February 2021 eNews & eBulletin |
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A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families |
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We love the dedication of ALA members everywhere! You are truly appreciated. We also want to recognize the sacrifices of the men and women unable to be with their loved ones on this holiday. They are never forgotten. |
Register for the next ALA Academy Live webinar – Veterans and Creative Arts |
Veterans Creative Arts Festivals help veterans recover and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Each year, veterans enrolled at VA health care facilities showcase their talents in local creative arts competitions. Gold medal winning veterans from the local competition advance to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
American Legion Auxiliary members at the local level are vital to the success of this program.
Participants in this webinar will learn:
- How to support local veterans creative arts competitions both financially and with volunteer support
- Information about upcoming Festivals
- How to support individual veterans attending the national Festival
- How to fund local activities through VCAF grants from the ALA Foundation
- How art therapy and participation impacts a veteran’s life
Led by subject-matter experts, this webinar will be held only once: Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. ET. Register today!
Want to see last year’s National Veterans Creative Arts Festival? Recordings of the virtual NVCAF at Home are still available for viewing.
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Registration is now open for Course 3 of ALA Academy Live Junior Mentor Training Series |
Don’t miss Course 3 of the Junior Mentor Training for Adults Series: Juniors and The American Legion Family.
As mentors of our future leaders, we need to inspire American Legion Auxiliary Junior members in carrying on the work of The American Legion Family: helping veterans, military, and their families. Ultimately, the goal is to develop Junior members into becoming lifelong ALA members. Part of that development is introducing them to making connections with all members of the Legion Family — boosting stronger relationships and networking skills with Legionnaires, Sons, and Riders as the Juniors move forward with their membership.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:
- expand the role of ALA Juniors within The American Legion Family and impart a sense of the Legion Family mission
- engage Legion Family members with your ALA Juniors
- engage ALA Juniors in Legion Family activities that make them feel valuable and useful
As a convenience to you, the same course will be offered at different times. Pick the one that works best with your schedule (all times Eastern):
Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 2, at 9 p.m.
This course is part three of the Junior Mentor Training Series. Parts one and two can be viewed in the MyAuxiliary portal at www.ALAforVeterans.org under ALA Academy.
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ALA Academy offers new and exciting learning opportunities |
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You may have noticed a refreshed look to ALA Academy. But that’s not the only thing that’s different — more learning opportunities are available to ALA members.
Did you miss an ALA Academy Live webinar, or would you like to rewatch one? Now you can view recordings of the webinars. You can also access all handouts and slides. In addition to the recordings, there are some features that will enhance the member experience:
- ALA 101 has been updated. This course is useful for anyone in our membership. If it's been a while since you took this course, consider retaking it as a refresher. If you have already taken this course, after logging into the Academy, you can find it in your Learning Center under the completed section.
- Read and leave reviews. You can now see what others thought of a particular course and leave your own reviews for any courses you’ve taken.
- Discussion forum. Do you have questions about a course or want to discuss something you learned? This is the place.
- View and edit your profile. You can now include a profile picture, personal details, and display your achievements.
- ALA branded completion certificates have been added for every course. Certificates are available once you complete the online courses.
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Many of you have been waiting, and it’s here! The ALA Unit Guide Book has been revised. Some of the changes:
- Updated membership eligibility (LEGION Act and inclusion of male spouses)
- Gender-neutral language to be inclusive of male ALA members
- Icons highlighting important info for the unit
- Online version includes clickable links to referenced webpages and committee Facebook groups
The revised Unit Guide Book can be downloaded for free in the MyAuxiliary member portal, and it will soon be available for purchase from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.
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Apply for ALA scholarships by March 1 |
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Know someone pursuing an education? Maybe it’s you who’s looking! Or perhaps you know a non-traditional student pursuing an education after participating in the workforce for several years. Direct descendent of a U.S veteran? If yes, then you or someone you know could be eligible for an American Legion Auxiliary scholarship!
