Kentucky Membership Packet When the going gets tough, the KY ALA gets going. Our 2015-2016 membership year looks Rosie! Membership Team Nancy Moses mosesnancy59@yahoo.com 859-817-9237/630-7941 Alica Buser (BC) a_buser@fuse.net 859 620 7625 Jane McKnight undrtkr3@aol.com 270-498-9692 Diane Kennedy kenndmk@yahoo.com 270-300-2110 National Membership Mission Statement: By honoring our veterans and military through meaningful service, the American Legion Auxiliary will grow to one million members by our centennial anniversary. Note: Our centennial anniversary will be celebrated during the 2019 2020 administrative year. National Membership Theme: Keeping the Promise
Membership Chairmen: The 2015-16 membership year will be exciting and full of opportunities for all of our Units. Some of the opportunities are sharing our methods for getting our Auxiliary name out in the communities to spread the word about our good works and to attract and retain members. There has been declining membership throughout our ranks and other non-profit organizations in the most recent years. In fact, National Membership has declined an average of 25% over the last five years. The Department of Kentucky membership has declined an average of 18% over the last five years. This year, National has set our Department and Unit goals to help us focus on our goal of one million members by 2019. You can find your Unit goals on the September Membership Progress Grid. Furthermore, our newest members with less than three years or more are the largest non-renewals with over 45% nonrenewals. There are many factors at play but our National Leadership has focused on solutions that our members can implement to stop this decline. RECRUIT: Make sure people know about the ALA. Wear an "Honoring their Service" button along with the "Ask Me About My Veteran" Button is a great way to get people curious about the Auxiliary and what it does. Keeping the "Our Promise Checkbook" handy with Legion Family applications makes sure you are prepared. The Honoring Their Service button forms are at https://www.alaforveterans.org/members/membership/ and also a copy in your membership packet. The membership team has the "Ask Me About My Veteran" buttons and the "Our Promise Checkbook" for $1.00 each to help offset membership expenses. National has also created a "Welcome" postcard that will be mailed to new members within two weeks of being paid and entered in ALAMIS. RETAIN: Foster an internal culture of Goodwill! Be kind to one another. The NUMBER ONE reason that members don't renew is that "We aren't nice to them". Sometimes communicating to a different generation may be challenging and we may not even know we are doing anything wrong. Our National Leadership has resources entitled Intergenerational Civility at https://www.alaforveterans.org/meetings/department-leadership-national-conference/ under 2015 presentations that can help. We want to encourage a culture of including others, respect, and acceptance. We now have online renewal! Easy and fast. REWARD: Based upon previous membership results it is apparent that the way we have been doing things is not working, so National has decided to change our goal dates and the types of awards Units and Individuals receive. The National membership and Department Unit and Individual awards are listed separately in this packet. Although some of these goals may seem unattainable, we will start by ONE MEMBER AT A TIME. Thought for the day: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. REMEMBER: Keeping the Promise is our National President's Theme and included in this packet is a Membership Keeping Our Promise Calendar to help with remembering important historic and membership dates. National is also honoring our female veterans by waiving the $9 national dues portion for NEW ALA members who are also female veterans. To assist us in our "March Towards Increased Membership Heights", we will be asking the iconic "Rosie the Riveter", a figure from World War II that stepped up to work in the factories while the men were at war, to help us using the slogan "We Can Do It". There will be contests for Units on the ALA Ky Membership Facebook page utilizing this theme and monthly how to tips. - locate page by typing in the bolded phrase above in your Facebook search box.
