Public Relations

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Theme: “Believe in Our Mission – Through Our Actions and Words, We Tell Our Story”

Public relations promotes who we are, what we do, and why we matter along with building Brand Loyalty.

“Believe in Our Mission“: This anchors the theme in the core of ALA’s purpose: serving veterans, military families, and communities. It’s a call to trust and support the cause.

“Through Our Actions and Words, We Tell Our Story“: A reminder that our work is shared not only through what we say, but through the impact we have on those around us. Actions speak louder than words, and pictures are worth thousands of words. Words and images make for great storytelling in PR.

Some ways from the American Legion Auxiliary Program Action Plan that can help a member get started with telling our story are:

  • Build Brand Loyalty of the American Legion Auxiliary through the utilization and promotion of websites, social media, and electronic communications. Branding makes us appeal to the public and they will understand our common goal of helping our hero veterans and their families.
  • Give an Auxiliary Magazine subscription to your local library, doctor’s office.
    • Or when you are done reading yours, cover your address and donate your copy.
  • Distribute brochures at the library, job fair, doctors’ offices, post homes. They can be printed at https://www.legion-aux.org/ or contact the Department office to order copies.
  • Wear your branded ALA apparel and your buttons when you’re out and about. You can order these from Emblem Sales.
  • Know you Auxiliary! You need to know who we are and what we do. This is a must to say your Believe in what we do.
  • Promote your events in any way possible. Word of mouth, social platforms, Newspaper and phone/radio/ podcast/ websites; gather correct and pertinent information with who, what, when, where, why, and how.
  • Radio and television interviews give you a short, allotted time. When interviewed, know exactly what you want to say, so the interviewer is not asking a lot of questions.
  • When submitting newspaper articles, they need to be short, sweet, and to the point. If a newspaper person comes to your event, have a story prepared for them.
  • When using social media, Be Precise. Our American Legion Auxiliary Brand is our identity.

I will be compiling a press book for President Jill. Please send me the whole page of your newspaper article that appears in the newspaper, fliers, and pictures from social media.

Tina Funchion  |  tinasalaemail@yahoo.com | 708-789-2844

National Awards

National Public Relations Committee Page: https://www.legion-aux.org/Member/Awards/Public-Relations-Committee-Awards

Unit Award: ALA Mission Focused Social Media Account

  • Presented to units with active social media accounts
    • One unit per department
    • Must have a maintained account focused on the mission of the ALA
    • Must conform to ALA Branding Guide
  • Materials and guidelines:
    • Document with screenshots/photos of social media postings
    • Social media account URL
  • All unit entries must be submitted via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Public Relations Program (per division)

  • One unit in each division (5) that earns media placements in their community
  • Materials and guidelines:
    • Media placements/coverage highlighting ALA mission delivery.
  • All unit entries must be submitted via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

 

Department Awards

  • BURN’S REEL STARS PLAQUE – for the best Unit Press Book submitted.
  • JULIA’S MUSICIANS PLAQUE – for the best District Press Book submitted.

Personal Awards

  • $10 to the runner up for the Burn’s Reel Stars Plaque.
  • $10 to the runner up for the Julia’s Musicians Plaque.

Awarded at Junior Conference.

  • $10.00 First Place for the most outstanding Media Book by Juniors (Class I and II).
  • $8.00 Second Place for the most outstanding Media Book by Juniors (Class I and II).
  • $5.00 Third Place for the most outstanding Media Book by Juniors (Class I and II).

Resources from National

  • How to Write a News Release
  • How to Develop a Website
  • ALA Brand Guide
  • Public Relations Tool Kit
  • Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here

Department Resources

 

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