Important note about 2021 ALA national scholarship applications: Under the unusual circumstances of this administrative year, the SAT/ACT requirement will be waived for 2021 scholarship applications. If the student is able to take the test at some point, the score should be included. If a student is unable to take the test, please include a notation with the application that the student was unable to take the test due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Not a student but want to help? Consider making a gift to ALA scholarships! Youth are the future of the ALA, and they ensure our mission thrives for generations to come.
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Apply to serve on ALA Foundation Board of Directors |
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Interested in using your leadership and fundraising experience to serve veterans, military, and their families? The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation is looking for talented and passionate individuals to serve for a three-year term on our board of directors. This group is committed to building, promoting, and sustaining the ALA Foundation by adopting ethical governance and financial management policies, as well as ensuring resources to advance our mission for our next generation of heroes. Apply by April 1.
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Recruiting for members through food orders |
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Does your ALA unit host a regular carry-out dinner night? Consider inserting these flyers in the takeout boxes! They’re convenient, fillable PDFs with an efficient 3-up design for easy printing on a home computer. You can also take them to your local print shop so you’ll always have extras on hand. Download the FREE file from the MyAuxiliary member portal.
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MyAuxiliary - a new feature on www.ALAforVeterans.org |
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Did you notice our website’s makeover? A new feature is the MyAuxiliary member portal.
This intuitive area was redesigned with YOU in mind. You can now:
- Pay dues for the current year and the next year
- Print a current year membership card
- Print membership cards from previous years
- Update contact information
- Add additional addresses
- Opt out of national and department (state) publications and mailings
To see these new features, log in by clicking the member login link at the top of www.ALAforVeterans.org with your user name and password, or create an account if you currently don’t have one. It’s easy!
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You have stood by veterans, military, and their families, providing in times of need, supporting in times of sorrow, and celebrating in times of joy. You have witnessed those we serve respond, rebound, and reclaim a positive view on life. That’s why we ask you to share that passion through planned giving. Join the Legacy Society: a group of people who have chosen to include a planned gift to the American Legion Auxiliary or American Legion Auxiliary Foundation in their estate plans. Your gift – no matter the size – will provide future financial support to the Auxiliary. Click here to learn more about joining the Legacy Society.
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We want to hear from you! |
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Do you know a Legionnaire or Sons of The American Legion member who recruits for the ALA? Or maybe you’re a top recruiter for the Legion, Sons, or Riders in your post home? Tell us about it!
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The February issue of Auxiliary magazine is arriving in mailboxes and is available online. In this issue, you’ll learn about membership recruitment and what to say as you approach those eligible for ALA membership. Also, take a look at the first NVCAF at Home, learn about some of the artists and performers, and see their work. Did an article stand out to you, or did you learn something new from this issue? Contact us!
www.ALAforVeterans.org is still the address of the American Legion Auxiliary national website. While visiting us online, you may have noticed the address bar redirects to www.legion-aux.org. This is purely a technical thing. The address you should always use for yourself and nonmembers is still www.ALAforVeterans.org. The same goes with ALANHQ staff email addresses — you may see emails from staff with both @ALAforVeterans.org and @legion-aux.org. The preferred address is always @ALAforVeterans.org.
April is Month of the Military Child, and PurpleUp! Day is April 15. Do you know a child who would like to be interviewed about their experience? Contact us!
National Poppy Day® is the Friday before Memorial Day (May 28 this year). Is your ALA unit or Legion Family planning something virtual or socially distanced? We’d love to hear about it.
Need to renew your Auxiliary membership? Take care of your membership for 2021 in three easy ways: by phone, online, or mail. Go to www.ALAforVeterans.org, call (317) 569-4570, or mail in your renewal notice.
The ALA in numbers:
- #GivingTuesday 2020 raised a record-breaking $56,000 from 595 donations, surpassing 2019’s total by more than $11,000 and 100 donors.
- Since the launch of the new website on Dec. 4, we have seen a 30% increase in the number of membership dues renewed online compared to the same period last year.
