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 

Promote American Legion Family Day — April

• 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.

Find new and creative ways to promote the program. 

• Continue to use what works, but think outside the box for fresh ideas.

• Promote participation in blood drives, CPR training, and emergency preparedness (National Security).

• Suggest participation in child safety programs (Children & Youth).

• Participate in patriotic holidays (Americanism).

• Develop new ways to reach diverse groups (age, ethnicity, etc.).

• Encourage units to create visible events in the community that support veterans (VA&R).

• Use community events to raise awareness of The American Legion’s Be the One initiative to reduce the rate of veteran suicide.

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:

• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.

• Department and Unit Award Nomination Forms Completed and Submitted: June 1.

• Member Site: https://member.legion-aux.org/member/committees/community-service

Community Service email address: CommunityService@ALAforVeterans.org.