Delaware NOW! An American Legion Auxiliary Newsletter. President s Report. Editor: Hi Ladies,

Transcription

1 Delaware NOW! An American Legion Auxiliary Newsletter Editor: Volume II, Issue 1 November, 2016 President s Report Hi Ladies, Inside this issue: President s Report 1 Natjional Highlights 2 Department Officers 2 Strategic Plan 3 Brand Ambassador Award 4 Committees 5 Hope your had great summer. Our first DEC meeting was held in September. We had a great turn out and elected a new Department Treasurer. Fran Turner, a PDP, is now our Treasurer. Let s all welcome Fran back as Treasurer and give her our cooperation in this position. November 19th is our next DEC meeting to be held at Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post 30 at 9:30 a.m. I would appreciate your letting me know if you are attending so we may give Lori McAvaney a count. Veterans Day is soon approaching. Please pass out those poppies to our veterans. I know how they take pride in receiving same. Post 19 in Laurel is having their annual Veterans Day parade. It would be worth your while to attend. They have over 100 entries from all around the state. It has been growing each year. At our November DEC meeting, we will be choosing a Historian to fill the position left vacant when Fran Turner became Treasurer. We also have an opening for a community service chairman. Lita Heathertington has resigned this position due to work and family situations. If you are interested in this position, kindly contact the undersigned directly. I would like to wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Regards, Maureen Kelledy-Murray, President American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of Delaware maurm@comcast.net First State, Veterans First

2 National Highlights Volume II, Issue 1 Page 2 Delaware News President Maureen Murray Page 2 1st Vice President Bettylou Evans 2nd Vice President Patricia Hicks Secretary Tina Washington Treasurer Fran Turner In order to accurately tell the story of the impact that our organization makes in the lives of veterans, their families and communities, we must track and report our efforts. For each project, the following pieces of data need to be collected and reported to the Department: The number of hours of service The cost of performing the service The number of volunteers participating The amount of donations collected and distributed The amount of non-cash items collected and distributed On the national website, you can find tracking forms that will assist with tracking these details by unit members, units and the Department. Department Chairmen are required to report to National by January 5. Please have your unit reports to them by mid-dec or announced deadlines. Historian Vacant Chaplain Elizabeth McClain Sergeant At Arms Linda Shelly Editor Aleta Krauss

3 Page 3 Delaware News CENTENNIAL STRATEGIC PLAN Vision Enduring Core Values and Mission By 2019, the American Legion Auxiliary s million members will be making a difference for veterans and their families in every neighborhood. Mission 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 our youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. Core Values Our statement of values is predicated on our founding purposes: Commitment to the four founding principles: Justice, Freedom, Democracy, Loyalty Service to God, our country, its veterans and their families. Tradition of patriotism and citizenship Personal integrity and family values Respect for the uniqueness of individual members Truthful, open communication in dealing with the public and our members Adherence to adopted policies and rules National Goal 5 National Goal 4 National Goal 3 National Goal 2 National Goal 1 With The American Legion, Build Brand Loyalty Strengthen Departments and Units Develop Leadership at All Levels Create an Internal Culture of Goodwill Attain a Million Members Strategies Strategies Strategies Strategies Strategies A. Define our brand identity and promise. A. Build capacity of all Departments. A. Remove barriers for considering and selecting leadership. A. Lead by example. A. Invest in opportunities to attract, engage, and retain members. B. Build awareness and preference for the ALA brand. B. Invest in training at all levels. B. Define expectations and build leadership capacity. B. Define and cultivate and sustain a culture that fully reflects the ALA core values. B. Develop and implement a system of peer recruitment. C. Build and reward brand loyalty. C. Collaborate with Departments in developing innovative ways to improve organizational and financial performance. C. Invest resources in identifying and developing leadership. C. Build trust within the American Legion Auxiliary and with the American Legion. C. Create multiple pathways to serve. D. Invest in internal and external marketing communications. D. Support the Departments in the development of their Strategic Plans. D. Reward innovative leadership recruitment and development practices. D. Empower members. D. Excel at communication. E. Reward Department excellence in promoting the ALA brand. E. Reward Departments that increase unit capacity. E. Implement best practices to achieve cultural change. E. Expand internal and external alliances. F. Create actionable and relevant reward systems for positive behavior.

