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ALA eNEWS: CONNECTING WITH YOU MONTHLY

NOVEMBER 2026

Honor their Service. Continue their Impact.

Honor their service. Continue their impact.


Today is the Veterans Day of Giving! 


Who is the veteran whose service made your American Legion Auxiliary membership possible? 


This Veterans Day, honor or remember them with a gift to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund. Your gift helps eligible ALA entities create meaningful projects that address veterans’ needs in communities across the country. 


Your generosity can go even further! The ALA Foundation Board of Directors is matching donations with a $3,000 match to support this year’s Veterans Day of Giving. 



Their service is part of your story. Your gift can become part of another veteran’s. 

Honor their service. Continue their impact. 


Give in honor of your veteran here.

Veterans Day deals to say ‘Thank you’ to our veterans 


The American Legion has compiled a list of businesses nationwide giving a small sign of appreciation and gratitude for veterans, military, and their families on Veterans Day. Enjoy coffee at half the price from 7 Brew, a free meal at Chili’s, free haircuts at Great Clips, 10% off at Tractor Supply Co., LEGOLAND Florida Resort specials, and more!


Read the full list here.

Apply now: 2027-2028 ALA national committee applications are open 


The National Organization is always looking for passionate, talented members to serve on our national committees! Are you ready to serve? Or do you know someone whose professional experience, skills, and passion for our organization would make them a great fit? The national appointment application window is opening early this year. Applications are available now and close Dec. 1. Consider sharing your time, talents, and ideas at the national level. To research the best committee for you, check out our blog.


Apply here!

Little Miss Poppy award title changes to National Poppy Ambassador


Great news! With American Legion Auxiliary membership growing and more veteran-affiliated people eligible to join our community of volunteers, the Little Miss Poppy national award has been updated to National Poppy Ambassador, reflecting the membership eligibility change made effective in September 2026.  


To learn and review the National Poppy Ambassador criteria, visit our website. 


Learn more on the ALA blog!

ALA Junior holding poppy.

Bookmark these ALA Academy webinar dates for you and your unit!


Understanding ALA National Scholarships 


When: Nov. 17 @ 1 p.m. ET 


Are you an ALA member interested in learning more about ALA national scholarships? Join us to learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and the special Military Spouse Scholarship for 2027. Participants will leave with practical information they can share with eligible members and applicants to help increase awareness and participation in ALA national scholarships. 


Register here.  

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Participating in a Veteran’s Legislation Day at Your Statehouse 


When: Dec. 1 @ noon ET 


This webinar will be useful for members who are interested in ways to actively engage with state legislators on veterans and active-duty military legislation. Attendees will take away a toolbox of ideas to help them hold a successful legislative day.


Register here.

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Leaving a Legacy: Planning for Your Loved Ones and the Causes You Care About 


When: Dec. 8 @ noon ET 


What will your legacy be? Join the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation and an attorney from Legal Resources to learn how thoughtful estate planning can help protect your loved ones and support the causes closest to your heart. We’ll explore wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and simple ways to incorporate charitable giving into your plans, regardless of the size of your estate. 


Register here.

ALA members on front cover of 2025-2026 Corporate Report

See how ALA members made a difference nationwide via the Corporate Report 


The 2025-2026 ALA Corporate Report is now online! Much was achieved during the 106th year of the American Legion Auxiliary — from a national ALA-sponsored Honor Flight to the first National Poppy Day® Virtual 5K to celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Check out the 2025-2026 impact numbers, financial statements, donors, award winners, and more!


Read the report here.

ALA Juniors at 2025-2026 national Junior meetings.

Illuminate yourself on the ALA mission with these winter Mission Trainings 



We all know how time works — it’s November now, but blink, and it’s a whole new year. Don’t miss out on the fun learning opportunity of ALA Mission Training. Get a chance to see a different angle of the ALA mission and programs, while making new friends along the way. You’ll learn more about ALA programs and new ways to implement them in your unit, district, and department. Don’t forget to invite your Juniors and young Sons of The American Legion ages 8 to 17 to join in on the national Junior meetings. Attendees will engage and learn about The American Legion Family’s mission while making friends and having fun. 

Junior red hoodie

What’s happening at national Junior meetings this year? 

Exciting things are in store for the 2026-2027 national Junior meetings! Activities include custom quilt squares with Quilts of Valor, information from Wreaths Across America and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, scholarships, ALA Patch Program, and back by special request — learning the Pledge of Allegiance in American Sign Language. Attendees will receive this cool, one-of-a-kind ALA hoodie pictured! 


Mission Training and national Junior meeting this week:  

Don’t forget the meetings being held Nov. 14 in Omaha, Neb., with The American Legion’s National Regional Information Conference and the SAL Regional Meeting. There’s still time to register. 



Upcoming winter Mission Training and national Junior meetings: 

  • Jan. 30: Albany, N.Y.* 
  • Jan. 30: Springfield, III. 
  • Feb. 6: Atlanta 
  • Feb. 6: Las Vegas* 

*These events will be held with The American Legion National Regional Information Conference and the SAL Regional Meeting. 



To register, click here.   

ICYMI: Adopted new membership eligibility increases potential members 



At the 2026 American Legion National Convention, delegates adopted new membership eligibility language for the American Legion Auxiliary — expanding eligibility and allowing more family members to join the ALA. The Legion has authority over the ALA’s membership eligibility; the new language change allows more people into our organization — strengthening our ability to better serve our veterans, military, and their families. The eligibility changes became effective in September.


