Purpose: The purpose of the AEF Committee is to raise funds for and promote knowledge about the Auxiliary Emergency Fund. Standing Rule 6, National Committees – Member/Organizational Support

• The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency assistance to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary up to $3,000 as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.
  • Share information about AEF grants at meetings, in newsletters, and on social media pages.
  • Share application and donation links with department and unit members.
• Members of the American Legion Auxiliary whose dues are current and who have maintained annual membership for three consecutive years (the current year applied and immediate past two years) and have not been awarded an AEF grant (hardship or disaster) in the previous twelve months are eligible to apply for a grant.
  • Encourage unit members to pay their annual dues in a timely manner and pay directly to ALA National Headquarters to avoid a lapse in membership and being ineligible for AEF assistance.
• Grant funds may be awarded only for past/overdue expenses related to retaining their primary shelter, essential household utilities and/or a documented loss of income due to medical and/or employment reasons.
  • Share the correct AEF hardship application with unit members linked above. No other AEF application type will be accepted.
• AEF funds may be used to provide emergency assistance to eligible Auxiliary members whose primary residence has been devastated by disaster, including flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, fire, or another catastrophic event. Reimbursable expenses with itemized receipts will be considered for only essential emergency expenditures up to three weeks after incident/disaster.
  • Share the correct AEF disaster application with unit members linked above. No other AEF application will be accepted.

ALA department and unit annual awards:

• Unit Award: Awarded to the unit contributing the largest amount (per capita) between June 1 – May 31.
• Department Award: Awarded to the department contributing the largest amount between June 1 – May 31.
• Department Award: Awarded to the department contributing the largest amount (per capita) between June 1 – May 31.

Deadlines/Important Dates

Unit Reports due via email to Department Chair by April 15, 2026

Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 14
Department and Unit Awards are based on donations received from June 1 – May 31
AEF Quarterly Zoom Meeting - October 8, 2025 – 7PM (EST)
AEF Quarterly Zoom Meeting – January 14, 2026 – 7PM (EST)
AEF Quarterly Zoom Meeting – April 15, 2026 – 7PM (EST)

Be knowledgeable on flag history, etiquette, and proper disposal methods, and promote the observation of patriotic holidays so your community will look to the ALA for information. 

• Work with The American Legion to increase respect for the flag in your community, including the proper way the American flag should be flown.
• At schools and organizations, teach proper handling, displaying, and respect for the American flag, as well as our National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Organize a patriotic holiday event or volunteer for local patriotic events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective members.
• Visit The American Legion’s Flag Advocacy page at www.legion.org/flag for resources on flag etiquette and display questions.
• Contact and ask state and federal government representatives to support the flag amendment. To find your representatives, visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.
• Encourage members to participate in and utilize Wreaths Across America patriotic curriculum. For more information, visit https://learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach.
• Recruit others to support the flag amendment by explaining what it is and why it is important. Sign up for The American Legion’s legislative action alerts at https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home and follow the flag issues.
• Work with schools and organizations to promote Star Spangled Kids. For more information and resources, visit https://member.legion-aux.org/Member/Committees/Americanism/How-to-Promote-Star-Spangled-Kids.

Increase participation in the Americanism Essay Contest. 

The Americanism Essay Contest topic for 2025-2026: “Celebrating America's 250th Birthday and the Veterans who Fought for Our Freedom"

• Encourage Junior members and family members to participate in the essay contest.
• Work with school administrations to identify guidance counselors, and English and history teachers whose students would be interested in participating.
• Contact youth organizations to identify potential youth for participation in the contest.
• Provide all interested students with information packets explaining contest rules, deadlines, topics, and award opportunities.
• For details on the Americanism Essay Contest, visit https://www.legion-aux.org/americanism-essay-contest.

Participate in the promotion of The American Legion Americanism programs. 

Support American Legion Baseball:

• Support, sponsor, or donate to an American Legion Baseball team.
• Assist with the logistics of transportation, concession, and statistics for the teams.
• Contact local sports shops and ask if they would be willing to make donations toward a fundraiser or offer a discounted price to purchase needed items.
• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/baseball.