2016 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP AWARDS By 2019, the American Legion Auxiliary s million members will be making a difference for veterans and their families in every neighborhood. 100% by December 31, 2015 Award: Unit Awards Units that reach 100% of their annual target set by National Headquarters by December 31, 2015 will receive a $100 plus a 100% flag pole ribbon. Checks will be made payable to the Unit to be used for mission outreach and/or membership efforts. 102% Award: Units that reach 102% of their annual target set by National Headquarters by 30 days prior to National Convention (July 30, 2016) will receive a $150 plus a 102% flag pole ribbon. The Unit president, secretary and membership chair will also receive a special gift from the National President. Checks will be made payable to the Unit to be used for mission outreach and/or membership efforts. Rejoin 1: Individual Awards Rejoin 1 FORMER Auxiliary Junior or Senior member (must not have paid dues after 2013) Submit Rejoin 1 form to National Headquarters by May 1, 2016 to receive a Rejoin 1 button. All verified entries will be eligible for $100 cash drawing. Note: One entry per recruiter Recruit 1: Recruit 1 NEW Auxiliary Junior or Senior member Submit Recruit 1 form to National Headquarters by May 1, 2016 to receive a Recruit 1 button. All verified entries will be eligible for $100 cash drawing. Note: One entry per recruiter Recruit 10: Recruit 10 or more NEW Auxiliary Junior or Senior members Submit form to National Headquarters by May 1, 2016 to receive an American Legion Auxiliary Padfolio. All verified entries will be eligible for $250 cash drawing. Note: One entry per recruiter Silver Brigade: Recruit 25 or more NEW SENIOR Auxiliary members and receive a special gift from our National President. Entry forms must be received in National Headquarters by May 1, 2016 in order to qualify. All verified entries will be eligible for $500 cash drawing. Note: One gift/entry per recruiter For Awards Forms or more information visit www.alaforveterans.org or email membership@alaforveterans.org
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: 2016 DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP AWARDS When the going gets tough, the KY ALA gets going. Our 2015-2016 membership year looks Rosie! Unit Awards Keeping the Promise: Units will receive a Certificate for obtaining total membership goals. See the 2016 National Membership Promise Dates. Additionally: Boots on the Ground Award: Units that reach 75% of their annual target set by National Headquarters goal by December 31, 2015 will receive a special prize and a certificate. (given at January conference) I Love My Veterans Award: Units that reach 85% of their rejoin/renewal goal by February 14, 2016 will receive a special prize. (given at April conference) Rosie Award: Units that achieve 100% membership after June 2016 but before July 15, 2016 will receive a special award at Fall 2016 conference. ALA Tough Award: Units that reach over 102% of their annual target set by National Headquarters by 30 days prior to National Convention (July 30, 2016) will receive a cash prize to be determined by the Department. Individual Awards Good to Give: An entry into a drawing for a gift of $100 value (Pandora bracelet with USA map charm or $100 cash) for all members who purchase a gift membership for someone. (given at June convention)* Recruit 1 New: An entry into a drawing for a gift of $100 value (Pandora bracelet with USA map charm or $100 cash) for all members who recruit a new member (Jr. or Sr). (given at June convention)* Top Three Recruiters: An entry into a drawing for a gift of $100 value (Pandora bracelet with USA map charm or $100 cash) from the top three members who recruit the most new members (Jr. or Sr.) NOTE: *If you recruit twenty new members, then you get twenty entries. Unit membership will have the forms to submit for entries. Unit members are encouraged to keep track of entries.
2016 National Membership Promise Dates September: I promise to pay my dues early Membership and Technology: Spread the word that members are now eligible to renew their 2016 dues online! Visit www.alaforveterans.org for more information. Note: members must have a login for members only portal. Important Dates: September 15, 2015-2016 1st renewal notices are mailed Promise Date: Labor Day, September 7, 2015-25% October: I promise to explore new ways of signing up members Honor Your Service Through Membership: The national organization is waiving the national portion of 2016 dues ($9.00) for every new 2016 veteran member through the "Honor Our Female Veterans" program. Contact your department for more information. Promise Date: Columbus Day, October 12, 2015-35% November: I promise to thank a veteran for their service to our country Honor Your Service With Membership: Wearing an Honor Their Service button is a great way to recognize the veteran through whom you are eligible. Order yours today! Order forms are available at www.alaforveterans.org or contact your Department Membership team. Membership Award Deadlines: Veterans Day Award - November 11, 2015 Promise Date: Veterans Day, November 11, 2015-45% December: I promise to honor those who gave their lives to save ours The Gift of Membership: What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to give the gift of membership to a potential new member? Surpise a loved on for the holidays! Anyone who gives a gift membership will be included in a drawing for a prize of $100 value. Membership Award Deadlines: Unit 100% by December 31, 2015 Award Promise Date: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7, 2015-60% January: I promise to celebrate new and renewed members Ring in the New Year With Membership: Personal contact is so important. Send the member renewal member letter included and follow up with a call. Call those members who have not renewed and call the family of new Post members. Invite them to join. Use the initiation ceremony. It is wonderful! Remind all members of the benefits we have and how their dues support our mission. Important Dates: January 15, 2016-2nd 2016 Renewal Notice mailed February: I promise to show my love for our veterans Membership for life: Show your love for our veterans for life. Get your Paid Up for Life (PUFL) Membership today! Membership Award Deadlines: 85% Renew/Rejoin Achievement Award by February 14, 2016 Promise Date: Valentine's Day, February 14, 2016-75% March: I promise to breathe life into our organization Members Helping Members: Spring is in the air! And so are spring storms! The American Legion Auxiliary Emergency Fund offers assistance to members whose lives are affected by natural disasters. Donate today to help fellow auxiliary members in need! Promise Date: Legion Birthday, March 15, 2016-80%
