|
|
|
| |
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 Foundation 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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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 memorial 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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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 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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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 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. 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 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.
|