4 Volume II, Issue 1 Page 4 ALA BRAND AMBASSADOR MEMBER AWARD Award: Citation & Branded ALA Shirt Presented at Dept. of DE Convention Presented to one unit member in the Department of Delaware who achieves excellence in promotion of the American Legion Auxiliary with her use of social media, her appearance in public wearing ALA branded apparel and other activities that showcase the Auxiliary s unique branding through visual identity. Materials & Guidelines: Document with action photographs, screen shots and other evidence of brand promotion activities. Activity must occur between May 1, 2016 and May 1, Deadline: Units submit by May 15, *See Public Relations Programs Action Plan at for more information. Beth McGinn, PR Chairman American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of Delaware Cove Drive, Millsboro, DE Cell: beth1011@msn.com Please Note: Dept. of Delaware winner will be submitted to PR Committee for National Brand Ambassador Award.

5 Page 5 Delaware News COMMITTEE INSIGHTS & NEWS Unit Reports due to Department Chairmen no later than December 15. AEF (Auxiliary Emergency Fund), Debbie Walker What is the AEF and how did it get started? How is it funded? The Auxiliary Emergency Fund, established in 1969, was made possible by a generous legacy gift from Helen Colby Small of Burlington, WI. Funding for AEF grants comes from generous contributions from units and members, and can be awarded to members who have exhausted all other personal and community resources due to financial hardship, natural disaster or the need for competitive job skill education. Americanism, Patricia Hicks What is Americanism? Americanism is defined as - an ideology or belief in devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America or to its flag, traditions, customs, culture, symbols, institutions, or form of government Centennial Strategic Plan Promoting patriotism and responsible citizenship help us fulfill our brand promise (Goal 5) by giving U.S. citizens a chance to participate in our mission by feeling patriotic and demonstrating their support in an active, visible way. Americanism Essay Contest (Annual) In Abraham Lincoln s second inaugural address, he promised, To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan, by serving and honoring the men and women who are America s veterans. This year s theme is "How do we keep Lincoln's promise to our veterans and their families?" Department Essays submitted to National Class I 3rd/4th grade words) Long Neck Elementary School, Millsboro Oak Orchard-Rivedale Unit 28 Class II 5th/6th grade words) Richard A. Shields Elementary School, Rehoboth Rehoboth Unit 5 Class III 7th/8th grade words) No entries received

6 Volume II, Issue 1 Page 6 Children & Youth, Carole Baldwin The Star Spangled Kids Program focuses on educating children & youth in the history of the United States from the aspect of patriotism, Americanism and the U.S. Constitution. You can share a fact each month at a meeting, newsletter or other communications. The Kids of Deployed Are Heroes 2 Program honors military children who may experience a separation from one or both parents, whether deploying in a war zone, having a short tour or extended TDY (temporary duty assignment). A list of activities is listed in the Plan of Action. The Children s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) program was introduced to you at the beginning of the year and has been successful in the Department of Delaware Legion Family. As of February 11, 2016, total donations are: $2, This includes our partnership with the Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Delaware. Please consider having additional fund raisers for this worthwhile project. Reporting Keeping records of any and all activity for C&Y is essential for reporting. Narratives of 1,000 words or less are required to apply for awards. Photos, news articles, new releases may be included. Please submit your activities. Community Service, Vacant Impact of Community Service A quote from our National Community Chairman, It s the little thing in Community Service that makes big impressions about who we are, what we do and why we matter in the lives of our veterans, the active duty military, their families and our communities. One small act of kindness to an individual may not change the world, but it may change the world of that one individual. Upcoming Dates * Thanksgiving (November 24), Christmas (December 25) Branding * When volunteering, please wear an item branded with the Auxiliary emblem. Let the public know who you are!!! Impact of Community Service * Photograph your events! Please include group photos, as well as, photos of members performing the activity. Submit for publication consideration in the year end reports, the Delaware Legionnaire and the Department newsletter.

7 Page 7 Delaware News Constitution & Bylaws, Tina Washington What is purpose of a Constitution & Bylaws? The success of any nonprofit organization depends on a sound governance structure that relies on efficient governance documents to frame the organization s fundamental policies for driving its mission. Governing documents must be carefully developed, properly written, and periodically reviewed and updated in order for an organization to accomplish its goals and objectives. Everything done well, including volunteering and serving the Auxiliary s mission in communities across the reach of the United States requires written, reasonable parameters for conducting the mission. Please review and ensure that your Unit Constitution & Bylaws are current and properly reflect the unit operating procedures. Education, Judi Whitman Why is Education important? The American Legion Auxiliary believes education is vital to democracy and that investing time and money to educate our youth is literally an investment in America s future. Our Education program fosters learning for children in our own communities, with our main focus on the children of our military and veterans. Items to include in your annual report: Scholarships 1. Number of students who submitted applications from your unit for: Children of Warriors National President's Scholarship? Delaware's Past Parley Nursing Scholarship? Any other National ALA Scholarships? 2. Number of scholarships your unit gives each year? Amount of money? 3. Did your unit donate to other scholarships funds? Names of Scholarships? Amount of money? Programs (Total Volunteers? Total Volunteer Hours? Dollar value of donated items?) 1. Adult Literacy 2. Classroom Reading - Read Aloud & HOST (Help One Student Succeed) 3. Give 10 to Education, American Education Week, Boxtops for Education, Campbell s soup labels 4. Students in Need - Clothes? Shoes? Coats? Christmas gifts? 5. Veterans In Community Schools 6. College Veterans Association 7. Poppy Art Contest, Americanism Essay Contest, Pocket Flag Program, Books to the Library? Patriotism Project? 8. Recognition of Outstanding Students or Schools

