Colonial Beach Unit 148 at 87.50%
Strasburg Unit 77 at 86.76%
Dumfries Unit 28 at 85.92%
Warrenton Unit 72 at 85.45%
Buena Vista Unit 126 at 85.29%
Winchester Unit 21 at 85.03%
 
Congratulations Angels for already reaching National Milestone #3 ~ 85%.  I look forward to seeing you reach our 100% club!
 
Now for our additional Units that have reached National Milestone #2 ~ 70% by February 14th:

Fairfax Unit 177 at 83.93%
Martinsville Unit 78 at 83.67%
Newport News Unit 1997 at 83.33%
Jonesville Unit 185 at 83.33%
Glen Allen Unit 244 at 82.98%
Norfolk Unit 5 at 82.14%
Vienna Unit 180 at 81.82%
Highland Springs Unit 144 at 81.67%
Arlington Unit 194 at 81.43%
Fredericksburg Unit 55 at 81.25%
Fluvanna Unit 2003 at 81.25%
Lorton Unit 162 at 80.77%
South Boston Unit 8 at 80.28%
Mathews 83 at 80%
East Augusta County Unit 340 at 78.57%
Norfolk Unit 27 at 77.85%
Springfield Unit 176 at 75.28%
Princess Anne Unit 113 at 75%
Newport News Unit 25 at 74.51%
Pulaski Unit 7 at 73.91%
Falls Church Unit 130 at 73.68%
Stuart Unit 105 at 73.68%
South Hill Unit 79 at 73.49%
Spotsylvania Unit 320 at 73.39%
Manassas Unit 10 at 73.31%
Brookneal Unit 52 at 73.08%
Northampton Unit 56 at 72.73%
Narrows Unit 68 at 72.09%
Norfolk Unit 204 at 71.43%
McLean Unit 270 at 71.15%
Norfolk Unit 60 at 70.59%
Bedford Unit 54 at 70.59%
Sandston Unit 242 at 70.18%
  
Making 109 Units or 86% reached the second milestone!
  
Our Unit with the Highest Overall Percentage is still
Caroline County Unit 221 at 140%
but Staunton Unit 13 is closing in fast at 128%
  
Congratulations ladies, you are working membership and making miracles happen!  I am looking forward to being able to add you to the leaderboard and give you your Milestone Certificate.
  
With this report it is with great excitement to announce that we now have 3 Districts over 100% and 3 others already over 85%.   Here is how our Districts are stacking up and in order:

4th District at 104.97% District President Denise Kelly
14th District at 102.05% District President Mary Ellen Pence
9th & 10th District at 101.10% District President Maxine Whitworth
13th District at 99.62% District President Dottie Stephenson
15th District at 86.49% District President Sarah Dorfman
1st & 2nd at 86% District President Delia French
12th District at 83.90% District President Darlene Wernsman
17th District at 83.79% District President Tamara Parks
3rd District at 83.54% District President Jackie Coffman
6th District at 82.95% District President Gloria Bennett
11th District at 82.85%% District President Erma Harris
7th District at 81.75% RUNNING ITSELF!!!!!
16th District at 80.65% District President Marcia Wheatley
5th District at 80.45% District President Deanna Schwartz
8TH District at 48.28%% District President Betty Clevinger 

Your Districts are doing a fabulous job and I am looking forward to seeing your members reach 100%.  Please continue to push your Districts to reach our 100% goal as soon as possible.  We are in the final 15% and it is going to get tough...however, we know that when things get tough, Virginia gets going!  Lets bring it on home and continue to make Virginia proud.  
  
    

Guess who's coming to town?

 

The Virginia Beach Spring Conference is when our National President Peggy Thomas will be making her official visit. The Department has done a tremendous job with membership this year so far, however, wouldn't it be fantastic if we were at 100% by the time she comes home for her visit.  And what better way of saying "Welcome Home"! than by reaching this goal!  And if we do, I have gotten permission to toast this accomplishment.  So I am once again asking you our members to reach deep and really work to reach 100% by March 20th.  Please utilize everything you have at your disposal to attract new members and retain current members.  If I can be of any help, please, please, please, let me know and I will be happy to stop out at your unit meeting.  Lets bring it on home for when Peggy comes home!

 

Membership Roundup ~

Stay tuned for more information on this.  But what I can tell you is we will be taking off our halos and putting on our cowgirl hats and roaming the Department of Virginia looking for members.  We will have a song to the tune of rawhide, the words will be changed, but to get you in the mood...  

 

 

Rawhide - Opening Theme Music 1x06
Rawhide ~ rounding up members

 

I am working on a membership Tumbler account so I would like to ask you to send any pictures you have of your membership efforts to me.  I will put them up on Tumbler for the entire Department to enjoy and will be also send them to National.

 

Don't forget to mail me your blue tickets you have earned to get entered in the drawing. Or if you would like, you can bring them with you to the Spring Conference.

 

And finally, remember to send me your stories on how your Unit has been successful in attracting or retaining members, please send me an email and I will be happy to share it with the rest of the Department. 
This has been an exciting year so far with several surprises planned in the upcoming months.  So let's take a deep breath, trust that we can make miracles happen and fly away on angel wings together reaching 100%2013 membership.
  
Sincerely,  

Janet Renner Headshot   
Your Guardian Angel

Janet Renner
Dept Membership Chairman

The American Legion Auxiliary Dept of Virginia

703-625-5736
Which Unit will be next to reach 100%...which district will be next to reach 100%...which zone will be the first to reach 100%....