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MEMBER HANDBOOKYour Post NameFebruary 2, 2020Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxContentsOur Post . 2Our Post Meetings . 2A Short History. 3Legion Uniform . 3Why wear your Legion Uniform in public? . 3 Volunteers are Super!. 4Our Post Family . 5American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit . 5Our Post Programs. 5Sons of the American Legion (SONS) . 5American Legion Riders (ALR). 5Training . 6Member Orientation: . 6Basic Training: . 6Publications: . 6Legion College: . 6Post Governance . 7Executive Committee: . 7Vision of Success:. 7Key Goals: . 7Mission Statement: . 7Constitution & By‐Laws: . 7Post Leadership . 8Summary Post Leader Duties . 8Post Operating Committees . 10Committee Descriptions . 10No Partisan Politics: . 11Our Post # . 11The Preamble: . 12February 2, 2020P a g e 1 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxO UR P OSTWelcome and Congratulations on your membership in Our Post, in TheAmerican Legion. You are now one of the 4.2 million members in ourLegion family! We hope your involvement will be arewarding experience.Working together, as patriotic Americans ourLegion Family, from The American Legion,American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the AmericanLegion and our American Legion Riders, are allserving America.The American Legion is the nation’s largest, mostinfluential, effective and dependable veteransservice organization. Since our very first meeting inParis, France in 1919, The American Legion still hasa vision for a Strong America which includes fourpillars of service: Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation,National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. The AmericanLegion is a powerful force in our nation.To the extent you are able, we hope you find ways to contribute to theproud future of our Post. Our Post’s future will be defined in ourservice to our veterans, their families, our local communities, state andour great Nation. The future of our Post will be stronger and morerewarding because of your involvement.As you become more involved in our Post, you mayhave questions about our Post. Just bring yourquestions to a Post officer, we will do our best tohelp you. We are devoted to “Mutual Helpfulness.”Our Post MeetingsBusiness Meeting: First Wednesday @ 7 p.m.Member Meeting: Second Wednesday @ 7 p.m.Social: Every Monday @ 5 p.m. (Except 3-day weekends.)February 2, 2020P a g e 2 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxA Short HistoryOur Post in Hometown, USA waschartered by The American Legion onSeptember 26, 1919, with 43 members.The first meeting was held on ThursdayOctober 2, 1919 at the Old HometownHall. The original 1919 charter of ourPost is framed and hangs on the wall inour Legion clubhouse, it lists the namesof our charter members.Our Post is over 300 members strong and growing. Our Post is anintegral part of the greater Hometown community and a proudadvocate for veterans on the local, state, and national level. Our localmembership extends throughout the county.Legion Uniform What is the official uniform of The AmericanLegion? "A Legionnaire is in uniform if wearing an official AmericanLegion Cap."Why wear your Legion Uniform in public?Legionnaires like us, seen in uniform doing the goodwork of The American Legion creates a positive image.This helps our community "see" The American Legionas an organization they want to support. It is a veryimportant element of our public relations andmarketing efforts.There is no benefit to Legionnaires being invisible tothe public as we do the good work of the Legion, soplease expose yourself to the community as proudmembers of The American Legion, wear your uniform cap.February 2, 2020P a g e 3 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxLegion Language and ProtocolsNew Legionnaires often find the following information helpful: Meeting Conduct. Robert’s Rules of Order, NewlyRevised, governs the conduct of Post meetings Ceremony Dignity. The ceremonial services of TheAmerican Legion are conducted with the solemnitybefitting the dignity of this organization. Gavel. A chair’s gavel is a symbol of authority &ensures orderly meetings.1. One tap is a message to the members to be seated following theopening ceremony, the completion of a business item, or follows theannouncement of adjournment.2. Two taps of the gavel call the meeting to order.3. Three taps of the gavel are the signal for membersto stand in unison on the third tap.4. A series of sharp taps is used to restore order ata meeting. Silent Tribute. Legionnaires standing in silenttributein memory of departed comrades during meetings orceremonies will face the U.S. Flag with Legion cap orhandheld over their heart. Addressing Officers. In addressing an officer ofThe American Legion, use the title of the officer andthen his/her name. The Hand Clap. This long held Legion