Support the Oratorical Contest:

• Help prepare your post home to sponsor a local or district contest.
• Volunteer to assist as a judge or timekeeper.
• Offer to help with refreshments.
• Provide transportation for candidates.
• Help recruit candidates at local schools and community organizations.
• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/oratorical.

Support Junior Shooting Sports, which promotes gun safety and marksmanship training for youth:

• Volunteer to help out with scoring, supervision, or transportation.
• Assist in fundraising for events.
• Help recruit candidates at local schools and other organizations.
  • Contact JROTC.
  • Contact Civil Air Patrol Cadets.
• Attend events in Auxiliary branded attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/shooting.

Deadlines/Important Dates

• Essays due to Unit and report to be filed with Chair by April 1st, 2026
• Americanism Essay Contest: Winning essays are due to national division chairman by April 15.
• Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Americanism Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.
• Department Award: Best Department Americanism Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.
• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.
• Unit Report must be submitted by email to Department Chair by April 15th.

Purpose: The purpose of the Community Service Committee is to promote the American Legion Auxiliary’s commitment to making our communities better places to live by supporting local service projects. Standing Rules #6, National Committees Mission Outreach 

• Making our communities better places in which to live is something Auxiliary members strive for each day across this country.
• A major outreach program of the Auxiliary since 1926, Community Service also demonstrates our longstanding commitment to supporting the work of American Legion posts and other organizations by assisting with blood drives, first aid and CPR training, child safety programs, support for women in shelters, and disaster and emergency preparedness programs.
• Promote American Legion Family Day
  • The National Executive Committee of The American Legion Passed Resolution No. 7 in October 2022, establishing American Legion Family Day to be observed annually on the last Saturday of April.
    • Posts are encouraged to open their doors to members of their community for the day to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion members, Legion Riders, and American Legion Auxiliary.
    • Bring awareness to The American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative to improve access and reduce the stigma around mental health services.
  • Use the “How To” sheet to assist ALA members in promoting American Legion Family Day.
  • Plan activities for various age groups.
  • Highlight our 100+ years of service to veterans and the community.
• Participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
  • Promote patriotic community service activities to build community partnerships.
  • Use this holiday as an opportunity to serve veterans as our mission statement states.
    • Help veterans in their home with projects like building an accessible ramp, yard work, or home repairs.
    • Organize or participate in a stand down.
  • Encourage members to check with their employers for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service opportunities.
  • Keep good records of hours and activities for year-end reporting.
• Participate in the 9/11 National Day of Service. 
  • Encourage members to make an official pledge of service on the 9/11 Day of Service website.
  • A service pledge can be as broad or specific as the member would like, so long as it is in the spirit of service and remembrance.
  • Invite members to “pass It on!” and share their pledge with others through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other means.
  • Participate in a volunteer activity or project of which they are already a part and encourage others to join.
  • Organize a service activity specifically for 9/11 Day.
  • Record hours and activities for year-end reporting.

Deadlines/Important Dates:

• April 15th, Unit report due to Department Chair
• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.
• Department and Unit Award Nomination Forms Completed and Submitted: June 1.

Purpose: The purpose of the Education Committee is to promote quality education for children—especially for military children—and adults. Standing Rule #6, Mission Outreach Programs.

Promote quality education for children, especially for military children, and adults. 

• Participate in ALA’s Give 10 to Education.
  • Present a Give 10 to Education certificate to members who donate at least 10 items to schools.
• Participate in Teachers Appreciation Week.
  • Contact local Parent Teacher Organizations or schools to see what your unit could sponsor or donate (e.g., donating doughnuts to your local schools).
  • Show your appreciation to teachers by designing and presenting certificates of appreciation.
  • Provide Teacher Survival Kits with fun and helpful items such as candy and snacks, tea bags or coffee, restaurant gift cards, or items for the classroom.
• Participate in American Education Week, held every November.
  • Recognize school administrators and staff with special treats and an ALA America Education Week card, available for download at https://member.legion-aux.org/cmsdesk/ALA/media/PDF/Programs/ALA_American_Education_Week_Card-f.pdf
• Encourage schools to participate in Month of the Military Child and Purple Up! Day in April to honor their students who are military children.
  • Sponsor a Purple Up! Day on April 15 in your school by providing purple items for students to wear.
  • Present the Military Child Table at your school, unit meeting, or at your post.
  • Sponsor a party for the military children in your school.

