My heart goes out to those affected by hurricane Harvey. The aftermath will be a struggle for so many. Such events shows the fragility of life. Thanks go out to the thousands who have risk their lives to save others. To Louisiana's Cajun Navy, "You are Awesome."
There are many organizations and companies stepping forward to help in this time of unprecedented disaster. How great it is to live in the United States! Times like this seem to bring people together, like no other.
To the members of the American Legion Auxiliary, remember you can apply for assistance through the Auxiliary Emergency Fund. An expedited form is available on our website, www.lalegion-aux.org. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me @ 235-287-9366.
Natalie Chevalier-Myers
La. Department President
**For those who can, this is a great time to donate to the AEF.
2017-2018 ALA Mission Training Dates and Registration Information
Would you like to learn more about working the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary? Would you like to network with national leaders and other members in your district who share your passion and enthusiasm for helping our veterans? If so, Mission Training or the National Junior Meeting is for you! These one-day training sessions will provide a fun and interactive way for you or your Juniors to share ideas and learn how to be more effective in working our mission in your community.
Registration starts at 8:30am with a continental breakfast. The one-day conference will run roughly from 9:00am to 4:30pm. The continental breakfast and lunch are included with your registration fee!
National Junior Meeting
Junior Members who have celebrated their 8th birthday or older may attend the National Junior Meeting. Many activities will be taking place that are fun and interactive. We hope by bringing the meeting closer to our Juniors many more will be able to attend this one day meeting over a weekend. Is the Junior Meeting Right for your Junior? Yes - if they are interested in meeting other Junior members and national leaders outside of their local area who share their passion for helping veterans!
Yes - if they want to share great ideas with other Junior members across the country and learn more about what it means to be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary!
Mission Training
You’ll be inspired while learning more about working the ALA’s core programs in an interactive and fun environment. The American Legion Auxiliary programs emphasized at ALA Mission Training will be Americanism, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Children & Youth, and Leadership. You will also gain an understanding of how the ALA’s 5-Year Centennial Strategic Plan is woven into everything we do.
Is Mission Training Right for you?
Yes - if you are interested in meeting members and national leaders outside of your local area who share your passion for helping veterans!
Yes - if you want to share great ideas with other members across the country or renew your enthusiasm for our mission!
Yes - if you find yourself growing more involved and you don’t know where to turn for the information you need, or you have been doing the same activities for years and you want a fresh approach!
Compliance Matters
Trouble filing your 990 for your unit, district, county or council? Had your tax exempt status revoked and don’t know what to do? Just found out that your Unit has been filing jointly with The American Legion Post?
Mission Training attendees have an opportunity to sign up for Compliance Matters!, an informational session revolving around ALA compliance, the Friday evening before each Mission Training from 7:00-9:00pm. Topics that will be covered include 990 Series Return Filings, Tax Exempt Status Revocation and Reinstatement Procedure, State Charity Registration and Useful Tips and Tools for navigating IRS compliance. Each session will end with an informal question and answer session to help with your specific needs!
All sessions have been designed to be interactive and fun for you!
Details
There will be six locations for Mission Training, Junior Meetings and Compliance Matters Sessions:
Springfield, Illinois Mission Training: Saturday, October 14, 2017 Junior Meeting: Saturday October 14, 2017 Compliance Matters: Friday, October 13, 2017 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Location: Crowne Plaza Springfield 3000 Dirksen Parkway Springfield, Illinois 62703
Hartford, Connecticut Mission Training: Saturday, October 21, 2017 Junior Meeting: Saturday, October 21, 2017 Compliance Matters: Friday, October 20 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Location: Sheraton Hartford South Hotel 100 Capital Blvd Rocky Hill, Connecticut 06067
Minneapolis, Minnesota Mission Training: Saturday, October 21, 2017 Junior Meeting: Saturday, October 21, 2017 Compliance Matters: Friday, October 20, 2017 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Location: DoubleTree Bloomington-Minneapolis South 7800 Normandale Blvd Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439
Shreveport, Louisiana Mission Training: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Junior Meeting: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Compliance Matters: Friday, October 27, 2017 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Location: Crowne Plaza Bloomington MSP Airport/MOA 104 Market Street Shreveport, LA 71101
Charlotte, North Carolina Mission Training: Saturday, January 20, 2018 Junior Meeting: Saturday, January 20, 2018 Compliance Matters: Friday, January 19, 2018 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Location: Hilton Charlotte Executive Parkt 5624 Westpark Drive Charlotte, North Carolina 28217
Las Vegas, Nevada Mission Training: Saturday, February 3, 2018 Junior Meeting: Saturday, February 3, 2018 Compliance Matters: Friday, February 2, 2018 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Location: Tuscany Suites and Casino 255 E. Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89169
Websites
Department President Natalie Myers' Message To Members
Since joining the ALA In 2006, I have developed a great passion for the organization. I hold its ideals of Justice, Freedom, Democracy, and Loyalty, close to my heart.
Helping to accomplish the goals of our national organization's
Five Year Strategic Plan is of upmost importance to me. I want to continue building upon the goals our department has accomplished. By utilizing the talents and experiences of our members and officers, along with all the resources offered by national, we can achieve our goals.
Membership is critical to the existence of the ALA. We not only need to recruit new members, but seriously need to create an environment to encourage young people to want to become and remain members. After all, they are our future.
As we have strength in numbers, we also have strength in knowledge. This year I'm urging all our members to "learn The Auxiliary." We must know who we are, what we do, and why we matter. This is essential to growth. You "can't sell your product, if you don't know it."
We are living in a technological world. What use to take days, weeks, or months, can know be achieved in seconds. Let us embrace change and diversity, and make unity, our strength.
As your 2017-18 Department President, I want to execute a vision of knowledge, accountability and leadership.
Natalie Chevalier-Myers
Hi Ladies!! Here is the housing form for the DEC/Workshop in August. Please call or email with your questions or concerns.
Looking for the Department Awards Book? It's right here! You can download and print it all or just the pages you need. Don't forget to if you have questions, contact your Department Program Chairman for any questions. Make sure you follow all the rules and guidelines and submit on time. Good luck!
The national secretary announced at the ALA National Convention some exciting membership changes. We all learned you can pay your membership dues online. Now you can pay dues for multiple members via telephone! In addition, new members can now join online! How exciting is this? Many of you have inquired about this and asked these questions over the last few months. Well, your prayers have been answered. For more information about ALA membership and programs, contact the Department Secretary, the Department Membership Chairman, or any member of the ALA.