tradition is aslow and rhythmic clapping of hands of standingLegionnaires, much like the slow beat of a drum. Thehand clap is used to welcome new members andguests when they are brought forward to beintroduced and when leaving the lectern. Volunteers are Super!Your Volunteer Time Has Value:Volunteer time is now estimated to be worth over 24 per hour!Legionnaire volunteer time is even more valuable. We are aLegion of super volunteers!February 2, 2020P a g e 4 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxO UR P OST F AMILYOur Post, as the parent organization, has three other important unitsin our local Legion family. They are:American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) UnitFounded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the oldestmember of the Legion Family of units and the most independent.The Auxiliary is a separate organization with their own legal andcorporate identity.Every Spring the Auxiliary promotes the red poppy as a symbol of thesacrifices our military have made, a symbol to open people’s hearts andinspire them to donate to this important fundraising program.Meeting: First Wednesday @ 5 p.m.Our Post ProgramsOur post offers many outstanding programs that serve our community, veteransand youth.The Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders are bothimportant programs in our Post.Sons of the American Legion (SONS)Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion (SONS)squadron consists of boys and men of all ages whosegrandparents or parents served in the U.S. Armed Forces.Meeting: First Monday @ 6 p. m.American Legion Riders (ALR)The American Legion Riders (ALR) are Legionnaires, who arealso motorcycle enthusiasts. They all belong to the Legion,the Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion.Legion Riders are well known for their charitable work.Meeting: First Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.February 2, 2020P a g e 5 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxT RAININGEffective training is important to the success of our Legion.Quality training improves our ability to succeed by improvingmember involvement and operational performance. Trainingalso helps teach organizational values and identify future postleaders. Conversely, the lack of effective training can lead to losingour focus on success and can limit our operational performance.Many who accept leadership roles in The American Legion areself-motivated by a desire to serve others and seek out training because theywant to become stronger, better-informed leaders.Member Orientation: Review of this Member Handbook with newmembers is a good introduction to The American Legion that will help manyLegionnaires better understand the good work our Legion does for our veterans,their families and our communityBasic Training: The American Legion's official trainingprogram for officers, members, Legion College applicants andthose who simply want to expand their knowledge of thenation's largest veterans service ions: The American Legion publications can be an excellenttraining resource for those who are s)Legion College: There two versions of The American Legion College thatCalifornia Legion Family members can attend. The California American LegionCollege is conducted in California and staffed by a well-qualified and enthusiasticstaff from throughout California. The National American Legion College is heldannually in Indianapolis, Indiana.The mission of The American Legion College is to teach thevalues of The American Legion; develop leaders within TheAmerican Legion Family; and encourage new ideas to help movethe Department forward in the future. The curriculum centerson instruction by facilitators, comprised of graduates of theNational American Legion College and other qualifiedinstructors from the department and national.February 2, 2020P a g e 6 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxP OST G OVERNANCEOur Post By-Laws state, “The administration,governance and management of this Post isentrusted to the Executive Committee.” Goodpost governance is an essential duty of postleaders and it includes a variety of elements. Itis realized in our long-term post success.Executive Committee:The Executive Committee members are: Commander, First Vice Commander,Second Vice Commander, Adjutant, Finance Officer and Executive CommitteeMembers-at-large. The Executive Committee Members-at-large (Elected - Thenumber of Executive Committee Members-at-large, vary by post.) are advocatesfor the general membership, assist officers in directing post business, and act aspost representatives in the absence of post officers.Vision of Success:“Our Post excels in service to fellow veterans, their families, and our community,while consistently operating as a model of quality postoperations."Key Goals: Sustained membership growth Financial solvency and stability Excellent leadership development Successful programs, and Quality