Encourage schools to invite veterans to speak in their classrooms. 

• Work with your American Legion post to participate in Veterans in Community Schools.
• Ask the teacher(s) to have their students make cards for the veteran.
• Work with the teacher(s) to prepare students to ask questions of the veteran.

Support and promote the Education Program and scholarship opportunities of The American Legion Family. 

• Promote the American Legion Auxiliary’s scholarships.
• Promote The American Legion’s scholarships by visiting https://www.legion.org/scholarships to learn more about the Legion’s scholarship opportunities.

Provide scholarships for students who desire a college education. 

• Work with your unit to create a scholarship.
• Ask schools to allow you to do a bulletin board about scholarship opportunities within The American Legion Family.
• Publish information in your local newspaper, libraries, and on your unit’s social media.
• Host a “Scholarship Night” Zoom meeting to inform students and parents about Legion Family scholarship opportunities.
• Start a partnership with a local college to provide their students with scholarship information.
• Ask the local Board of Education to host a “Scholarship Workshop” in their schools.
  • Work with the schools to invite college administrators to speak.
  • Have volunteers assist students with scholarship applications.

Support legislation that establishes new scholarship opportunities.

• Support The American Legion’s efforts by signing up for legislative alerts at https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home.
• Contact your representatives and ask them to support scholarship opportunities, particularly those for veterans, military, and their families.

Deadlines/Important Dates

• November 17-21, 2025: American Education Week
• March 1: National scholarship applications due
• April 15: Purple Up! Day for Military Children
• April 15:  Unit Reports are due via email to this Chair.
• May 3-9, 2026: Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 15: Department chairmen reports due to division chairmen; cc: national chairman
• June 1: National Awards submissions due

Purpose: The purpose of the Junior Activities Committee is to inspire active participation in members aged 17 and under so they become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their American Legion Auxiliary membership into adulthood. Standing Rule 6, National Committees – Mission Outreach

Inspire active participation in members age 17 and under so they will become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their American Legion Auxiliary membership into adulthood.

• Engage Junior members in activities that support the American Legion Auxiliary mission:
  • Engage in poppy activities that may include making poppy posters, telling the poppy story, and distributing poppies with the assistance of senior members.
  • Promote Americanism through practicing correct flag etiquette and respect.
  • Organize and participate in service projects.
  • Offer help to military families and help military kids entering a new school.
  • Involve Junior members in helping support the needs of veterans in VA hospitals and outreach facilities with handwritten cards, thank-you cards, mementoes, and supplies.
• Engage Junior members in leadership training:
  • Shadow senior member officers at meetings and hold an appropriate unit office.
  • Post colors at senior meetings, conferences, and conventions.
  • Lead opening ceremonies (the Pledge, prayers, National Anthem, ALA Preamble).
  • Shadow senior committee chairs and assist with their program plans.
  • Promote the ALA scholarship benefits of remaining a member.
  • Encourage Juniors to attend their ALA Girls State program  the summer between their junior and senior years of high school.

Build the Junior Activities program one member at a time by giving Junior members a voice and opportunity to participate. 

• Plan mission-related activities that are interesting and inspiring to Juniors.
• Participate in Wreaths Across America Day by volunteering to lay wreaths at local cemeteries.
• Hold graduation ceremonies to recognize Juniors who will move to ALA senior membership status.
• Pay first year of senior membership to encourage retention.
• Share information about the ALA’s scholarship programs
  • Member Loyalty Scholarship
  • Spirit of Youth Scholarship
  • Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
  • Samsung Scholarships
• Pair older Juniors with less experienced Juniors to promote mentorship.