8 Volume II, Issue 1 Page 8 Girls State, Lisa McCarley ALA Girls Nation and the Centennial Strategic Plan As our single most consistent community outreach program, ALA Girls Nation and ALA Girls State help us cast a wider membership net (Goal 1) and raise awareness of our mission (Goal 5) with a population that can have a positive impact on our organization, our mission and our nation. There are 6 main objectives this year on the National Level: Instill a commitment of volunteerism and an awareness of the American Legion Auxiliary s mission in all ALA Girls State citizens Actively encourage all eligible ALA Girls State citizens (past and present) to join the American Legion Auxiliary Increase scholarship/funding for ALA Girls State programs Promote the availability of the Samsung Scholarship, a scholarship opportunity available to all ALA Girls State participants who are a direct descendant of a veteran. Each year, one girl from every ALA Girls State program will win a $1, scholarship. National winners may be awarded up to $20, Utilize the Internet, social networking sites, and written media to increase awareness and visibility of ALA Girls State Stay up to date on the latest ALA Girls State programming news and best practices Junior Activities, Beth McGinn Why are Junior Activities important? Engaging the next generation to become members in the American Legion Auxiliary is the important purpose of the Junior Activities program. The Junior Activities program prepares girls under the age of 18 to become active adult members of the organization by providing positive volunteer experiences that instill the ideals of the Auxiliary. These girls develop leadership skills while having fun and hopefully becoming the future leaders of our organization. VolunTeens Teenage volunteers, follow in the footsteps of senior Auxiliary members by donating thousands of hours in service to our veterans. From reading books to playing board games to writing letters to just spending time talking, VolunTeens provide veterans with a meaningful connection to today s young America. Juniors Patch Program Junior members may earn patches for prescribed activities in Americanism, Community Service, Education, Field Service, Leadership, Membership, National Security, Physical Fitness, Poppy, Technology and Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation.

9 Page 9 Delaware News Leadership, Arnita Coleman Why is Leadership important? The American Legion Auxiliary is an organization that provides women of all ages, Junior and adult members, the opportunity to develop and hone their leadership skills. Our organization depends upon an ever-emerging stream of competent new leaders, trained and guided by experienced ones, to assume leadership within the Auxiliary and advance its mission long into the future. These courses can be found on the National web site (alaforveterans.org): ALA Basics for Seniors Officers - Duties and Responsibilities Committee Member Roles and Expectations Junior Leadership Course Legislative, Fran Turner Why are Legislative activities important? As advocates for our veterans, we encourage our members to contact their elected officials by phone, or letter to implore them to keep the needs and sacrifices of our troops and their families front and center as they go about their legislative work on behalf of their constituents that s all of us! Washington Conference In February of this year, the American Legion Family met in our country s Capitol to bring forward the American Legion Legislative Priorities. During the conference there were several informative breakout sessions: Reaching and Serving our Military on Base, Promoting ALA's Brand to Strengthen Our Mission, and ALA Foundation Grants Help Our Mission Outreach Grow! Other sessions included: Commemorating our History (Normany and WWI Centennial); Ways to Engage Children & Youth in Service, Supporting our Young Veterans and Veteran Family Volunteers;Professional and Occupational Credential Mobility; and, The American Legion s Legislative Agenda. Capitol Hill Walk During the Hill Walk, we were able to visit the offices of our Delaware legislators. Senators Carper and Coons made themselves available for a short time to speak with us personally. We addressed several of the legislative items that were important in Delaware: Homeless / Transitional Veterans and Housing Prorated benefits for veterans with disability and a federal pension VA - additional services, 21st century health-care system, deliveries for homeless veterans, appointment scheduling, and personnel issues.

