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. The Citizens Flag Alliance is an apolitical, non-partisan confederation
of organizations and individuals who wish to protect the United States flag from
acts of physical desecration. The Citizens Flag Alliance's goal is to pass a
Constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. The American Legion
Auxiliary joined this effort in 1994 due to its belief that the flag is unique,
deserving proper respect, care and protection.
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| 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. It provides temporary
emergency financial assistance to Auxiliary members who have exhausted all other
personal and community resources. For members who find themselves suddenly
single, deserted, divorced, or widowed, with no skills to support themselves or
their families, the Displaced Homemakers Fund provides immediate aide to help
the member acquire new job skills through schooling or job training. |
| CAVALCADE OF MEMORIES |
Auxiliary members feel an obligation to preserve the history and traditions
of their organization. The Cavalcade of Memories was established in 1972 at the
Auxiliary's Indianapolis Headquarters to house valuable, historical keepsakes
collected and contributed by different Departments throughout the years. Today,
more than 80 year's worth of Auxiliary memorabilia is on display in the
Cavalcade and throughout National Headquarters. |
| CHILDREN AND 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. |
| 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 shelters for the homeless, tree plantings,
recycling programs and disaster and emergency preparedness programs. |
| CONSTITUTION AND 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 t membership. Members are encouraged to
review the Auxiliary Constitution and Bylaws may submit ideas for review and
possible change. |
| 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 students 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. 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 professional job requirements; and encourage
students to plan early for college and apply for scholarship opportunities.
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| GIRLS STATE/ GIRLS NATION |
Girls State is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible
citizenship and love for God and Country. Since the inception of the Girls State
program in 1937, nearly one million young people have had the opportunity to
learn first-hand how their state and local government works. High school girls,
having completed their junior year spend an intensive week of study, working
together as self-governing citizens at an Auxiliary sponsored Girls State
programs in every state. They learn how to participate in the functioning of
their state’s government in preparation for their future roles as responsible
adult citizens. Two girls are selected from each Girls State program to attend
Girls Nation, a national government training program. Girls Nation “senators”
meet for a week in Washington, D.C., where they run for political office,
campaign for the passage of legislation and meet with state Representatives and
Senators. Capping off the week of Girls Nation is a meeting with the President
of the United States at The White House. |
| JUNIOR ACTIVITIES |
Junior Auxiliary membership for girls under the age of 18 is a training
ground which prepares young women for active adult membership. Junior activities
and programs reflect and support the work of the Auxiliary and instill the
ideals of the organization. The Junior program is an important step in the
transition from childhood to responsible adulthood. At age 18, Junior members
automatically are eligible for full, active membership. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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 legislative forum in Washington, D.C.; POW/MIA Awareness;
crime prevent and local and worldwide support of USO activities. |
| 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. |
| 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 the community. The 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 if our veterans. Auxiliary members endeavor to explain the
true meaning of this little flower to all those who receive it. The poppy had
become a nationally known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn honor
the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars. |
| PUBLIC RELATIONS |
The Auxiliary's positive public image and excellent reputation in the
community is no accident. 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 perform 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. A major communications vehicle is the Auxiliary’s
bi-monthly national magazine, National News. This publication is a primary
source of information and means of communication between the local Unit members
and the organization's national leadership. |
| VETERAN'S AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION |
The Auxiliary's Veteran's 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
functions - 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 hospitals
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 disabled or 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, disabled, and
homeless veterans. The Auxiliary plays a necessary and important role in the
life of America’s Veterans.
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