Promote and encourage Junior participation in the ALA’s national Junior Member of the Year award.

• There will be five division Junior Members of the Year  (ages 14-17).
• From those five division winners, a national Junior Member of the Year will be chosen.
• Four division winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The national winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship, plus invited to the ALA’s National Convention.
• All five division winners will receive a citation plaque, plus an invitation to a national Junior meeting.
• This scholarship is to reward ALA Junior members who are contributing to the organization and our mission, with a long-term goal of increasing Junior participation.

Promote and encourage Junior participation in the ALA’s national Rising Star Junior award.

• There will be five division Rising Star Juniors for members ages 8-13.
• All five division winners will receive a citation plaque, plus an invitation to a national Junior meeting.
• This award is to recognize younger ALA Junior members who are contributing to the organization and our mission, with a long-term goal of increasing Junior participation.

Promote and encourage Junior participation in the ALA Patch Program to teach them about the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. 

• Work on the Patch Program at unit meetings. Include senior members to educate Juniors about the importance of participation in the Patch Program and to learn about ALA programs.
• Encourage Juniors who are unable to attend unit meetings to work on the Patch Program at home.
• Work with Sons of The American Legion (SAL) squadron leaders to inform them of the opportunity for young SAL members to participate in the ALA Patch Program.
• All Juniors and SAL members attending a National Junior meeting will earn a National Junior Meeting Patch to acknowledge what they have learned at the meeting.

Make Junior meetings fun and informative. 

• Explore mission service and how they can impact our mission at each meeting.
• Encourage friendships and mentoring by planning fun team-building activities (games, learning Junior songs, etc.) and/or provide age-appropriate crafts.
• Highlight the numerous ALA learning opportunities available to members in the ALA Academy, including the ALA Juniors eLearning Course.

Deadlines/Important Dates

• April 15: Purple Up! Day for Military Children
• .Unit Reports are due via email to this Chair
• May 15: Department chairmen reports due to division chairmen, cc: national chairman
• June 1: National Awards submissions due, including Junior Member of the Year
• 2025-2026 National Junior Meetings: See dates and locations here

Purpose: The purpose of the Leadership Committee is to better equip members to serve in leadership positions with confidence and skill. Standing Rules #6, National Committees – Member/Organizational Support

Raise awareness of ALA leadership development opportunities. 

• Attend American Legion Auxiliary Mission Training:
  • Watch for event announcements in Auxiliary magazine, ALA emails, and social media for dates and locations.
  • After Mission Training, share the information you received with your unit, district/county, and department.
• Attend leadership conferences/workshops within your district/department.
• Participate in ALA Academy courses.
• Be aware of ALA leadership opportunities in your community:
  • Speak to other community organizations about veterans’ support.
  • Speak to high schools about veterans to develop your own leadership abilities.
• ALA Unit Member of the Year Award:
  • Nominate a fellow unit member for Unit Member of the Year.
  • Open to senior members who are not currently, nor have ever been, in an elected or appointed leadership role higher than unit president.
  • Follow your department’s procedures for submitting nomination.
• Leadership Certificate Program: (More details to come.)
  • Members complete requirements below and a project and receive a Certificate of Completion.
    • Members participate in a mock meeting to gain experience leading a meeting.
    • A member shares a leadership idea at each meeting based upon the Leadership Committee’s theme of the month.
    • Officers are paired with mentors for questions and support — at least quarterly communication.
    • Chairs are partnered with other members to help learn the ALA’s programs.
    • Documented proof of completing at least two ALA Academy courses during the administrative year.
    • Hold one community-based program to build leadership skills.
• Promote participation in the ALA Academy.
  • Log into the MyAuxiliary member portal at https://member.legion-aux.org/member/memberprofile.
  • Go to the ALA Academy.
  • Available courses include many topics – leadership, communications, mission outreach, etc.
• Enhance knowledge about ALA history, programs, and organization. 
  • Attend district/department training sessions/workshops.
  • Participate in Mission Training — this is a one-day, interactive conference geared toward learning more about the ALA’s core programs and deliver our mission.
  • Download/purchase and become familiar with the:
    • Unit Guide Book
    • Constitution & Bylaws
    • Department Operations Guide
    • Parliamentary Procedure
    • And other ALA guide books available to enhance your knowledge of and promote our organization.

