A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families
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Ready for this ALA challenge? | |
Discover ways to get involved in your community and make a real difference in the lives of local veterans by using the ALA Challenge Deck. When you donate $35 or more to the Veteran Projects Fund, you will receive the 46-card deck. Learn more about the ALA Challenge Deck here. Donate online here, text CARD to 1-844-940-3450, or mail a check to ALA National Headquarters, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Please indicate in the memo line of the check that the gift is for the cards. If you have any questions, please contact Development Director Carley Schutz at cschutz@ALAforVeterans.org. | |
Deadline is Dec. 15: Apply to serve on a national ALA committee | |
There’s still time to apply! National committee chairs and members are appointed annually and confirmed by the National Executive Committee to serve on a wide variety of ALA committees for you to explore. You need not have served as an officer in your district or department to be eligible for an appointment. The application window closes Dec. 15. Learn more. | |
Don’t miss these informative upcoming webinars | |
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Navigating the NEC Appeal Process
During this educational session, you’ll discover ways to effectively navigate the ALA National Executive Committee (NEC) appeal process and implement best practices at the unit and department levels to prevent governance issues before they arise.
You’ll learn to:
· Understand how the NEC appeal process works
· Identify the three most common reasons for NEC appeals
· Establish strong governance practices to avoid future appeals
Learn more and register now.
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Navigating American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships
You’ll learn how to:
· Describe the different types of ALA scholarships
· Understand eligibility requirements and application processes
· Access and share application details and deadlines effectively
Click here to register.
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Don’t miss these opportunities to enhance your expertise and contribute more effectively to your unit, department, and community!
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And happening in January:
Unlock Your ALA Member Benefits!
We’ll showcase the array of benefits ALA members receive with their membership, highlighting how these offerings support their personal, professional, and philanthropic pursuits. By exploring discounts, resources, and exclusive opportunities, the webinar aims to empower members to fully leverage their membership while reinforcing their connection to the ALA’s mission of service to veterans, military families, and communities.
Course objectives:
- Educate members on benefits: Provide a clear overview of the exclusive member benefits available, including discounts, resources, and programs that add value to ALA membership.
- Navigate the member benefits portal: Guide members on how to access and utilize the ALA website to explore benefits and stay informed.
- Showcase provider partnerships: Highlight specific offerings from member benefit providers to demonstrate the advantages of membership.
- Encourage engagement: Empower members to make full use of their benefits and connect with the ALA Development Division for questions or support.
Jan. 22 at noon Eastern | Register here
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Mission Training: Get a head start on registration for Jan + Feb sessions | |
Join us for a one-day ALA conference that’s both inspiring and educational! We’ll dive deep into our programs through interactive and engaging sessions, ensuring you leave with new insights and renewed energy. Mission Training covers many Auxiliary mission outreach programs, all presented in a fun and supportive environment. Here’s what you’ll learn in a 2024-2025 session:
- How do we evolve our membership to attract the next generation of members (and ultimately leaders)?
- Draw connections with all of our youth-centric programs to deliver our mission.
- The new face of veterans: How has the veteran community changed compared to even 20 years ago?
National Junior meetings will be held at the same time and in the same location as ALA Mission Trainings. Junior members aged 8 and older are invited to attend. These sessions are packed with fun, interactive activities designed to engage and inspire our youngest members. The new ALA Junior T-shirts are in! Register your Junior member or young Sons member for one of the national Junior meetings. Your young Legion Family member will meet new friends, complete a mission-focused service project, play games, make crafts, learn more about our organization and partnerships, and have tons of fun! Plus, they get a new ALA Juniors T-shirt!
Register now for a Mission Training or national Junior meeting near you!
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Did you know you can submit the Salute to Servicemembers Award NOW? | |
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We’ve made it much easier to submit for the ALA Salute to Servicemembers Award!
An ALA member/entity simply makes the nomination, rather than the servicemember, to effectively tell the story of why they feel this person is “head and shoulders” above their peers and worthy of this award. A simple narrative (no more than 1000 words), a picture of the servicemember (preferably an official U.S. Department of Defense photo), and the endorsement from their command group are the only requirements!
You can submit now, and right up until the June 1, 2025, deadline! The nomination form is live now.
This award acknowledges the servicemember’s contributions that go beyond their military career, displaying their impact on their community. Our goal is to have at least one submission from every ALA department, and ensure that every branch of the military is represented — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the National Guard/Reserve.
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Searching for the perfect gift for your American Legion Family member? Look no further! 🇺🇸 Explore meaningful and patriotic finds at American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales and give a gift they’ll cherish. | |
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Are you participating in Wreaths Across America Day? Tell us about your events and activities! You may be featured in national ALA media. Contact us.
Renew your 2025 membership dues in three easy ways! You can pay your annual dues by phone, online, or mail. Go to www.ALAforVeterans.org, call (317) 569-4570, or mail in your renewal notice.
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Request to join our official ALA program and committee groups on Facebook
Discover what your fellow ALA members are saying in the committee Facebook groups! These easy-to-access forums provide an arena for organic discussion about your local programs or services and present the opportunity to cultivate brand awareness. Find the list of groups here.
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Keeping up appearances: How to present yourself in virtual meetings | |
Since virtual meetings are so common today, you may feel more relaxed in them … but just make sure you’re not too relaxed. It’s a good idea to prepare for online meetings similar to how you would for in-person meetings. You want to appear as if you care and are interested in the subject matter. By following a few best practices, you can put your best face forward on the screen. Read more. | |
Voices of Veterans: Nancy Frideres | |
During the summer months, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities hold local Veterans Creative Arts Festival competitions. U.S. Army veteran Nancy Frideres from the Memphis, Tenn., VA facility, won first place as an artist in mosaic kit for Seize the Day. Frideres served during the Cold War. Read more. | |
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Dec. 14 – Wreaths Across America Day
Dec. 15 – Last day to apply to serve on an ALA national committee
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
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Texas member's legacy continues | |
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Dallas Lovefield Unit 453 member Shirley Jean Gray had a vision 15 years ago. Their unit was going to supply new pajamas to as many veteran families as they could for Christmas. A collaboration was created with Unit 453 and the Dallas VA counselors. Shirley Jean passed away in 2020, but Unit 453 continued the project. Last year, the unit collected 640 new sets of pajamas of all sizes. We know Shirley Jean is smiling down on Unit 453 members keeping this project alive! Unit 453 also joined forces with Unshackled Soldiers of Christ Ministry’s Sleeping Bag Drive. A $10 donation helped purchase a new sleeping bag that will help homeless veterans through the winter.
— MaryAnn Paul, Texas
Pictured (from left): Unit 453 ALA members Mykal Ippolito, Styrla Eubank, Sharon Shumate, Cindy Freauff, Taylor Flinchum and in the back, MaryAnn Paul.
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55 years of advocating for military families
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is celebrating 55 years of advocating for American military families by addressing their critical needs and creating solutions for a better quality of life. NMFA CEO Besa Pinchotti is this week’s special guest on The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, where she discusses the nonprofit’s advocacy efforts, programs to support military spouses and children, and her “why” for joining NMFA after being an award-winning journalist. Read more.
Let’s end 2024 on a powerful note
The SAL national commander extends holiday wishes and encourages Sons to complete his three challenges. Read more.
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Legion Family Merchandise
Show your support by buying from
American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.
Shop now
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The American Legion Legislative Center
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
Get involved.
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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. | | | | |
