NEW MEMBER GUIDE TO THE AMERICAN LEGION

                                    Now that I’ve joined, what should I do?

1)    Call the Bandera American Legion to set up a time to meet with the Commander and/or other leaders and members to learn more about what the Post is doing in the community. Drop by during normal business hours if you are in the area – there is a members on duty.  Identify your skills and areas of interest and how they might help.  If you’re passionate about ensuring the next generation gets to enjoy the freedoms we have today, then maybe working with the local schools is a perfect way to engage.  If you are an avid horse rider, then maybe parade support and Bandera Honors Veterans would be perfect for you.  Or what if you aren’t physically able to walk the Main Street during a parade, why not manage the website.  And your family can play a role as well.   There are more ideas below…keep reading!

2)    Read the local “Constitution and By-Laws” and the “Standing Rules” which are on this site posted at .  These 2 short documents provide the local rules to guide the organization and operations to support the mission.  They allow the post to comply with State and IRS requirements, as well as provide the means to elect officers and appoint committees.

3)    Attend a Membership meeting to meet leaders and members, ask questions and find out if this is where you’d like to be.  You don’t have to be a member to “check us out”.  As a non-profit organization, the public is welcome.


4)    There are a host of pamphlets and brochures that assist new members in understanding the history, purpose, organization, programs¸ and ceremonies. These are available at the websites below and at the American Legion post.


5)    Ask questions ­­– and share what interests you.  Legion members come from all walks of life with different skills, experience, and interests, but collectively we share a singular trait that we have honorably served in the defense of our nation.

 
Other ideas for participation

            Establish an “American Legion Riders” unit

            Establish a “Sons of the American Legion” unit

            Facility upgrade and maintenance planning and capital improvements

            BINGO Chairman, caller, finance, support team

            Youth Programs:  Boy Scouts, Oratorical Contest, Boys State¸ marksmanship, local school coordination

            Bandera Honors Veterans, specific event support such as Memorial Day, Flag Day

            Auditing support: BINGO, internal American Legion bookkeeping, Bandera Honors Veterans, and the IRS

            Fund Raising:  Annual Planning, facility utilization, increase revenue for programs

            Your ideas and desires….. let us know!


Educational Materials

            American Legion Extension Institute (ALEI): New in 2012, this online course is intended to educate and empower new or inactive American Legion and Auxiliary members.  The 90 minute course has six modules: History and Organization, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, Children & Youth, plus a course wrap-up and comprehensive final exam. To take the course, go to www.legion.org/alei or visit myLegion.org.  The cost is $4.95 for members and $9.95 for others.

            Roberts Rules of Order:  http://www.robertsrules.org

            The Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies (Free to Download) at:

http://www.legion.org/publications/160963/post-officer-guide-and-manual-ceremonies

            American Legion Websites:

                        National:  www.legion.org

                        State: www.txlegion.org

            Uniforms, Hats and Accessories:  http://emblem.legion.org