service to veterans, their families and communityMission Statement:“Our Post exists to support fellow veterans, their families, and our community.”Constitution & By-Laws:The Constitution & By-Laws are two of the most important documents in our postoperation. They define the complete responsibilities of all Post officers and theyare available from the post Adjutant.February 2, 2020P a g e 7 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxPost LeadershipPost Leadership in The American Legion and in our Postis provided by Legionnaires, like you, who volunteer toserve. Post leaders are fundamentally responsible forthe success of our Post. They serve in many differentleadership roles as committee members, chairmen andPost officers. Our Post leaders provide honorable andnoteworthy service to our veterans, their families and the communities we serve.Many believe leadership is not something you are born with and it cannot beawarded or appointed. True leadership for many, is something learned andearned through the hard work of service to others. Well-developed leadershipskills are key tools in developing good leaders. Legion leaders must have stellarcharacter and transparent integrity.In addition to being committed to the success of our post, leaders must give anadequate commitment of time, sufficient personal energy and mustcommunicate effectively, to give our posts strong roots in the communitieswhere we serve our veterans.Summary Post Leader DutiesOur Post Constitution and By-Laws are the ultimate reference on the duties ofour post leader. The following descriptions are intended as a generic overview ofwhat many consider key responsibilities of post leaders.The post Commander, Finance Officer and Adjutant, are “required” officers inthe annual Certification of Eligibility of American Legion Post Officers. This isone of the mandatory reports we must submit annually, to maintain our charter.Post Commander (Elected) "First among equals." is a goodway to look at the relationship of the Post Commander to otherpost members. The Commander ensures the post's vision ofsuccess is completed and keeps the post family together in theprocess. The Post Commander traditionally serves as thePresident of the Board of Directors for incorporated posts. ThePost Commander is also the voice of the post, within the post and at meetingsbeyond the post. Post Commanders also work with and through other leaders tocomplete the post business, as they cultivate and guide them for futureleadership roles.February 2, 2020P a g e 8 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxFinance Officer (Elected) Much of the Post Finance Officer'swork is defined and determined by standard accountingpractices and the needs of the post. The Post Finance Officer isthe person of integrity that helps develop a post budget andadministers the post book of accounts. Finance Officers alsoadvise post leaders on the formulating and administering offinancial policies, including the annual Post budget.Adjutant (Elected) Whether seen as a Post ‘First Sergeant’ or aContinuity Officer, the Adjutant’s role is critical in the longterm success of our post. Adjutants are responsible for keepingofficial records of our post business, minutes of meetings andmany key administrative compliance duties.First Vice-Commander (Elected) The American Legion"Officer's Guide" states this about the First Vice Commander,"In the majority of posts, a first and second vice commander areelected, with membership the primary concern of the first vicecommander." In too many posts, the First Vice Commanderserves as a Membership Committee of one. A post, even a smallpost, should have a true Membership Committee to help withrecruitment, transfers from administrative posts, memberrenewals, member retention and with ensuring the postroutinely has personal (by phone or in person) contact, withevery member of the post. A Membership Committee of two (ormore), is far more effective than the committee of just one.Second Vice-Commander (Elected) In our Post the SecondVice Commander is the designated liaison to other veteranorganizations, coordinates new member orientation and shalloversee Post morale to include entertainment and specialprograms, and other duties as directed by the Post.Sgt-at-Arms (Appointed) shall preserve order at all meetings,ensures members are properly greeted at the door, makes newmembers welcome, and oversees flag etiquette/disposal, andshall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him bythe Post. This office is commonly the first of four steps tobecoming Post Commander.February 2, 2020P a g e 9 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxPost Operating CommitteesThrough work on committees, our members provide the hardwork needed for our post’s success as they plan, organize,communicate and implement our post programs.The Post Operating Committees are critical to increasing activemembership. Committees within