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Membership in the Auxiliary |
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The Auxiliary's Membership program conducts ongoing recruiting to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the organization. Unit members work diligently to publicize and promote the benefits, objectives and activities of the Auxiliary and seek out those eligible women who might be interested in membership and active involvement in Unit activities. Units, Departments, and Divisions vie in friendly competition against one another as they work toward reaching their individual and organizational membership goals. QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED…. What is the relationship between The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary? The Legion family includes The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion. Local Auxiliary Units are usually, but not always, affiliated with an American Legion Post through volunteer service and fundraising activities. Most programs complement The American Legion programs. The Auxiliary has expanded some of its programs and initiated others to meet the special needs of women and their families. What is the difference between the Auxiliary and other veteran's organizations? The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest women's patriotic service organization in the world. Affiliate with The American Legion, the Auxiliary is a woman's veterans' service organization with volunteer representation in all 171 VA Medical Centers. Nearly 1 million Auxiliary members in nearly 10,000 American communities provide a rich and varied resource pool of ability, talent and leadership. Who can join the Auxiliary? Membership is open to female veterans and to the wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters or great-granddaughters of Legionnaires or deceased veterans who served in the Armed Forces during World Wars I and H, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, and/or Lebanon conflicts, and the Persian Gulf War. Step-relatives are also eligible. Descendants of veterans (great-granddaughters, etc.) are often presented with junior memberships at birth or during childhood through the generosity of an older relative and Auxiliary member. Many of these young women continue their membership as Senior members after they reach age 18. What do Auxiliary members have in common? Auxiliary members are women of all ages, from all walks of life. They are service-oriented and have a variety of outside interests, activities and lifestyles. They are active in their communities. Auxiliary members share a deep and abiding concern for their fellowman, great compassion for those in need and a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to God, country and community. Auxiliary members are patriots in every sense of the word. Patriotism is not mandated through legislation or instilled by force. It is a chosen characteristic of an individual. A member's primary goal is to serve our veterans, to safeguard and nurture our nation's children and to educate all citizens, young and old, about the benefits, privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship. What are the advantages of Auxiliary membership? The Auxiliary is a highly visible, remarkable organization, with more than 80 proud years of service to veterans and the nation's communities. In addition to the personal gratification and rewards gained in voluntary service, there are many tangible benefits for members of the Auxiliary. Members receive a complimentary subscription to the Auxiliary's bimonthly publication, National News, special Master Card and money-market investment plans, free travel and accident insurance, low-cost life and health insurance coverage, and discounts on interstate moves, eye-glasses, hearing aids, prescriptions and rental cars. Auxiliary members who find themselves without other resources can obtain temporary, emergency financial assistance or money for schooling to re-enter the job market. What types of membership are available? Membership applications can be obtained from local Units, Department offices or National Headquarters in Indianapolis. Members can renew their membership each year or purchase a lifetime membership called "VIM" (Very Important Member). North Dakota also offers a lifetime membership known as ROYAL Membership. This type of membership is open to any member that is willing to pay her membership for life. Many women veterans are members of both The American Legion and the Auxiliary. Where will new members come from? One day a lasting peace may eliminate the need for veteran's organizations like - the Auxiliary. Until then, the Auxiliary continues the battle against poverty, ignorance and numerous social problems in our communities and the nation. There will always be the need for new Auxiliary volunteers who are willing to help with the important volunteer work needed. The Auxiliary seeks every opportunity to attract new members and to tell the nation about the valuable community service work of the organization. The Department Membership Chairman for 2010-2011 is:
Carrie Heinz
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ND Auxiliary Home Page |
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