American Legion Auxiliary Programs
The Activities of the American Legion Auxiliary
Select a program below to learn more about what the American Legion Auxiliary does for veterans, their families, and their communities.
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Americanism
Auxiliary Emergency Fund
Buckeye Girls State
Chaplain
Children & Youth
Community Service
Constitution & Bylaws
Education
Finance
History
Junior Activities
Leadership
Legislative
Membership
Music
National Security
Past Presidents Parley
Poppy
Public Relations
Unit Development & Revitalization
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Call To Service Corps Vista Project
Americanism
The Auxiliary's Americanism program promotes patriotism and responsible citizenship and strives to uphold and promote American ideals and the principles of democracy.
The goal of the Auxiliary's Americanism program is to educate every citizen on the fundamentals of American government, the Bill of Rights and the value of active, informed involvement in the home, in the Auxiliary organization and in the community. Most successful Americanism programs are cooperative efforts between an Auxiliary Unit and its community. Contributions donated to the Spirit of Youth Fund by individuals, organizations and members' estates, benefit young people through such programs as the Americanism Youth Conference at Freedom's Foundation and the National President's Scholarship program.
Chairman: Denise Conrad dconrad8@woh.rr.com
Vice Chairman: Jennifer Welsh welsh534@roadrunner.com
Americanism District Report Form
Americanism Unit Report Form
Americanism Plan of Action
Auxiliary Emergency Fund
The Auxiliary Emergency Fund is an excellent example of the Auxiliary's dedication to "Women Helping Women." The fund, established in 1969, is supported by contributions from Auxiliary Units and members.
The Auxiliary Emergency Fund was created to provide:
- Temporary assistance to eligible members during a time of financial crisis when no other source of aid is readily available to pay for shelter, food and utilities.
- Temporary assistance for food and shelter to eligible members related to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.
- Temporary assistance for educational training for eligible members who, because of changes in their life, become the main means of support for their family. This education assistance is meant to help members obtain necessary skills and training needed to enter or re-enter the workforce or needed to upgrade skills and training to obtain a better-paying position. (This facet of the AEF was formerly known as the Displaced Homemakers Fund.)
Chairman: Vicky Buck lt248@aol.com
Auxiliary Emergency Fund Report Form
Auxiliary Emergency Fund Plan of Action
AEF Application
Buckeye Girls State
Buckeye Girls State is the name given to Ohio's Girls State program, which is designed to educate Ohio's young women in the duties, priviledges, rights, and responsibilities of good citizenship. By getting involved in the process, BGS delegates learn more about city, county, and state government in one week than they will in an entire semester of high school.
Buckeye Girls State hopes to inspire these skills in Ohio's young women:
- To develop leadership and pride in American citizens
- To educate Delegates about our system of government
- To instill in Delegates a greater understanding of American traditions
- To stimulate a desire to maintain our government process
To learn more about Buckeye Girls State, visit www.buckeyegirlsstate.com.
Chaplain
The Auxiliary serves both “God and Country” through its Chaplains. Unit chaplains honor the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and commemorate the lives of the auxiliary members who have served them through prayer and meditation. They serve by brightening the spirits of those in our VA medical facilities. Chaplain programs include preparing prayer books for veterans and units, honoring military families, and helping communities grieve over the loss of a loved one. Chaplains remind us that there is a higher power that allows us to serve our veterans, so we must remember to serve Him.
Chaplain: Patricia Dunlevy patd@sssnet.com
Chaplain Report Form
Chaplin Plan of Action
Children & Youth
The Auxiliary's Children and Youth program provides care and strives to improve conditions for all children. The program works to preserve the integrity of the family unit and takes a realistic approach to the needs of children by considering the physical and spiritual, as well as the emotional and educational aspects, of each situation. The Children and Youth program cooperates with many other public and private community agencies and organizations and supports essential legislation for children at the national, state, and local levels. In some cases, the program offers direct financial assistance and services to individual children or to the families of veterans. Auxiliary members also contribute to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, which was established in 1954 to fund special programs and projects, which emphasize preventative solutions to difficult children's issues. Educating members and the general public about these issues is a primary goal of the Auxiliary's Children and Youth program.
