| TRAINING WILL CARRY US INTO THE 21st CENTURY |
Stephen T. Weismann (TN)
Past Department Commander |
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Training.
As innocuous as this word should be, it never ceases to amaze me how
many different responses it garners from our Legionnaires: excitement,
fear, anticipation and indignation. It brings every emotion to the
table. None of us have arrived at our current station in life without
training. From childhood to military service and civilian employment,
our constant state of training has expanded our horizons and brought us
to our current destination – The American Legion.
We are members of the largest veterans service organization in the
world. Each of our journeys has been different, but upon further
reflection will reveal several commonalities. First and foremost, we are
brothers and sisters. Secondly, we have all had educators and role
models that have shaped who we are as individuals. They were people who
unselfishly gave of their time to share experiences, knowledge and
understanding. Their legacy can be seen in our daily interactions and
decisions. We must continue that legacy and carry The American Legion
into the 21st century.
There are always opportunities to enhance our skills. How many of us
have read a book or watched a movie more than once and noticed something
that previously eluded us? We are never too old or too learned to
become a better version of ourselves. So, the next question is, which of
us must accept the mantle of trainer?
Your membership in The American Legion demonstrates a desire to shine a
light on veteran issues and to educate the public. I can already hear
some of you say, “I can’t,” “I’m not qualified,” or I don’t know how.”
If you are a parent, a veteran, or assumed any supervisory role in your
life you can. You have been preparing to be a trainer for decades.
Information is all around you.
Familiarize yourself with the wealth of information available at legion.org
and on your department website, and do not be afraid to reach out to
present and past leadership. Don’t be so myopic to think that other
Legionnaires have not experienced the same difficulties you currently
face.
I relate this phenomenon to parenthood. As the father of one, I often
find it hard to understand how previous generations were successful
raising families with seven to 10 children. It’s about patience,
experience and outlook. Our posts do not have the luxury of leadership’s
vantage point.
Assuming greater responsibility in The American Legion increases
exposure, thus providing perspective to those entrusted with oversight
in our posts, districts and departments. The experience of our present
and past department leadership cannot be understated. Reach out to other
posts, departments and Legionnaires to find what they may be using to
train their members. You can take the Legion’s online Basic Training
course, and courses in District Training in a Box located at legion.org/training.
You can attend district, department and national events to increase
your exposure to experienced Legionnaires, and develop training for
every level of your department. As the adage goes, knowledge is power.
The power to shape our own future.
For God and Country. |
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Launch of the new MyLegion.org
March 30, 2021
Learn what MyLegion.org is; who it’s for; why create an account; the
benefits of using MyLegion.org for members and Legion and Sons
officers; and what current registered users should expect when the new
site goes live in April.
Military Transition Centers Engagement Program
April 27, 2021
How to represent The American Legion to servicemembers during the
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at your local installation.
The last Tuesday of each month the Internal Affairs and Membership
Division has committed to conducting training with members. These 60 to
90-minute sessions, held through Microsoft Teams, are aimed at post
commanders and adjutants. Over the last few months training topics have
been on MyLegion.org 2021, Buddy Checks, Temporary Financial Assistance
(TFA), National Emergency Fund (NEF), Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW),
Mission Blue Post Assistance Program (PAP), post administration and
membership retention. Each Training Tuesday session video presentation
and PowerPoints are available at legion.org/training/training-tuesdays. |
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| The
2021 National American Legion College class will take place in
Indianapolis Dec. 12-17. Applicants must be Legionnaires who have been a
member for at least the last three years continuously and have
completed the online Basic Training course. Your department may have
additional pre-requisites or eligibility criteria. The National American
Legion College student application is available at legion.org/college. |
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| Join The American Legion Media Alliance |
| American
Legion Family members who handle PR and other communication activities
at their post reap the benefits of TALMA membership. LEARN MORE |
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| The
new single sign-on is available for users of American Legion websites
to avoid having to type in your username and password each time you
access the sites. To get started, you must click “Sign In” on a Legion
web property (this does not pertain to Emblem Sales website) to
re-register and set up a new password and confirm the response email.
The single sign-on is the first stage of a multi-stage rollout that will
allow The American Legion to provide a streamlined and better user
experience within its web environment – and it begins with this initial
step of re-registering. This new single sign-on is a series of exciting
American Legion web features that are to come on MyLegion.org and
Legion.org. |
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Why?
- Our most sacred responsibility is to look out for each other and our fellow veterans.
- It’s what we do for our battle buddies.
- To reconnect with veterans who may need assistance but don't know where to go or who to ask.
When?
- Buddy Checks were originally designed for twice a year, around
American Legion Birthday (March) and Veterans Day. However, due to their
success and importance, Buddy Checks can be conducted throughout the
year.
- During an emergency situation, like the ongoing pandemic, it is
advised to conduct Buddy Checks to reach out to veterans and check on
their wellness.
How?
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As
communities go through the stages of easing restrictions on public
gatherings, American Legion posts will have a new challenge. While some
Legionnaires are ready to attend post meetings and events, others may be
wary of resuming these activities just yet. So what measures can be
taken to include members with different comfort levels?
Since most American Legion members join for the camaraderie, it is
important to keep everyone connected is important. You can explore
options that will include all of your members to ensure success with
engagement and renewals. For example, if your post has been conducting
virtual meetings, you may consider a hybrid model. During in-person
meetings, also give members the option to join the meeting virtually.
Hosting a virtual meet-and-greet for new members is a chance to inform
them of post activities. It may take some extra planning and
communication but it is well worth the effort. |
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This
bi-monthly and Legionnaire-driven newsletter, produced by the Internal
Affairs & Membership Division, is designed to address best
practices, ideas and training that every Legionnaire needs to know to
engage our membership through effective training now and into the
future.
Highlighting new training ideas and resources becoming available, it
will also feature essays from successful leaders and training ideas of
posts, districts, departments and individuals throughout The American
Legion. Are you a trainer? A writer? We need your submissions!
Send your training ideas and articles to LegionTraining@legion.org |
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