- In our first quarter, 18 ALA Academy Live sessions were presented with a total of 956 participants.
*Source: Q1 2020-2021 Strategic Plan Report
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ALA In the Know eBulletin |
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Find our groups on Facebook |
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ALA In the Know eBulletin
Click here to stay updated with February reports and timely articles from ALA national committees, programs, and activities: ALA 100th Anniversary Committee, Americanism, Children & Youth, Community Service, Junior Activities, Legislative, Membership, and Public Relations.
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ALA Committee Facebook Groups ALA members discuss or share about broad or narrow topics related to each committee. These groups 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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The year 2020 marked the 40th anniversary of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) and the ALA’s 20th anniversary as a co-presenter with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
NVCAF is all about the therapeutic healing power of the arts. The event brings together creative veterans throughout the country who made it to the national level after competing at local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities — but this year looked a bit different.
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Readers of Auxiliary magazine know we include information in every issue about membership. Whether it’s a how-to tip sheet on best practices or a story on the people who make our mission and organization proud, we spend a good deal of time making sure you’re equipped to know everything about the American Legion Auxiliary.
But there’s something we haven’t published in a while – a comprehensive guide on ALA membership.
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Toiling away in her home garden, American Legion Auxiliary member Vicky Tomasello unknowingly cultivated a connection with local schoolchildren — who found a special way to show their appreciation for the military service of Tomasello’s late husband, other veterans, and servicemembers.
The students at Discovery Oaks Elementary School wrote...
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When U.S. Air Force veteran Jeffrey K. Crouser decides to do something, he doesn’t do it halfway. The American Legion member decided to transfer his membership to Post 3 in Milford, Del., in 2018 to help save the post that was close to turning in its charter due to major membership decreases. The effort was a success. After 18 months, Post 3 membership went from 52 and falling to 99 and climbing. |
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Don't miss out on ALA member benefits! |
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Take advantage of the savings on real estate and mortgage services. SIRVA’s team of homebuying experts can assist you with finding a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home, selecting a mortgage that fits your financing needs, and choosing the right moving option to get you to your new destination.
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Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day
Feb. 15 - Presidents' Day - NHQ offices closed
Feb. 23 - 8 p.m. ET - ALA Academy Live - VCAF Panel
Feb. 25 - 7 p.m. ET - ALA Academy Live - Junior Mentor Training for Adults Series: Juniors and The American Legion Family
March 2 - 9 p.m. ET - ALA Academy Live - Junior Mentor Training for Adults Series: Juniors and The American Legion Family
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An encouraging outcome from COVID-19 lockdowns |
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“The use of technology for meetings. We were able to have a 90-year-old member who has not been able to attend in years. The joy and the excitement in her voice was something I will not forget. We are going to continue conference calls in the future.”
- Doreen Gallagher
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American Legion Legacy Scholarship applications due April 15. The scholarship is awarded annually to children of veterans on active duty since 9/11 who were either killed while on active duty or have a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater. Go here for more information on this scholarship and to apply.
Tianna Negron, an ALA Empire Girls State alumna, is a past recipient of this scholarship. She will graduate in May from the University of Rochester Medical School. “It would have been impossible to go to medical school without the support of The American Legion Legacy Scholarship,” Negron said. “I remember in the hospital as a scribe when I heard about winning the first one. I literally called my mom and cried. I couldn’t believe it was real. It would not have been possible without the support of The American Legion.” Read more or watch a video of Negron’s story.
The 2021 Washington Conference, scheduled for March 1-3, will be virtual due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Meeting times and speakers are still being confirmed. The Commander’s Testimony will be available to watch on Legion.org. Date is still TBD. Follow the latest developments here.
The American Legion will hold its 2021 Spring Meetings virtually. The National Executive Committee will meet virtually May 5-6.
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Legion Family Merchandise
Show your support by buying from
American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.
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The American Legion Legislative Alerts
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
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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.
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