Chairman: Ruth Peters rpeters3704@watchtv.net
Vice Chairman: Carol Knapp brammachoochoo@yahoo.com
Children and Youth District Report Form
Children & Youth Unit Report Form
Children & Youth Plan of Action
Community Service
The Auxiliary's Community Service program is based on the premise that no organization has a right to exist within the community without giving something to that community in return. Community service helps to make our communities better places in which to live. Auxiliary members study community needs, recommend projects, raise funds and donate their time to accomplish their specific objectives. Special attention is given to the selection of each project to ensure that the work of other organizations is not duplicated. Auxiliary Units also provide assistance on Community Service projects sponsored by American Legion Posts and work with other organizations to implement practical, worthwhile projects for the benefit of the community. Some examples include, blood drives, first aid and CPR training, child safety programs, support for women in shelters, donations to shelters for the homeless, tree plantings, recycling programs, and disaster and emergency preparedness programs.
Chairman: R. Ellen Slone-Farthing ellenslone@fairbornseniors.org
Vice Chairman: Cheryl Cox bsmntdwler@yahoo.com
Community Service District Report Form
Community Service Unit Report Form
Community Service Plan of Action
Constitution & Bylaws
The Auxiliary's Constitution and Bylaws program encourages Auxiliary members to study and understand the organization's formal written policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to the rights and benefits of membership. Members are encouraged to review the Auxiliary Constitution and Bylaws on an annual basis and may submit ideas for review and possible change.
Chairman: Susan Masten gclef419@yahoo.com
Constitution & Bylaws Report Form
Model Constitution and Bylaws
Constitution & Bylaws Plan of Action
Education
Auxiliary members believe that a solid educational foundation is the cornerstone of American freedom. The Auxiliary's Education program promotes quality education for every child and supports student in their desire to continue their education beyond high school. Auxiliary members work actively with educators and local schools to develop and maintain an educational system that serves the needs of all children at every level. Auxiliary volunteers sponsor and support state and national education legislation; establish new scholarship opportunities for students; alert eligible students to existing scholarship resources; help students identify career opportunities and professional job requirements; and encourage students to plan early for college and apply for scholarship opportunities. To view scholarship opportunities, please visit our Scholarship page.
Chairman: Mona Shipley shipley813@yahoo.com
Education District Report Form
Education Plan of Action
Finance
The Finance Committee ensures the sustainability of the Auxiliary as an organization, and provides ways for our Department to operate without a deficiency. It meets many of the business needs of the organization.
Chairmen: Beth Toalston batoalstonrx@hotmail.com
2nd Member: Pat Mclaughlin patmclaughlin@neo.rr.com
3rd Member: Pamela Bates pbates9@woh.rr.com
History
Auxiliary members feel an obligation to preserve the history and traditions of their organization. The history program encourages our members and units to record their service and activities for future generations. While we are celebrating our 90th year, our dedication to remembering the story of the Auxiliary and documenting our current events is even stronger.
Historian: Anne Michel amichel@eastwood.k12.oh.us
Cavalcade of Memories Plan of Action
History Report Form
History Plan of Action
Junior Activities
Junior membership is offered to anyone under the age of 18 who is an immediate family member of an American Legion member or a deceased veteran.
As the world's largest women's patriotic organization, the American Legion Auxiliary recognizes that female Junior members will be the leaders of tomorrow. Through your volunteerism in the various programs and services involving veterans and their communities, you can learn leadership skills, earn credit for your volunteerism and meet other girls who can become your lifelong friends.
Auxiliary Junior members not only helped our veterans, but they have participated in the following National programs: Girls State, Girls Nation, Service to Veterans, Spirit of Youth Program, and the Junior Patch Program. The Auxiliary-sponsored Freedoms Foundation, which is an Americanism Conference, is held at Valley Forge where history is brought to life for high school students across the nation.
