September 2020 eNews & eBulletin |
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Remembering the victims of 9/11 |
Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Take time on Patriot Day and this National Day of Service and Remembrance to remember those lost, and honor those who defend our freedom. |
More virtual trainings in the works for ALA Academy |
Our Mission Delivery - Basic Training webinars filled up quickly! We wish we could accommodate everyone for this new ALA member benefit! Because of the huge response, we are planning to add more sessions, along with other Mission Delivery courses. Watch ALA National Headquarters on social media @ALAforVeterans for updates!
While you wait for more virtual trainings, take advantage of another ALA member benefit from the comfort of your home! ALA Academy courses are available for all ALA members and are FREE! These online courses take about 15-40 minutes to complete per course. Subjects include enhancing leadership skills, why branding matters, fundraising tips, and more.
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National Veterans Creative Arts Festival will be virtual for 2020
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This year, due to COVID-19 precautions, the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) will change from an in-person Festival to a virtual, at-home event to be held the week of Nov. 30. Stay tuned for more information on NVCAF at Home.
Even though the Festival will not be in person this year, the show must go on! Your support for the event is still important. This year, we must work together to support veterans across the country as they express themselves through art and compete alongside their peers. Make an impact today by giving to the Veterans Creative Arts Festival Fund.
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September is suicide awareness month |
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It is important to check in on your friends, family, and community members. We know that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention and that sometimes simply asking someone, “How are you, really?” and listening for their response can make all the difference.
With the additional stress of COVID-19, more than ever before, we must prioritize our mental health and well-being – this is not an option; it’s a necessity. It is up to us to provide hope and support to our friends, families, and community members.
This month, you can also support the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH Drive from our partners at the PREVENTS Task Force. They are working this month to engage all Americans in changing the national conversation around mental health and suicide.
Remember: Help is always available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (press 1 if you are a servicemember or veteran) or by chatting online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
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Mark your calendars for new ALA holiday Nov. 14 |
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The ALA National Executive Committee, at its meeting last month, approved a resolution to recognize Nov. 14, 2020 as ALA National Read Your Constitution & Bylaws Day.
During the COVID-19 quarantines, the ALA national Constitution & Bylaws Committee received numerous inquiries from members to get a greater understanding of their role as members and how to impact their governing documents. So, plan an activity for your unit/department to participate in this day!
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ALA In the Know eBulletin
Click here to stay updated with September reports and timely articles from ALA national committees, programs, and activities: ALA 100th Anniversary Committee, Children & Youth, Community Service, Legislative, and Public Relations.
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Here’s your chance to be a star and represent the ALA! |
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Hurry -- the deadline is Friday, Sept. 11!
We’re seeking real ALA member pics to represent participation in an ALA videoconference. Your photo could appear in the November issue of Auxiliary magazine!
Details (bear with us – this is a major print publication!):
- Photo needs to look as if you’re sitting in a chair or in front of your computer or smartphone in a videoconference.
- Turn that frown upside down: Be sure to smile!
- Wear an ALA branded shirt and/or a poppy.
- Creative backgrounds are a plus vs. sitting in front of a blank wall, but the background should not be too distracting.
- Include plenty of area around your head (aka not cropped too tight).
- Photo should be taken with a quality camera or smartphone.
- Good lighting is everything (try using natural light!).
- Did Kitty or Fido jump in the photo by accident? That’s OK! Send us the photo!
- Guys, gals, and kids: Male ALA members, women, and Juniors are all encouraged to submit photos.
Pics should be sent at the highest resolution possible.
When sending from a smartphone, select “actual size” option.
Deadline: Photos for consideration must be provided by Sept. 11.
(The image above is a sample of the pic style we’re requesting!)
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Monthly giving is an easy way to have a long-lasting impact on our veterans, military, and their families. The problems of PTSD, medical bills, and so much more are not just the problems of today, this week, this month, or this year. These problems will persist far into the future. Thankfully, your support for the American Legion Auxiliary will allow our nation’s heroes and their families to receive assistance for just as long!
Click here to start your monthly gift. One hundred percent of your donation will be used to ensure that veterans, military, and their families are taken care of for generations to come.
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An ALA Halloween coloring book is now available! Following the popularity of the ALA Poppy coloring book, a new Halloween coloring book is now available. It provides a fun way for children to learn about safe Halloween practices. The books are available from Emblem Sales starting at 30 cents each, with special pricing also available, making them ideal to give to kids in your community.
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ALA members are supporting The American Legion in 100 Miles for Hope. Last month, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford launched the 100-mile challenge. To participate, Legion Family members are asked to complete 100 miles by Veterans Day by walking, riding, running, or any other way they want to accomplish the challenge. American Legion Auxiliary National President Nicole Clapp has already completed her 100 miles! Cindy Boehnlein of ALA Unit 421 in Ohio was so inspired by the challenge that she plans to go above and beyond the 100 miles -- she plans to do 700 miles! Read more about Cindy here. There is still time for you to join this challenge!
Are you following @ALAforVeterans on social media? Don’t miss out on the latest news from ALA National Headquarters. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The American Legion Auxiliary has more than a dozen Facebook groups dedicated to our national ALA programs. These closed groups are dedicated spaces where ALA members can share updates, photos, and messages with other members who share common interests in the Auxiliary’s national programs. If you are looking for insight on how to run a program, interested in learning more about what other units and departments do to reach veterans, or simply want to connect with ALA members around the world, join one of our many ALA Facebook groups.
If you shop on Amazon, make sure you’re using AmazonSmile. Through Amazon’s charitable program, AmazonSmile, you can support the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation. Simply sign in though this special link and select the American Legion Auxiliary. Amazon will donate 0.5% of every purchase you make to the ALA Foundation. It may seem small, but a little can add up to a lot.
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ALA Centennial
Get your centennial celebration items from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales, where your purchase supports Legion Family programs.
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The American Legion Legislative Alerts
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
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Don't miss out on these ALA member benefits! |
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USAA offers exclusive benefits, products, and discounts |
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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.
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