Want to serve on a national ALA committee?
The application process for 2026-2027 national committee appointments is now open! 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. All members are eligible to apply. The application window is through Jan. 1, 2026.
Apply here!
Go to our blog to learn more about the various positions and their responsibilities!
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Winter dates for Mission Training and national Junior meetings just around the corner
Winter national Junior meetings are approaching alongside Mission Training. Interested in learning more about our mission and becoming a stronger ALA member? Plan on going, then bring a Junior, or Juniors, along to learn valuable information and become well-rounded members and individuals. Juniors will have their own meetings happening where they’ll do service projects, meet new friends, and — most importantly — have fun!
What’s happening in the 2025-2026 national Junior meetings?
- Hats for Heroes — a service project developed by ALA National President Pam Ray to give personal hygiene products to homeless veterans
- Learning the Pledge of Allegiance in American Sign Language
- Crafts, such as beaded keychains and America’s 250th birthday hats
- Receiving A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth book about a U.S Army veteran with many firsts in Congress
To learn more about the national Junior meeting activities, click here.
Winter meetings and trainings listed below:
- Jan. 31: Las Vegas
- Jan. 31: Indianapolis*
- Feb. 7: Atlanta*
Register here for both national Junior meetings and Mission Trainings.
*Events will be held with The American Legion National Regional Information Conference and the Sons of The American Legion Regional Meeting.
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Save the date: Governance webinar scheduled for December
When: Dec. 3 @ 12:30 p.m. ET
What: ALA Constitution & Bylaws: Post-Convention Updates and Guidance for Department and Unit Bylaws
Join us for an informative webinar as we recap the adopted changes to the National Constitution & Bylaws and Standing Rules. We’ll walk through what was approved at the National Convention, discuss how these updates affect departments and units, and provide guidance on the adjustments you may need to make to your own governing documents.
Register here!
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Join the USA 250 Challenge to celebrate America’s birthday
Join this challenge culminating with America’s birthday on July 4, 2026. Participants have three areas — fitness, mental wellness, and/or community service — they can engage in as part of a team, like an ALA unit, or as an individual. You can do one category or go the extra mile and do all three!
Register here for $30 and get a USA 250 Legion Family T-shirt and donate to a good cause. For more information on ways to fulfill the categories, go to the USA 250 Challenge website.
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ALA National Headquarters wants to hear from you!
Are you currently doing something, or planning on doing something, for the USA 250 Challenge? The ALA National Headquarters Communications & Marketing Division wants to hear about your plans, whether as a unit, post, or individual to complete the challenge. Your responses may be used in national ALA media. Email us at PR@ALAforVeterans.org.
| | The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) provides critical financial assistance to American Legion Auxiliary members during times of crisis, including help with housing, utilities, and other essential expenses. Your gift today ensures that when members need help most, the ALA is there to lend a hand. Click here to donate! | | Join us on Dec. 2, Giving Tuesday, as we come together to strengthen the future of the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission. Funds raised will benefit the ALA Mission Endowment Fund, helping ensure lasting support for programs that honor and serve veterans, military, and their families for generations to come. Mark your calendar and be part of this global day of generosity! | | November Mission Trainings and national Junior meetings start this week! If you’re registered for Mission Training and your Juniors and young Sons are registered for a national Junior meeting in Albany, N.Y., or Minneapolis, Minn., don’t forget that they’re happening Saturday, Nov. 15. Learn more here. | | |
See how members impacted the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission of serving veterans, military, and their families. The 2024-2025 Corporate Report is now available online. Featured in the digital publication: administrative year in review, impact numbers, financial statement, and listings of our donors and award recipients.
Missed an October webinar? They are posted in the ALA Academy. Learn, or review, about ALA scholarships, leadership styles, and the Wellcare Medicare Advantage healthcare plan. Click here to access the courses!
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ALA COMMITTEE FACEBOOK GROUPS ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION
These national committee groups are spaces on the social media platform for ALA members to discuss or share ideas about topics related to each committee. Groups provide a safe place for organic discussion about your local programs or services and support efforts to grow our organization’s awareness. Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org/social-media to join the groups you’re passionate about.
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Variety of messaging tools helps your unit get the word out
Pamela Oliver-Shepheard, Unit 828 in Texas, is a dual member of the American Legion Auxiliary and The American Legion. She serves as the post home’s adjutant and social media manager and offers these tips on communicating with members.
Read more.
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GI Joan Project provides advocacy, support for women veterans
There are women veterans who grapple with recognition as veterans — even among themselves — so they don’t seek out the assistance that could address mental health and other challenges they may face.
Read more.
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November: National Veterans & Military Family Appreciation Month
November: National Family Caregivers Month
Nov. 16-22: Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Nov. 22: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Nov 17-21: American Education Week
Nov. 22: International Family Volunteer Day
Nov. 24-30: National Family Week
Nov. 27: Thanksgiving
Dec. 2: Giving Tuesday
Dec. 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec. 5: International Volunteer Day
Dec. 7: National Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Day
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What did your ALA Junior membership mean to you?
“It connected me to a community of strong, service-minded individuals. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be an ALA Junior member, and I am honored to be a part of this community and will always carry this part of my life — doing whatever I can to support our military servicemen and women.”
— Alyssa Enriquez, former ALA Junior member and current ALA adult member
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Be the One online training available for the Legion Family
The American Legion is partnering with Columbia University to develop training for American Legion Family members who want to learn more about interacting and responding with veterans who are in crisis.
These trainings will teach participants how to:
- Use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine at-risk individuals
- Identify risk factors and warning signs
- Outline the types of suicidal ideation and four behaviors that indicate imminent risk
- Effectively communicate with individuals who may be at risk of hurting themselves
Upcoming dates:
- Nov. 17 @ 2:30-4 p.m. ET
- Nov. 19 @ 5:30-7 p.m. ET
Go here to learn more about the training and register.
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American Legion annual Holiday Blood Drive approaching
Starting Nov. 28 through Dec. 31, The American Legion is encouraging the Legion Family to donate blood and host blood drives as a part of their annual American Legion Blood Donor Program.
Go here to learn more.
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