Chairman: Colleen Phillips ckphillips43524@yahoo.com
2nd Member: Rhonda Lurty rlurty@roadrunner.com
3rd Member: Peggy Park peggyprk@yahoo.com
Junior Activities District Report Form
Junior Activities Unit Report Form
Junior Activities Plan of Action
Leadership
The success of any organization depends largely upon the skill and competence of its leaders. Auxiliary members are vitally concerned with developing present and future leadership within the organization. Comprehensive training courses and materials are offered in every Auxiliary Department and by the National organization. Courses focus on fundamental management and communication skills and outline the basic responsibilities and leadership opportunities, which are available within the many programs of the Auxiliary. Units and Departments conduct leadership workshops with motivational speakers to increase enthusiasm for all Auxiliary programs.
Chairman: Sharon Miller sam@neo.rr.com
Leadership Report Form
Leadership Plan of Action
Legislative
Auxiliary members are encouraged to get involved and stay informed on local and national issues of special interest to the organization. They keep in close contact with their legislative representatives about issues, which concern veterans, young people and entire communities. Auxiliary members know there is strength in numbers. Many beneficial laws have been passed because of Legion and Auxiliary support.
Chairman: Karen Peel bowlermom@neo.rr.com
Legislative Report Form
Legislative Plan of Action
Membership
The Auxiliary's Membership program conducts ongoing recruiting to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the organization. Unit members work diligently to publicize and promote the benefits, objectives and activities of the Auxiliary and seek out those eligible women who might be interested in membership and active involvement in unit activities. Units, departments and divisions vie in friendly competition against one another as they work toward reaching their individual and organizational membership goals.
Chairman: Linda Close lindaaclose@gmail.com
Membership - Recruit 3 Form
Membership - Silver Brigade Form
Membership - Unit Merit Award
Membership Plan of Action
Music
Music enhances our lives and reinvigorates our senses. As we embark on our 90th anniversary year, the Auxiliary recognizes that music should be a part of all our gatherings, to celebrate both the United States of American and our continuous service in support of our veterans.
Chairman: Anne Seidel anneseidel@roadrunner.com
Music Report Form
Music Plan of Action
National Security
The Auxiliary believes in maintaining a strong national defense and endeavors to educate its members on all vital national security issues. In cooperation with The American Legion, Auxiliary members are briefed on a wide range of topics at local and national meetings and through publications and bulletins. Topics include national and civil defense; crime prevention; emergency and disaster preparedness; and environmental protection. The member's clear understanding of the issues helps to lay the groundwork for community-wide mobilization and support of various national security activities. National activities include the annual Awareness Assembly, a legislative forum in Washington, D.C.; POW/MIA Awareness; crime prevention; and local and worldwide support of USO activities, the military and the ROTC/JROTC programs.
Chairman: Vicky Buck lt248@aol.com
National Security Report Form
National Security Plan of Action
Past Presidents Parley
Members who have served the Auxiliary as Unit, Department and/or National Presidents are a valuable resource to the organization. As members of the Past Presidents Parley committee, they put their leadership experience to good use, offering guidance and/or counsel on any activity or problem requiring special support or emphasis Committee members also maintain a scholarship fund for nurses and contribute to the "Women in Military Service" memorial. The Past Presidents Parley is a primary source of support for hospitalized women veterans.
Past Presidents Parley Carol T. Robinson abernia@aol.com
Past Presidents Parley Report Form
Past Presidents Parley Plan of Action
Poppy
The Poppy Program is the oldest and most widely recognized Auxiliary program. Each year around Memorial Day, Auxiliary volunteers distribute millions of bright red crepe paper poppies in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans. The program provides multiple benefits to the veterans and to the community. The hospitalized veterans who make the flowers are able to earn a small wage, which helps to supplement their incomes and makes them feel more self-sufficient. The physical and mental activity provides many therapeutic benefits as well. Donations are used exclusively to assist and support veterans and their families. The poppy also reminds the community of the past sacrifices and continuing needs of our veterans. Auxiliary members endeavor to explain the true meaning of this little flower to all those who receive it. The poppy has become a nationally known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn and used by Auxiliary members to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars.