Check out our blog posts here and here to learn more.

ICYMI: The do’s and don'ts of using generative AI and how it affects our brand

AI generated emblems

With AI and generative AI becoming more widespread, The American Legion issued updated branding guidelines to help protect The American Legion Family logos. The updated guidelines cover incorrect usage of official symbols (emblem, brandmark, etc.) concerning generative AI, as well as an easy two-step method when using AI tools. Check out the ALA blog to learn more! 

MEMBER BENEFITS

Person holding a laptop

Shop Amazon. Support the ALA.


Make your holiday shopping go further! Shopping on Amazon this holiday season? Start with SmileAssociate to turn your eligible purchases into support for the American Legion Auxiliary at no additional cost to you. 


Choose your department, unit, or ALA Girls State program, then follow its shopping link to Amazon. Bookmark your link and use it each time you shop. From gifts to everyday essentials, your purchases can help support the ALA’s mission. Find your ALA link and get started! 

Auxiliary members need your help.

Auxiliary members need your help

Help a fellow member through a difficult time. When an unexpected financial hardship or natural disaster strikes, paying for basic necessities can become overwhelming. The Auxiliary Emergency Fund provides temporary financial assistance to eligible ALA members, offering support when they need it most. Your gift helps keep that assistance available for fellow members facing difficult circumstances. Please donate today and help turn a time of uncertainty into a moment of relief.


Give to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund today. 

ALA member on Wellcare promotional
Celebrating 250 years of freedom and those who defend it.

GOOD TO KNOW

Check out the November magazine! Auxiliary magazine has hit mailboxes. Read stories on the 2026 National Convention, ALA Girls Nation, the National Creative Arts Festival, and more! A digital copy is available on our website. Share your thoughts with us at PR@ALAforVeterans.org.  


Shop with purpose on Black Friday and Cyber Monday with SmileAssociate! Taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals? Through the ALA’s partnership with SmileAssociate, a percentage of Amazon sales via a unique link goes to ALA entities. Shop for good on Nov. 27 and Nov. 30 with SmileAssociate. Learn more on the ALA blog here and here. To access the fundraising link, go to the SmileAssociate directory to find your ALA entity. 


Missed an October webinar? Go to ALA Academy to review recordings on membership and governance myths, National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, Medicare Advantage plans, and more! Plus, you can see what other webinars are coming up, so you can plan ahead.  


Have an idea for an Academy Course? Email ALAAcademy@ALAforVeterans.org to send your ideas for potential courses. 

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.

ON THE ALA BLOG

How ALA members can participate in legislative advocacy without engaging in partisan politics


The American Legion Auxiliary’s Legislative Program is one of the most meaningful ways we fulfill our mission — supporting veterans, military, and their families. Many members want to help but worry that “legislative work” means getting involved in politics or choosing sides. It doesn’t.


Read more.

engagement barometer

Patriotic quilt raffle raises funds for Michigan veterans 


American Legion Auxiliary Unit/Post 221 in Frankfort, Mich., held a patriotic quilt raffle to raise funds for our local Benzie County veterans. A member of the Auxiliary, I made the quilt top, and my volunteer friend, Nancy Morris, custom quilted it as her donation to our veterans.


Read more.

SAVE THE DATE

Calendar

November: National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month 

November: National Family Caregivers Month 

November: Native American Heritage Month 

Nov. 15-21: Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 

Nov 16-20: American Education Week  

Nov. 21: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 

Nov. 21: Family Volunteer Day 

Nov. 22-28: National Family Week 

Nov. 26: Thanksgiving 

Dec. 1: GivingTuesday 

Dec. 7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING


“I truly believe that if we want people to get involved, we have to make them feel welcome, give them a chance, recognize their efforts, and help them discover what they’re passionate about. Then step back and watch them shine. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who have believed in me, encouraged me, and given me opportunities to grow. And I’m even more grateful for the people I’ve had the privilege of watching find their place and discover what they can do.” 


— Brandy Mason, Indiana 

LEGION FAMILY NEWS

Annual Holiday Blood Donor Drive Nov. 27 to Dec. 31



During this time, American Legion Family members are encouraged to give blood and host blood drives as part of the American Legion Blood Donor Program – an organizational effort that has existed since 1946 to help a lifesaving cause. 


For resources and more information, click here.

The American Legion Family discuss B.P.O.T.S video.

Check out this Be Part of the Solution PSA 


Be Part of the Solution (B.P.O.T.S.) is an expansion of the Be the One program. As a part of American Legion National Commander Jay Bowen’s focus, he hopes to encourage Legion Family members to actively engage with their communities, support veterans, military, and their families, and advance legislative priorities. Watch the video to learn more on B.P.O.T.S.

Tune in for “America’s Game” on CBS 


The American Legion is a proud associate sponsor of the Army-Navy Game, being the first veterans service organization to do so. Get your football watch parties ready for Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. to broadcast live on CBS and available to stream on Paramount+ Premium. Watch in person at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Need to find a watch party? Click here. Learn more about The American Legion’s sponsorship of the Army-Navy Game here.

ALA Membership

Where does your department stand in Auxiliary membership? Click here to log in and view the latest reports.

The American Legion Legislative Center

The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.

Get involved.

 
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ALA eNews is an American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters publication. Your unit and department also may send you ALA-related content. Please review carefully before unsubscribing.