10 Volume II, Issue 1 Page 10 Membership, Tina Washington Why is membership important? The Membership Committee works to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the organization by partnering with units, departments, and divisions to develop strategies to retain current members, recruit new ones, and engage all in mission-related activities. Purpose To oversee the nationwide effort to recruit and sustain a diverse, active membership and establish new units to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the organization; to promote the benefits of membership in the American Legion Auxiliary and encourage department chairmen to coordinate their membership programs with units in their respective states with the aims and purposes of the organization. Membership Standings For the weekly report dated Nov. 9, we are down 273 members compared to this time last year. Please, continue to send in your renewals and again don t forget that the Holidays are a perfect time to gift a renewal or new membership. National Security, Saundra Caldwell Why are National Security activities important? By supporting activities that address the practical and emotional well-being of military servicemembers and their families, the Auxiliary s National Security program hopes to ease the worries of those deployed so that they can focus on the monumental task of protecting our country. How is this mission accomplished? Auxiliary members step up and reach out to care for military families in very practical ways, such as assisting with their needs for child care and lawn work or by providing a listening ear to a stressed out spouse. Local Auxiliary units often collaborate with Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, Operation Homefront, Operation Comfort Warriors, Heroes to Hometowns, POW/MIA Initiatives, USO affiliates, and ROTC/JROTC units as a means to care for our active duty military when serving, hospitalized, in transition, and as they return to civilian life.

11 Page 11 Delaware News Parliamentarian, Mary Ann Pospichal What is parliamentary procedure? It is important for parliamentarians to be familiar with all of the governing documents of their organization. They will be responsible for providing accurate advice on both sides of an issue. Governing documents, such as, the Corporate Charter, Constitution & Bylaws, Standing Rules and Robert s Rules provide guidance on the rules of operation. Resources available: National Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules (alaforveterans.org) Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (robertsrules.com) Parliamentary Procedure Booklet (emblem.legion.org) Poppy, Patricia Tews Why are Legislative activities important? As advocates for our veterans, we encourage our members to contact their elected officials by phone, or letter to implore them to keep the needs and sacrifices of our troops and their families front and center as they go about their legislative work on behalf of their constituents that s all of us! Washington Conference In February of this year, the American Legion Family met in our country s Capitol to bring forward the American Legion Legislative Priorities. During the conference there were several informative breakout sessions: Reaching and Serving our Military on Base, Promoting ALA's Brand to Strengthen Our Mission, and ALA Foundation Grants Help Our Mission Outreach Grow! Other sessions included: Commemorating our History (Normany and WWI Centennial); Ways to Engage Children & Youth in Service, Supporting our Young Veterans and Veteran Family Volunteers;Professional and Occupational Credential Mobility; and, The American Legion s Legislative Agenda. Capitol Hill Walk During the Hill Walk, we were able to visit the offices of our Delaware legislators. Senators Carper and Coons made themselves available for a short time to speak with us personally. We addressed several of the legislative items that were important in Delaware: Homeless / Transitional Veterans and Housing Prorated benefits for veterans with disability and a federal pension VA - additional services, 21st century health-care system, deliveries for homeless veterans, appointment scheduling, and personnel issues.

12 Volume II, Issue 1 Page 12 Public Relations, Beth McGinn Why is public relations important? An organized communication network is critical for the public to become aware of the American Legion Auxiliary s timeless mision, the many programs in place to advance our mission, and how the hardworking members of the world's largest women s patriotic service organization make a difference in the lives of our veterans, our military and their families. The Auxiliary s growth depends on strong grassroots public relations efforts. The Public Relations program works collaboratively at all levels unit, department, and national to positively promote and advance the objectives and programs of the Auxiliary to our membership and the public at large. Help Spread the Word! Encourage everyone in your local unit to sign up to receive ALA enews. Enlist the help of your Public Relations Committee to create a website for your unit or department. Tell a story to everyone you meet about what your Auxiliary unit is doing right now to help veterans, the military and their families. Purchase a gift subscription to Auxiliary magazine for your doctor s office, health club, or hair salon. Use social media Facebook (American Legion Auxiliary, Department of DE) and Twitter (@aladelaware1) VA&R / VAVS, Helen Skelton What is the purpose of the VA&R? To initiate, sponsor, and participate in programs and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans and their families, ensuring restoration and/or transition to normally functioning lives physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally. Resources: Center for Women Veterans Homeless Initiatives: VA Programs & Facilities: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans National Center for PTSD National Coalition for the Homeless VA Homeless Veterans Program Office VA Medical Center Facilities VA National Cemetery Administration VHA Handbook , Voluntary Service Procedures viewpublication.asp?pub_id=2165