Deadlines/Important Dates:

• Unit Reports Which include Unit Member of the year due via email to this Chair by April 15th
• Department Chair Report due to National Committee: May 15.
• Department and Unit Member of the Year National Award Nomination Form Completed and Submitted: June 1.

Purpose: The purpose of the Legislative Committee is to provide information and assistance to American Legion Auxiliary members to advocate for the legislative agenda of The American Legion. Standing Rule #5, National Committees – Mission Outreach 

• Utilize The American Legion’s Legislative Website at www.legion.org/legislativeto obtain information on legislative priorities, call for immediate action, and connect with representatives.
  • Grassroots Action Center
  • Sign up for alerts.
  • Locate pending legislation.
  • Contact your representatives.
  • Report on meetings with representatives.
• Host a Meet the Candidates Night. Invite all candidates involved in a specific election for a question-and-answer session, not a debate with a townhall format with no Legion Family signage.
  https://member.legion-aux.org/Member/Committees/Legislative/How-to-Host-a-Meet-the-Candidate-Night
• Promote the ALA Legislative Advocacy Guide to develop a plan to increase legislative awareness in your community.
  https://member.legion-aux.org/Member/Guides/Advocacy-Guide
• If you are interested in joining the Legislative Council to advocate for The American Legion Family’s legislative priorities with members of Congress with whom you have personal relationships, reach out to your Department’s Legion Legislative Council Vice Chair.

Deadlines/Important Dates:

• Unit Report due to this Chair via email by April 15th.
• Department Chair Narrative Report due to National Committee: May 15.
• National Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Legislative Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.
• National Department Award: Best Department Legislative Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.

Purpose: The purpose of the National Security Committee is to promote a strong national defense. Standing Rule #7, Core National Standing Committees

• Support active-duty military families by working with an installation Family Readiness Group (FRG).
  • To locate the nearest family support group regardless of branch of service, please click here.
  • Remember that even if you aren’t near a military installation, there are still servicemembers and their families in your neighborhood with active-duty military recruiters, National Guard, and reservists. Use Military OneSource’s find-your-installation link for local information
  • Don’t forget the military recruiters who live in your community! They are present in communities across the country. Stop by your local recruiting station and introduce yourself and ask what needs their personnel and families may have that you and your unit can assist with.

Raise awareness of POW/MIAs and the work being performed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the search for missing personnel.

• https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/POW-MIA/
• Host events in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday in September.
  • https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaFamWebPosters
• Post a POW/MIA flag at every meeting or event.

Remember to support those families whose servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice.

• Work with like-minded organizations to support the families of servicemembers who died during service to our country:
  • American Gold Star Mothers
  • American Gold Star Families
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
• Utilize Military OneSource resources to assist those you know in need.

Support and enhance American Legion Family and partner initiatives that strive to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) of our servicemembers and their families through the Base Assessment and Servicemember Experience (BASE) Program.

• Work with your Legion post by supporting their current efforts within the BASE program.
• Collaborate with other like-minded organizations that also support servicemembers and their families:
  • ASYMCA
    Donate to or volunteer at local Armed Services YMCA food pantries which support servicemembers and their families.
  • Blue Star Families
    Blue Star Welcome Week — Supporters
  • USO
    Volunteer with your local USO.
  • Quilts of Valor Foundation
    Award a Quilt of Valor — quilts = comfort and healing
  • Taking Care of Our People (defense.gov)

Deadlines/Important Dates

• April 15th - Unit reports are due via email to this Chair.
• Year-end reports — May 15: Department chairmen reports due via email to division chairmen with a copy to national chairman.
• Department and Unit National Award Nomination Form Completed and Submitted: June 1.
• Salute to Servicemembers Award Deadline: June 1.