April 2020 eNews & eBulletin
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We are all in this together, and together we will get through this
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Dear ALA Members and Colleagues,
It is with mixed emotions that I share this information with you. Please see
the Resolution of The American Legion
in which the 2020 National Convention has been cancelled. As a result, the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention is also cancelled. After careful review of our Constitution & Bylaws and consulting with National Parliamentarian Chris Dickey, the 2019-2020 national officers, chairmen, and committee members will continue to serve in their roles until the 2021 National Convention or upon resignation.
This is certainly an unprecedented occurrence but not wholly unexpected given the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our membership is our top priority. Due to the uncertainty of the duration of the virus, and the numerous government regulations being enforced to contain it, National President Nicole Clapp and National Vice President Kathy Daudistel respect and support The American Legion’s decision.
We realize this affects everyone in different ways. Yet another disruption to our lives and the things we look forward to, and count on, can cause stress on our mental and emotional well-being. Take this time to feel and process the emotions. Reach out to a friend or loved one and talk about your feelings, your fears, your hopes. Take the time you need to do that and know we are all in this together.
Let’s make the most of this opportunity to set our course for the next century of service. Our current leaders are the best we could ask for to lead us through these turbulent times and the upcoming leadership is the best match to take us down our new path. We have strength, we have conviction, we have hope. We can do it and we will still celebrate our 100th Anniversary together at the 2021 National Convention in Phoenix.
In this edition of ALA eNews, we have included messages we feel are important for members to know as we get through the pandemic. We understand you may still have questions. ALA National Headquarters is here for you. We may not physically be in the office, but we are continuing to work from home and may still be reached if needed. Most importantly, we want to make sure our members and staff are safe and remain healthy. We are all in this together, and together we will get through this.
Kelly Circle, JD PhD
Executive Director, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters
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During a time of crisis or following natural disasters, there are always those who attempt to take advantage of a bad situation. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different. Scammers are sending out emails, pretending to be part of The American Legion Family. If you receive an ask from someone, contact your department headquarters for verification before making any donations. Scammers can be convincing. If your gut is telling you it’s suspicious, it likely is.
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One way you can be sure your donations are helping fellow ALA members is donating to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF). Your donation to the AEF will ensure that we carry on our legacy of
Service Not Self
during this greatest time of need for so many. With your help, we will overcome these difficult times and come out stronger than ever.
Click here
for more information.
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A phone call can make a big difference
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The American Legion Auxiliary’s Week of Caring and Sharing may have ended, but you are encouraged to continue calling members. During this time of social distancing, it’s important that we find ways to connect. A simple call can make a big difference in someone’s day, as ALA National President Nicole Clapp (pictured) discovered recently when reaching out to members.
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Questions about COVID-19?
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The amount of information available about COVID-19 can be overwhelming. You may not know where to turn or who to trust to get the correct answer. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and available resources.
Click here
for more information.
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Suicide prevention is important now more than ever
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The pandemic can exacerbate feelings of isolation, economic despair, and depression. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line are experiencing an increase in calls. The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) has not forgotten. PREVENTS is trying to increase public awareness and perceptiveness to this problem by offering shareable materials on its
Facebook page
. You can also follow PREVENTS on Twitter @WeArePREVENTS and through various social media platforms using #MoreThanEverBefore. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or expressing suicidal thoughts, call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1 if you’re a veteran).
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ALA Juniors can do the Patch Program from home
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Auxiliary members: During these challenging times, we ask you to be flexible and accommodating to Juniors. As an adult ALA leader, use your best judgment and adjust the activities to fit the circumstances. If the activity requires making a presentation to your unit, let the Junior do it virtually. This can be done by using social media, email, or phone. Be creative and let your Juniors help come up with ideas. Take pictures of your Juniors in action and use the hashtag #ALAJuniors so we can see what great things they’re doing! If you have any questions or need help, email
JuniorActivities@ALAforVeterans.org
.
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National ALA scholarship deadlines have been extended
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Due to COVID-19, the deadlines for national American Legion Auxiliary scholarships have been extended:
●
Department-selected applications to the divisional chairs - May 1
●
Division winners to the national Education Committee chairman - May 15
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Letters to winners and announcements on national website - late May
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ALA In the Know eBulletin
Click
here to stay updated with April reports and timely articles from ALA national committees, programs, and activities: Americanism, Children & Youth, Community Service, Education, Membership, National Security, Public Relations, and ALA 100th Anniversary Committee.
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April is Month of the Military Child
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April is designated as the Month of the Military Child (#MOMC) to recognize the unique challenges military children face and the sacrifices they have made. In past years, The American Legion Family publicly demonstrated our commitment to youth by hosting activities nationwide throughout the month of April. Since we cannot host public events during the pandemic, consider posting about it on social media. For example, post a picture of the military child’s table (pictured here) and explain what it means.
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Remember to submit your Member Impact Reports.
ALA National Headquarters has received questions about submitting Member Impact Reports. Units should continue to send reports to their unit president, so they can be turned in to the districts. The unit form is available
here
.
Email us your Constitution & Bylaws questions.
Many of you have had questions regarding Constitution & Bylaws. Contact us at ConstitutionBylaws@ALAforVeterans.org.
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Auxiliary members continue to find ways to serve.
We have been inspired by how resilient our members are. We are sharing stories on how members are getting through COVID-19.
Go to our blog
to read their stories.
Do you have a story to tell? Email us at
ALAMagazine@ALAforVeterans.org
. We will also be sharing these stories in the August issue of
Auxiliary
magazine.
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There are several ways to stay connected with ALA virtually. Consider taking this time to learn more about the ALA and sharpen your skills. Here are some recommendations:
Second Lady Karen Pence expresses her appreciation for the military community. Mrs. Pence's office has been grateful to hear from several MSOs and VSOs about ongoing efforts to support the military community during this challenging time. Mrs. Pence, the ALA's 2019 Public Spirit Award recipient, has recorded a message for the military community. You can
download the recorded message.
If you shop on Amazon, make sure you’re using AmazonSmile. Through Amazon’s charitable program, AmazonSmile, you can support the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation. Simply sign in
through this special link and select the American Legion Auxiliary. Amazon will donate 0.5% of every purchase you make to the ALA Foundation. It may seem small, but a little can add up to a lot.
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ALA Centennial
Get your centennial celebration items from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales, where your purchase supports Legion Family programs.
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The American Legion Legislative Alerts
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
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Don't miss out on member benefits
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SIRVA Mortgage can save ALA members time and money on home purchase needs!
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ALA members who purchase or lease a vehicle from participating auto manufacturers are eligible to receive an exclusive cash bonus, up to $500.
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Mission Statement
In the spirit of
Service Not Self,
the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support
The American Legion
and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace, and security.
Vision Statement
The vision of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion while becoming the premier service organization and foundation of every community providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security.
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