A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families
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Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The American Legion Auxiliary remembers those lost, and we honor those who defend our freedom. This day has been designated as Patriot Day — a national day of service and remembrance. | |
2024 ALA National Convention wrap-up | |
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We celebrated one ALA administrative year and ushered in the next at our 103rd National Convention. Here’s a look at some takeaways from New Orleans:
- New national leadership were installed. Enjoy this blog post on newly elected 2024-2025 National President Trish Ward of Kansas. And be sure to read this swansong from outgoing President Lisa Williamson if you haven’t already.
- ALA and our people in the spotlight: Visit our blog for stories on recipients of the Public Spirit Award, Salute to Servicemembers, and Unit Members of the Year. See a listing of the 2023-2024 committee awards here. Check out future ALA media for additional convention coverage, including the November issue of Auxiliary magazine.
- Want to rewatch convention happenings, or maybe you missed something? Recordings of the livestreamed general sessions and installation of national officers are available here.
- Did you miss one of our virtual pre-convention committee meetings? You can watch them here.
Be sure to check out the November 2024 issue of Auxiliary magazine for more on ALA National Convention.
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Meet the new American Legion Family Leadership | The 2024-2025 administrative year is in full swing! New national leaders were elected during National Convention in New Orleans: Trish Ward, Kansas, was installed as ALA national president, James A. LaCoursiere Jr., Connecticut, was elected national commander of The American Legion, and Joseph Navarreté, New Mexico, was elected Sons of The American Legion national commander. You can read more about each of the leaders in our November issue of Auxiliary. | |
Registration is now open! | |
Are you passionate about the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary? Want to connect with national leaders and like-minded American Legion Auxiliary members from all over the country who share your enthusiasm for serving our veterans? Join us for a one-day conference that’s both inspiring and educational. You’ll dive deep into the ALA’s core programs through interactive and engaging sessions, ensuring you leave with new insights and renewed energy. The Mission Training conferences cover most Auxiliary mission outreach programs, all presented in a fun and supportive environment.
National Junior meetings will be held at the same time in the same location as ALA Mission Trainings. Junior members aged 8 and older are invited to attend. These sessions are packed with fun, interactive activities designed to engage and inspire our youngest members.
- Nov. 16: Nashville, Tenn.
- Nov. 16: Denver, Colo.
- Jan. 25: Des Moines, Iowa
- Feb. 1: Las Vegas, Nev.
- Feb. 1: Boston, Mass.
➡️ Register now!
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September is Suicide Prevention Month | |
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.
Remember: Help is always available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can reach the hotline in three ways: dialing 988 then press 1, text 838255, or visit this webpage: www.veteranscrisisline.net.
You can also find more resources at www.BetheOne.org.
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ALA Academy Live: So…You’re a Department Chair — Now What? | |
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Join us Thursday, Oct. 17, at noon Eastern for this informative webinar for department (state) chairs. Whether you’re new to your leadership role or a seasoned leader, you’ll gain insights into leveraging resources available for your ALA program. This webinar will provide strategies to help you excel in your role and enhance your leadership skills. After attending this webinar, attendees should be able to:
- Recognize effective strategies to maximize communication with committee members.
- Apply available resources to ensure success in your ALA leadership role.
- Know the correct process of completing year-end reporting and award submissions.
Watch our social media @ALAforVeterans for registration information.
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Making a donation to the ALA or ALA Foundation is easy and secure. Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org/donate to learn about the ways to make your gift today! |  |  | |
Are you tired of the expense, complicated technology, and decision fatigue of staying up to date in the digital age? 501TechStack is here to change that. Their affordable website suite is designed with you in mind, offering an all-in-one solution with built-in hosting, security, payment processing, and shipping.
With a 501Site, you can build a website — no tech skills or hired help needed.
With 501TechStack you can:
- Earn funds online through donations, fundraising campaigns, and merchandise sales.
- Recruit volunteers by posting events and happenings so people can sign up to help.
- Automatically process payments and “Thank you” messages with automatic donation receipts.
- Spread the word with sharable links that can be pushed across all email and social platforms.
- Spotlight supporters to promote, thank, and show appreciation to your community.
- Build collaboration with a private team area that keeps leaders and members on the same page, regardless of their tech skills.
For more information, call 800-544-4992 or email: contactus@shipthrifty.com. Need help with properly branding your site? Contact the Communications & Marketing Division at ALA National Headquarters at publicrelations@ALAforVeterans.org.
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New photo available! Legion post homes and ALA offices often display their commander and president photos, along with the national-level leaders. You can always find our current national president photo here. ALA national officers are elected every August, and the new photos are posted on the website directly after.
Time to prepare for Halloween! Order or download ALA Halloween coloring books! These easy-to-use publications are a great way to spread awareness of the ALA and our important mission to families in your community while also giving Halloween treats to kids.
American Legion Auxiliary 2025 dues are now available to pay. Renew your annual membership dues in three easy ways: by phone, online, or mail. Go to www.ALAforVeterans.org, call (317) 569-4570, or mail in your renewal notice.
December is a few months away, but it’s not too early to start planning now for Wreaths Across America Day! You can become a sponsorship group or sponsor a wreath for the Dec. 14 event. Learn how to create a sponsorship group or sponsor a wreath.
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Request to join our official 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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Throughout history, what has set people apart from each other is not just their deeds in the moment, but the enduring mark they leave behind — a legacy. At its core, leaving a legacy is about making a meaningful and lasting impact that extends beyond one’s lifetime. Whether through acts of kindness, groundbreaking innovations, or philanthropic commitments, each person has the power to shape the narrative of their legacy. Learn more about legacy giving options. | |
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to bring extra attention to reducing the veteran suicide rate because no veteran should die by suicide. According to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, it’s estimated that between 17 and 22 veterans or servicemembers take their lives daily. On average, each death by suicide affects an estimated 135 individuals — family, friends, co-workers. Learn how you can reduce veteran suicide and Be the One. | |
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September – Suicide Prevention Month
Sept. 11 – Patriot Day
Sept. 20 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Sept. 16 – American Legion Day
Sept. 17 – Constitution Day
Sept. 29 – Gold Star Mother’s Day
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What does your membership mean to you? | |
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“My ALA membership highlights the honorable service of my father, husband, son, and grandson, of which I am very proud.”
— Audrey L’Heureux, Maine
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New partnership for The American Legion
The American Legion has entered an official partnership with the Army-Navy Football Game presented by USAA. The Army-Navy Game is among the longest standing and most storied rivalries in college football history. This year, the game will be played on Dec. 14.
This new partnership aligns with the Legion’s core values of service, patriotism, and camaraderie. The American Legion is the first veterans service organization to sponsor this annual game.
The American Legion will also be participating in year-round sponsorships of both Army West Point Athletics and Navy Athletics. These agreements help raise awareness of the Be the One mission to reduce the number of veterans and servicemembers lost to suicide.
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Legion Family Merchandise
Show your support by buying from
American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.
Shop now
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The American Legion Legislative Center
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
Get involved.
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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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