our Post create a forum formembers to pursue personal interests. They allow for thestrengths and dedication of our members to shine. Post members, like you,serving on committees can grow as productive post members and leaders.Committee work also functions as a very important training ground to developthe leadership skills and knowledge of the Legion, that future Post leaders willneed to succeed.To help advise the Commander and Executive Committee the Post may establishand define the work of Post committees. With the consent of the Commander,each committee chairperson selects at least two other members to serve on eachcommittee and they will serve for an indefinite term at the discretion of thechairperson.Committee DescriptionsMembership Committee - has charge of all matters pertaining tomembership eligibility, growth, acceptance, retention, and renewals.Guidance is provided by the First Vice Commander.Executive Committee - the administration, governance andmanagement of our Post is entrusted to the Executive Committee.The number of Executive Committee Members-at-large, vary from post to post.They are often seen as advocates for the general membership, assist postofficers in directing post business, and act as post representatives in the absenceof post officers.Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Committee - is responsiblefor bringing to the attention of members and their dependents the rights andbenefits granted them by law. They shall assist veterans in thepursuance of claims and in obtaining other veteran’s rights andbenefits; to visit comrades who are sick or disabled; to visit andcomfort members of their families when sick or bereaved.February 2, 2020P a g e 10 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxFinance and Ways & Means Committees work together to supervise the financial duties of thePost, prepare the annual budget and advise theExecutive Committee on financial matters. They alsodevelop fund-raising projects. Once approved theyare responsible for the project’s completion andsuccess.Our Annual Pancake Breakfast is our PRIMARY FUNDRAISER that supports ouryouth and community programs. Through the dedicated support of our LegionFamily and the friends of our Post, this is our most important fundraising event.Public Relations (PR) Committee – promotes Post programs and socialactivities to members and local community. Also, responsible for postnewsletter, fliers and all Post online communication toolsFacilities Committee - Handles Post operations and maintenance of facilities.No Partisan Politics: According to Article II, Section 2,of the Constitution of The American Legion, “The AmericanLegion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be usedfor the dissemination of partisan principles nor for thepromotion of the candidacy of any person seeking publicoffice or preferment.”The National Charter, approved by Congress, also stipulates The AmericanLegion as an organization is nonpolitical* which has been interpreted by theNational Judge Advocate as “nonpartisan” in modern lingo. Therefore, TheAmerican Legion as an organization is prohibited from contributing, helping orendorsing a candidate. However, a member, as a private citizen, and notrepresenting the organization, can employ whatever legal and ethical means toadvance his or her candidate.Our Post #1601 7th. Street, Sanger, CA 93657 XXX-XXXX-XXEmail: mail@ourpost.org Website: http://ourpost.orgFebruary 2, 2020P a g e 11 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxT HE P REAMBLE :For God and Country, we associate ourselves together forthe following purposes:To uphold and defend the Constitution of the UnitedStates of America;To maintain law and order;To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percentAmericanism;To preserve the memories and incidents of ourassociations in all wars;To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to thecommunity, state and nation;To combat the autocracy of both the classes and themasses;To make right the master of might;To promote peace and goodwill on earth;To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles ofjustice, freedom and democracy;To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by ourdevotion to mutual helpfulness.The Preamble is printed on the back of your membership card.February 2, 2020P a g e 12 13Member Handbook
Your Post Name – 123 Main St., Hometown, CA 93455 xxx-xxxx-xxxOur Post’s Handbook was designed and produced byRick Pushies, Webmaster Post 66If you have questions or need assistance adapting this document foryou post’s use, contact him at:webteam@calegion.org or 805-925-9144February 2, 2020P a g e 13 13Member Handbook
Legion Language and Protocols . Silent Tribute. Legionnaires standing in silent tribute . In addition to being committed to the success of our post, leaders must give an adequate commitment of time, sufficient personal energy and must communicate effective
