May 2019 eNews & eBulletin
May 24 is National Poppy Day ®
National Poppy Day is later this month! Since the 1920s, ALA members have distributed millions of poppies annually across the country in exchange for donations that go directly to assist veterans, active-duty military, and their families in need. In 2017, The American Legion Family called on Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day. Help keep the poppy story strong by visiting poppydayusa.org for information and resources to help your unit have a successful National Poppy Day.
Pay tribute to fallen warriors on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, May 27, American Legion Auxiliary members will honor the men and women who fought for our freedoms. Please take a moment this Memorial Day to honor their sacrifices, pray for their families, and bow your head in recognition of their service. Wear a poppy on National Poppy Day® and Memorial Day weekend as a symbol of support for those who willingly served our nation. We must never forget them. 
ALA In the Know eBulletin
Click here to stay updated with May reports and timely articles from ALA national committees, programs, and activities: 100th Anniversary Committee, ALA Girls Nation, Americanism, Community Service, Education, Junior Activities, Leadership, Legislative, Public Relations
ALA Unit Guide Book : Revised and ready for members
The newly revised American Legion Auxiliary Unit Guide Book provides information, direction to desired information, and guidance to unit members about the history, mission, programs, membership eligibility, customs, and operations of an American Legion Auxiliary unit, the community-level organization of the Auxiliary. 

This publication is a guide to help members locate and use the most up-to-date information from American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters. Members will see references to websites and other publications, as those are updated more often. Members will need to use their membership ID number to create a username and password to access the Members Only section of the national website at  www.ALAforVeterans.org . 

Once you’re on the site, sign in to the Members Only section. All resources referenced in the  Unit Guide Book  can be found online. The  ALA Department Operations Guide , along with other publications on various programs and procedures, is available through your Department Headquarters and at www.ALAforVeterans.org. District and/or department officers are available to assist you. Please contact them if you have questions or need assistance.

Members can log in to access the revised  ALA Unit Guide Book here . Physical copies will be available for purchase soon from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.
Double your impact on ALA mission with matching gift 
When donating to a cause, you probably wish you could give more. It’s actually easier than you think! Many companies and foundations offer matching gift programs — doubling monies donated by employees, members, or trustees. Your $25 donation to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation could become a $50 contribution. Or, $50 matched by your company would turn into $100. Before you make a contribution toward helping our veterans, military, and their families, find out if a matching gift program is available where you work. Click here to learn more. 
Thank you to all who ordered legacy bricks!
We are so grateful to everyone who supported the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation by ordering a legacy brick. Your brick(s) will forever leave a legacy at the new American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters in Indianapolis, while your gift will carry on the ALA’s mission for many years to come. Thank you! When you’re in Indianapolis for National Convention this August, be sure to visit ALA National Headquarters for a tour and see your brick firsthand!
May Auxiliary magazine now available online
The May edition of Auxiliary magazine guides readers on how poppies remind us to honor and support servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Find out how you can get involved while also learning how the ALA salutes children of U.S. military. Read about the individuals who grew up to be strong, resilient, confident, patriotic women and dedicated ALA members. Click here to read the online version.
DID YOU KNOW?
Celebrate a century of service by ordering an American Legion commemorative coin.  The American Legion centennial commemorative coin collection, available from the U.S. Mint, includes three coins – a silver dollar, a five-dollar gold coin, and a half dollar. All surcharges received from the coins will support The American Legion’s services and programs. Follow this link for pricing information and to order. 
 
Are you part of the growing number of people reading the ALA Blog?  We regularly post stories and quick reads as a valuable resource for both ALA members and nonmembers alike. These short, online articles feature stories about our members, good ideas for units, patriotic craft ideas and service projects, and much more. Click here to check it out today. 

Government and businesses can buy flags/equipment from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.  Emblem Sales is an approved entity that can sell flags and flag display equipment to government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. American Legion Family members can help raise awareness about the American Legion Auxiliary and generate revenue for the Legion Family by encouraging government and businesses to buy USA-made flags and flag equipment from Emblem Sales. Any VA facility, company, church, civic organization, or the public can buy flags and flag items from Emblem Sales  here . 
 
Are YOU helping the ALA Foundation by using AmazonSmile?  Through Amazon’s charitable program, AmazonSmile, you can support the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation while knocking out some of your everyday shopping! And it doesn’t take much effort. Simply sign in to Amazon through  this special link , select the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, and just like that, Amazon donates 0.5 percent of every purchase you make to the ALA Foundation. There’s no added fee, no catch, and best of all, you’re supporting the ALA Foundation and the lives of our veterans, military, and their families by funding programs of the American Legion Auxiliary today and for future generations.  Bookmark this special AmazonSmile link for your future purchases! 

Share your posts and photos with us on social media @ALAforVeterans. ALA social media hashtags:

#PoppyDay
#AmericanLegionAuxiliary
#ALAJuniors
ALA Membership
Where does your department stand in Auxiliary Membership? Click here to log in and view the latest reports.
ALA Centennial
It's time to get your ALA centennial celebration items!

The American Legion Legislative Alerts
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
SIRVA Mortgage
SIRVA Mortgage can save ALA members time and money on home purchase needs!

Bonus Drive
ALA members who purchase or lease a vehicle from participating auto manufacturers are eligible to receive an exclusive cash bonus, up to $500. Download Flyer


USAA
USAA membership offers exclusive benefits, products and discounts for U.S. military members and their eligible family members.
ALA Mission & Vision
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.