April: I promise to plant the seed of membership Watch our Membership Grow: Plant the seed in your community by starting a new unit. Is there a post in your area? Attach a new unit to it and watch the community thrive! Promise Date: Earth Day, April 22, 2016-85% May: I promise to continue to support our military Family Membership: Family is important to the American Legion Auxiliary; do you have family members who are eligible to join the American Legion or Sons of the American Legion? Auxiliary units and any combination of associated Legion Post, SAL Squadron and Legion Rider Chapters that hit 100% membership are eligible for the American Legion Award. Also ask your American Legion members if they have females that aren't in the Auxiliary. Membership Award Deadlines: Rejoin 1, Recruit 1, Recruit 10 and Silver Brigade must be received at National Headquarters by May 1 in order to qualify Armed Forces Day Award due May 22, 2016 Promise Date: Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2016-90% June: I promise to fly my flag every day Membership and Junior Activities: Flag day is this month. Involve your Juniors in a ceremony and invite other community groups. Involve Juniors in all your plans. Distribute flag etiquette pamphelts to the community. Have a flag disposal ceremony and show the community the proper way to dispose of old, worn flags. Advertise this event to the community! Strive to hit your numeric goal and HAVE FUN! Promise Date: Flag Day, June 14, 2016 = 95% July: I promise to celebrate our Independence 102% Membership: Continue working membership by helping your unit and department reach their 102% membership goals by 30 days prior to National Convention (July 30,2016)! Units that achieve 102% membership will receive $150! Membership Award Deadlines: 102% Numeric Goal Award - Departments (7/30) 102% Award - Units (7/30) Promise Date: 30 Days before National Convention, July 30, 2016-102% August: I promise to work the centennial plan Membership, there's more in it for you!: Did you know that your membership gives you access to a wide array of discounts, products and services? You bring untold value tot eh Auxiliary and America's veterans through your service to our mission; to show our appreciation, the ALA brings valuable benefits to you! Visit www.alaforveterans.org for more information.
NATIONAL NEW MEMBER POSTCARD Postcards are mailed directly by National Headquarters within 2 weeks of new member being entered and paid in ALAMIS.
MEMBER TARGETING: Community Veterans and Active Military get-togethers. VA Nursing Homes (daughters, granddaughters, wives, sisters) Post Legionnaires - are their daughters, sisters, wives, grandchildren signed up? Address your Legion meeting and ask for their help. Women's clubs, PTAs, gyms, etc. Have a get together for new members getting them involved. Have a member open house inviting the community. Set up at fairs, in front of grocery stores, parades, in your community passing out brochures and letting them know about the Auxiliary. Wear your Auxiliary shirts, buttons, red, white, and blue and be ready to talk about the Auxiliary. Use social media to attract new members and inform the community about what we are doing and the difference we are making. - Don't know how to set up social media, call a member of the membership team for help! Former members - set up a committee to personally call former members after sending the letter in this packet. If they don't want to rejoin or renew, ask them why so you can get a feel for what needs to be changed. Invite a guest to a meeting so they can see what it is all about. New incoming Unit Presidents, call each member or send a letter to personally invite them to a meeting or have an open house for past members. Post on Craigslist and other social media pages, showcasing your good works and open houses. For Halloween, with the candy, pass out brochures or put labels on the candy with Unit Information.
Promise Checkbook - $1 each Carry the checkbook and fill with the Legion Family Tri-fold brochure. Button - $1 each Use this button along with the buttons of your soldier you can order from National.
CREATE AUXILIARY MEMBER ACCOUNT AND PAY DUES ONLINE https://www.alaforveterans.org/ Click on Sign Up Enter Member Number First Name Last Name Department (select Department of Kentucky from dropdown)
Click on Sign Up Enter user name - can be anything you want Make a password - (six letters and one number) Enter confirm password Enter Email Click on Register - System will Log you in once created.
Then click on MEMBERS ONLY to see forms and documents Also, sign up for Electronic Newsletters.
You can pay your Auxiliary dues online once you have an account. Click Pay Dues:
The screen is prefilled. Add your email and credit card information and submit.
ENTRY FORM FOR PANDORA BRACELET OR CASH NAME OF MEMBER ALA MEMBER # UNIT # MEMBER TELEPHONE # HOW MANY ENTRIES: GIFT MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBER SIGNED BY UNIT MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN TELEPHONE # SUBMIT TO: Nancy Moses 2188 Treetop Lane Hebron, KY 41048 859-817-9237 mosesnancy59@yahoo.com