BUTCH SPARKS PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

 To provide “Service” to our veterans, their families and their communities is as solid today, in a period of high technology and lightning fast changes, as it was in 1919, when the founding fathers of The American Legion met in Paris.

ABSOLUTELY NOT  The fight for veterans rights - past, present or future - is never-ending.  However the environment is ever-changing and we must stay in front of change to be this nation’s leading advocate for veterans.  We can not afford to become stagnant.  For continued success, we must provide first rate service to our veterans, their families and the surrounding communities.

 YOU HAVE RULES & REGULATIONS.  YOU HAVE GUIDELINES.  YOU HAVE WELL TRAINED LEADERS.  YOU KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER BASE.  YOU KNOW YOUR PRODUCT.

 YOU HAVE A KNOWLEDGABLE STAFF IN THE VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BUSINESS.  YOU HAVE WELL TRAINED STAFF MEMBERS WORKING TO SELL PRODUCT.  YOU HAVE AN ONGOING TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUR STAFF & EMPLOYEES.

 Constitution & By-laws serve as our Road Map.  Post officers are the Board of Directors.  Committee chairs are Area/Program Directors.  Members are the stock holders.

 Executive committee meetings are our board of directors meeting.  Post meetings are our stock holders’ meeting.  Newsletters tell our members what we are doing.  Our veterans, their families, and the surrounding community are our customers.  Fund raisers are our revenue for our programs.

 Is our Post a profitable business?  Are we meeting our mission?  Let’s start by asking ourselves a few questions.

 Do Post officers know their duties & responsibilities?  Does the Post have current Constitution & By-laws?  Does the Post have a current copy of the Post Administrative Manual?  Does each officer have a copy of the current Post Officer’s Guide & Manual of Ceremonies ?  Does the Post have a copy of the current Adjutant’s Manual?

 Does the Post have a copy of the Post Operating Manual?  Does the Post have a copy of the Post Membership Training Guide?  Are officers & members encouraged to take the American Legion Extension course?  Is the Post taking care of business (post documentation & finance records)?  Are younger vets being included in leadership roles?

 Does the Post have regular scheduled meetings?  Do officers/members attend District, Division, & Department meetings & conventions?  Is membership growing at your Post?  Are renewals/new members = or greater than losses?  Is the Post assisting veterans in the area?

 Does the Post have an active Youth Program?  Does the Post have a friendly atmosphere?  Does the Post present a “Positive Image” to potential members as well as to the community.  Does the Post participate in community activities?  Is the Post an asset to the community?

 Does the community think the Post is an asset?  Does the Post communicate with its members?  Does the Post use Mylegion.org ?  Does the Post have computer access?  Does the Post have a web site, address, etc.?  Does the Post submit a consolidated post report?

 Unfortunately many posts can not answer many or any of these questions in a positive manner.  Somehow over time many posts have declined due to leaders passing on, economic woes, loss of members, etc.  Should we give up? Absolutely not.  Let’s get these posts back on their feet.  Working as a team we can meet this challenge.

 The first thing we need to do is to have a personal commitment and involvement of each Legion Officer at Post, District, Division & Department levels to carry on the torch lit by the doughboys in  A willingness of officers to learn by attending training sessions and self study of available programs and manuals.

 Posts should make sure current C&BL’s are up to date.  Posts should initiate a self audit of all post operations to see what is needed to meet its mission.  Outside assistance is available if needed.  A resource library should be available at the Post for officers and members to check out.  A plan of action & time table for corrections and improvements should be established based on findings.  Follow-up audits should be held annually prior to new officers’ installation.

 Every Post officer needs training.  Training has been lax in the last few years.  Through training we gain knowledge to operate our Post & help better serve our veterans.  Recommend all officers take the American Legion Extension Institute (ALEI) course.

 Some Posts require elected officers to take the ALEI course.  Encourage all members to take ALEI course.  Education of our officers and staffs at every level should be an on-going process.  Schedule training at General Membership Meetings.

 Mentors are being identified by District to assist Posts in their areas.  Identify mentors in your Post. Utilize them.  Mentors may be area experts, e.g. Adjutant, Service Officer, Membership, etc.  Get potential leaders involved by mentoring them.  IF you need help, JUST ASK.

 We must be aware at all times of our image and how others perceive us and our work in the community.  We must remain the champions of service to our veterans and their communities.  Everyone in a Legion leadership position must set the example for all members to follow.

 Our service to veterans and their communities is manifested in our programs and there are many outstanding programs to choose from.  Legion officers at every level should be coaches, motivators and consultants in helping Posts develop and maintain programs.

 The American Legion, Post Riders, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of The American Legion need to be partners in providing service to our veterans, their families and their communities.  Legion officers again must set the example for inner-organization dialogue and cooperation.  Our work of service to our veterans is a “family affair.”

 We can amplify our commitment of service to the veteran through an aggressive and consistent public relations program. It allows us to maintain visibility in the community.  A presence in social media network sites such as Facebook & Twitter has made it possible for everyone to become knowledgeable of Post Operations.  Become involved in the community as a good neighbor. Public relations opportunities to tell the Legion story should be pursued.

 We must encourage every American Legion Post and its membership to focus on service to the veteran, to their families and to the communities as their number one priority.  With your help we can rekindle the torch that the “doughboys” lit for us.  “DON’T LET THE LIGHTS GO OUT”.

 Post Membership Training Guide  Post Adjutants Manual  Post Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies  Post Operations Manual  Post Administrative Manual    District Officers  Department Officers & staff