Chairman: Mary Lee Mercier mlmoh6140@aol.com
Shop Director: Marian Darr robmar68@juno.com
Shop Assistant: Nanette Peters
Poppy Report Form
Poppy Plan of Action
Poppy Poem
Public Relations
The Public Relations program works to establish and maintain good will within the organization and with the general public and promotes the Auxiliary's many worthwhile programs, events, activities and accomplishments through every available medium. Public Relations performs a dual function. Doing things well and making sure that the public is aware of the efforts and the results ensures continued community support and awareness of Auxiliary programs. Good publicity augments and supports the Auxiliary's recruiting efforts by attracting interested, eligible women and motivating them to become active members. The Auxiliary communicates its programs and mission through its national bi-monthly magazine and our department’s quarterly newspaper, the Buckeye Messenger.
Chairman: Vi Grzybowski vikay@accesstoledo.com
Public Relations Report Form
Public Relations Plan of Action
Unit Development & Revitalization
Even though the American Legion Auxiliary is 90 years old this year, we are constantly thinking about ways to make our units stronger and to develop new units. The Unit Development and Revitalization Committee is responsible for providing tools and resources for units to adapt to new opportunities within the Auxiliary so that each unit can be healthy and ever-growing.
Chairman: Karen Kaczmarek karenkaye@bex.net
Vice Chairman: Jean Smith
Unit Revitalization Report Form
UD & R Plan of Action
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
The Auxiliary's Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program provides service and financial assistance to veterans and their families. Auxiliary members are interested in restoring the veteran and his family to normal function - physically, mentally, socially and vocationally. Members provide emotional support and cheerful companionship while attending to the hospitalized, handicapped and homebound veterans' physical comforts. In a single year, veterans' programs utilized the services of more than 100,000 hospital field and home service volunteers who donated millions of dollars and millions of hours to assist veterans. The Auxiliary's gift shops and holiday parties have become an essential part of the VA program. The Poppy program provides therapy and a means of earning money for handicapped and hospitalized veterans and their families. Members work with legislators and congressmen to pass legislation to increase government benefits and assistance for veterans. Essential equipment and supplies are purchased by caring members to upgrade and facilitate the level of care provided in veterans' facilities. Members furnish job assistance, transportation, food, clothing and medicine to thousands of needy, handicapped and homeless veterans. The Auxiliary plays a necessary and important role in the life of America's veterans.
Chairman: Diann Long ken17402@yahoo.com
Vice Chairman: Jeanie Gibson jgibson14989@roadrunner.com
Field Service Director: Refugia Bowen
Hospital Director: June Stas stasj@zoominternet.net
Field Service - Report Form
Field Service Plan of Action
Home Service - Report Form
Home Service Plan of Action
VA&R - District Report Form
VA&R - Unit Report Form
VA&R Plan of Action
Call To Service Corps Vista Project
The American Legion Auxiliary has formed the Call to Service Corps to enhance the organization’s capacity to provide volunteer service focused on poverty alleviation by and for veterans, military service members, and their families. To accomplish that goal, the ALA has secured 20 Americorps VISTA members who are working both at National Headquarters in Indianapolis and in a variety of Departments across the State. The VISTA members are charged with providing new Auxiliary member and volunteer recruitment, training, and project development and management tools. The Department of Ohio has set the following goals for 2009-10:
- 15 additional volunteers recruited to the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service.
- 20 military families living in or near-poverty receiving practical support from the Auxiliary.
- 175 additional veteran families mobilized in poverty-related community service projects.
- Volunteer leadership and management training programs for department and unit officers.
- Websites and Social Networking sites to better communicate with volunteers, members, and the community.
- Guidebooks for departments and units for participation in national days of service.
Vista Field Representative: Nick Linkenhoker ala_nicholas@rrohio.com