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. | |
Coming up: How to Apply for an Auxiliary Emergency Fund Grant
The goal of this presentation is to familiarize ALA members with the Auxiliary Emergency Fund application process and demonstrate how to complete and submit an application for consideration.
Objectives:
- Navigate the AEF webpage: Demonstrate how to access and utilize the ALA website so members can familiarize themselves with the AEF program.
- Encourage applications: Empower members to make full use of their benefits and apply for an AEF grant.
Feb. 19 @ Noon ET. Register here.
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And don't miss these webinars in March!
March 13: American Legion Auxiliary/Wreaths Across America Sponsorship Program
This year, national Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 13! Now is the time to start planning! Your ALA unit can get involved and earn money while supporting our combined missions. During this webinar, our guest speakers from WAA will share some of the history of Wreaths Across America, their partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary, our sponsorship program, and the tools available to help make this a successful endeavor for units nationwide.
Register here.
March 20: Leading the Way through Mentoring
This webinar will present ideas and best practices for mentoring our fellow ALA members. We will explore ways to incorporate former leaders’ ideas into ALA programs, how to utilize governing documents to establish a level playing field when controversies arise, and investigate ways to support and encourage those members entering leadership positions.
Objectives:
- Provide ALA members information and guidance about various mentoring approaches related to the ALA mission.
- Discuss the importance of governing documents for continuity between leaders.
- Encourage pairing of former ALA leaders with new and upcoming leaders for sharing of ideas.
Register here.
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Did you know you can submit the Salute to Servicemembers Award NOW? | |
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 1,000 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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Do you know a unit member who goes above and beyond in everything they do, yet never asks for anything in return? Perhaps they run poppy distribution, organize the annual holiday party, or are the first ones to start cleaning up and doing dishes after an event. If this sounds like someone you know, we would love to hear from you. Every unit has at least one special someone who deserves to be recognized. All you have to do is write up why they are so special.
Unit Member of the Year nominees must be an adult American Legion Auxiliary unit member not in an elected or appointed leadership role higher than a unit president. A narrative of 1,000 words or less describing the nominee’s accomplishments and activities must be submitted by a unit to its department Leadership chair or the Past Presidents Parley chair. Winners will be recognized at a special luncheon during the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Convention. Application deadline is June 1.
Learn more.
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A special 2024-2025 membership award | |
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National President Trish Ward is visiting ALA departments (states) during her term as president to share a content enablement experience to help departments help their units succeed. Leveraging her deep business acumen as a senior lead project manager and corporate trainer, Ward looks to bring her skills to empower departments to build organizational excellence. During the visits, she’s been presenting on how to build leadership capacity and sharing knowledge on how to stop the trend of units surrendering their charters. To help motivate and guide departments, Ward established the Department Merit Medallion Recognition.
Read more.
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Join the ALA Foundation Board of Directors
The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation is looking for talented and passionate individuals to serve for a three-year term on its board of directors. This group builds, promotes, and sustains the ALA Foundation by connecting with supporters and volunteers, all while raising funds to support the programs and services of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Apply here by March 15!
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Celebrating Women of Service
To honor the powerful women in our lives, the ALA Foundation is observing its third “Celebrating Women of Service” day in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8. We hope you’ll join us by donating in honor of a woman who inspires you the way the ALA community has inspired this celebratory day of giving. Together, let's make March 8 a day to remember the impact of the ALA community. Your support can be given online here or by texting WOMAN to 1-844-940-3450.
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ScriptSave® WellRx Premier Prescription Savings Program
Save on your prescriptions with the ScriptSave® WellRx Premier Prescription Savings Program — an exclusive benefit for ALA members! Whether your meds aren’t covered by insurance or you’re searching for prices lower than your copay, we’ve got you covered. Just present your Prescription Savings Card at thousands of participating pharmacies nationwide. Start saving today! Call 800-407-8156 or visit https://www.wellrxpremier.com/417 to learn more.
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Apply for an ALA scholarship before March 1.
Let the ALA help you earn money for college! The American Legion Auxiliary has several scholarships available for students. If you are a student or know someone who qualifies, make sure they apply. Applications for ALA national scholarships are due March 1. Here’s what’s available:
- Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
- Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
- Spirit of Youth Scholarship
- Member Loyalty Scholarship
Send questions to Education@ALAforVeterans.org.
Learn more.
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The scammers and spammers are back at it.
This is no fun to announce, but ALA National Headquarters has been made aware of phony messages reaching a good portion of our membership. The emails claim to come from National President Trish Ward, some Past National Presidents, and even department (state) leadership. If you receive one of these messages, we suggest you write these people separately to ensure everything is legit. Stay safe, friends!
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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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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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Black History Month: Honoring those who served
Every day, members of The American Legion Family find ways to support, honor, and remember those who have served our country. There are museums and memorials across the nation dedicated to Black Americans who have served in every major conflict in the United States since the American Revolution.
Read More
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Key takeaways to prepare for your department convention
To help you prepare for your department convention, we are sharing tips on what to do before, during, and after to get the most out of your business meeting.
Read More
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February — Black History Month
Feb. 19 — How to Apply for an Auxiliary Emergency Fund Grant webinar
Feb. 22-26 — The American Legion Washington Conference
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Why is it important for donors to support the ALA’s scholarship funds?
“It’s important for a number of reasons, but especially because these funds directly impact the education and futures of young people, particularly those connected to military families.”
— Rachel Sampson, ALA Member Loyalty Scholarship recipient
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A powerful voice on Capitol Hill
The American Legion Annual Washington Conference brings together members of The American Legion Family for critical discussions with lawmakers, informative sessions with members of Congress and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs leadership, and insights on legislative priorities from the national commander. The 65th Washington Conference begins Feb. 22 in Washington, D.C. In advance of the conference, the Legion has released its legislative agenda for the first session of the 119th Congress.
Learn more.
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