CHILDREN and YOUTH
Purpose: The purpose of the Children & Youth Committee is to work collaboratively with The American Legion to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans. Standing Rules 6, Core National Standing Committees
The Children & Youth program emphasizes protecting, caring for, and supporting children and youth, particularly those of veterans’ and military families.
Wear purple April 15 in honor of Purple Up! Day for Military Kids.
Perform the Military Child Table ceremony at a unit meeting or in your community.
Contact your local churches, homeless shelters, and food pantries to identify homeless veterans’ children. Ask what their specific needs are and offer them your services as an ALA member.
Contact your local news sources (newspaper, community television, community websites, and social media accounts) and town council with an offer to give a presentation about you and your unit’s work for veterans and military children.
Plan a special celebration for children during the month of April in honor of Children & Youth Month and Month of the Military Child (#momc).
Host a dinner, game night, or community fair, etc., that will bring military and non-military families together.
To recognize and reward the positive actions of our children and youth, the American Legion Auxiliary has two special national awards bestowed to youth nominated by units: the Youth Hero Award and the Good Deed Award.
Watch your socials and local media for possible nominations of students.
Use the online form to submit your nomination.
Invite your winners to a unit meeting to present the award to them.
Contact your local media and submit a press release regarding the award presentation.
More information: https://member.legion-aux.org/youth-hero-good-deed-awards
Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KDH2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents, whether deployed to a war zone, having a short tour, or on an extended temporary duty assignment.
Volunteer at a Family Readiness Group event where KDH2 “I’m a Hero 2” buttons/stickers can be distributed.
Host a KDH2 celebration with recognition buttons/stickers to let military kids know we appreciate their sacrifices.
The American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth program strives to support and promote the Children & Youth program of The American Legion.
Work with your post to organize celebrations for the youth in your community. Host an Easter egg hunt, a Christmas party, or a family movie night, etc.
Work with your post to cross promote youth programs. Invite Legionnaires to speak at a unit meeting about Legion Boys State, Legion Baseball, Oratorical Contest, etc. Speak at a post meeting about ALA Girls State, Junior Activities, etc.
Deadlines/Important Dates
April is the Month of the Military Child (#momc)
April 15: Purple Up! Day for Military Children
May 15: Department chairmen reports due to division chairmen, cc: national chairman
June 1: Awards submissions due
Member Site: https://member.legion-aux.org/member/committees/children-and-youth
Public Side:https://www.legion-aux.org/youth