REMEMBER that CURRENT YEAR DUES (2024)
have to be paid before back dues.
Need to renew your Auxiliary membership?
Take care of your 2024 membership in three easy ways:
by phone, online, or mail.
Go to www.ALAforVeterans.org,
calling National HQ (317) 569-4570,
or mail in your renewal notice to your Unit.
The Latest Edition of the Empire State News is now available– click HERE!
The 2024 Membership standings are updated as of 4/24/2024
CLICK HERE FOR EVERYTHING MEMBERSHIP
2024 Department of NY goal is 37,415
4/22/2024——————————————————————————————————
The April 2024 Department Newsletter is now available to be download by clicking here or the image below!
If you wish to subscribe to our Dept. newsletter you can:
- Email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com to subscribe by email.
- Send a check for $15 to subscribe by print/mail. This will give you 4 newsletters.
4/12/2024——————————————————————————————————
As of today only 196 out of 469 Units have sent in their 2025 Unit data form for direct billing (Blue form). It is due no later than May 1st to the Department Office. Click HERE to download the 2025 Unit Data form. This form was mailed to every Unit President listed in the National system February 2024. Below is a complete list:
2025 UNIT DATA FORM Check list AS OF 4.12.2024 CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LIST AS OF 4/12/2024.
Please make sure you are filling out the form with the correct information. Here are some issues we have found with the forms that have been mailed in:
- Not writing the Unit and County at the top of the form.
- DO NOT LEAVE THE DUES PORTION BLANK! This will result in your Unit not receiving the correct amount from your members.
- Make sure you are using the chart to fill in your dues rates. (EXAMPLE_ 6.25 + 6.25 doesn’t equal $6.25)
- The address section is for who will be receiving the members dues in the mail. If the wrong name/address is written- this will result in the renewal notices to be sent to the incorrect person and/or address.
Be advised that the per capita sent into the Department Office will be the rate of $28 per senior member and $6.25 per junior member for the 2025 membership year. The total due on the form CANNOT be lower than those amounts per Senior or Junior member. Anything above the per capita will be the Unit portion to keep.
Here is the 2025 Senior/Juniors dues rates* chart to help you fill out your form:
PDF-2025-dues-rate-chart*Your 2025 Unit portion (Senior/Junior) can be higher than that shown on the chart.
<strong>2025 Unit Data form</strong>
If you need to change the dues amounts after May 1st, National HQ charges a $30 fee to update your new rates. If they need to reprint renewal notices, they are $1 per member.
**If there are any updates to the remit to address/name above, you can resubmit this form no later than:
- July 22, 2024 for the September renewals.
- December 20, 2024 for the February renewals.
Please submit any changes in writing, via mail or email. We will not be taking any changes over the phone.
This will be the ONLY way to update your 2025 dues rates and remit to address.
Click HERE to download just the form.
- Letter mailed to Unit Presidents February 2024 (Updated version)
- 2025 Unit Data form (fillable)
- 2025 Senior/Juniors dues rate chart
If you have any questions, please email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com
4/10/2024——————————————————————————————————
National HQ sent a 2024 renewal email to any senior member not yet renewed for 2024 with an email address on file 4/9/2024.
They will also be sending a renewal email to expired senior members with an email address on file next week on Tuesday, April 16th. An expired member is any member not paid for 2023 and 2024, as National already rolled over for the 2025 membership year.
REMEMBER– When processing dues you must pay 2024 dues before you can process the 2023 dues and/or prior years. If you send dues in for 2023 and prior without also sending in for 2024 dues- you will be receiving a credit in the mail.
It is that time of year to submit your Department award entries to the Department Chairman. All awards are listed under each committee in the Plan of Action. Click here to download the Plan of Action for 2023-2024! Make sure you attach a cover sheet to each entry! The award certificate will be prepared using the information you include on your cover sheet. Please print clearly all the information requested.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRMAN BY MAY 1ST.
Deadline for Hotel and dinner reservation is May 1, 2024.
To make a reservation, please call 315-829-3400. There is a block of rooms held under the “American Legion” for $119.00 per night. Please make sure to bring your tax exempt form.
The following information is from the April 2024 eNews. Click here to read the entire enews!
April: Month of the Military Child and Purple Up! Day
Military children face unique challenges and make sacrifices. To recognize this, April is designated as the Month of the Military Child (#MOMC).
Purple Up! Day — April 15 — is part of the month-long celebration. To show support for military children and raise awareness about their sacrifices, people wear purple on this special day. Purple symbolizes a combination of the colors of each branch of the U.S. military: Army green, Navy blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue.
As a major supporter and advocate for veterans, the military, and their families for more than a century, the American Legion Auxiliary appreciates and celebrates these children who give up so much as their service member parents work to protect and defend America, its people, and its principles. Thousands of ALA members and other members of The American Legion Family participate in Purple Up! Day.
New webinar offering: National Poppy Day® in your community
The Friday before Memorial Day is National Poppy Day (May 24 this year). All American Legion Family members are encouraged to participate in activities in their communities.
The poppy was adopted as our memorial flower in the early 1920s, and the tradition of distributing red crepe paper poppies in exchange for donations continues.
Join us in this webinar to get ideas on how you can organize local National Poppy Day events and activities.
You will learn:
- History and purpose of National Poppy Day
- Ideas for activities and events
- How to publicize National Poppy Day locally
Reserve your spot for this webinar on April 18 at noon ET.
Did you know ALA Academy Live webinars are recorded and available online? Here is how you can access past webinars:
- Go to the ALA Academy. *Note: You will need to log in to the website using your ALA member username and password.
- Select “Launch Academy.”
- A new tab/window will launch. If you don’t have a username for the ALA Academy, you will need to create one.
- Select the webinar you want to watch and happy learning!
April – Month of the Military Child
April 9 – National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
April 15 – Purple Up! Day for Military Children
April 18 – ALA Academy Live Lunch & Learn: Celebrating National Poppy Day in Your Communities
April 21-27 – National Volunteer Week
April 22 – Earth Day
April 27 – American Legion Family Day
April 30 – National Military Brats Day
May – Military Appreciation Month
Legion Family Day is April 27
The American Legion Family is encouraged to host events at their post homes every year on the last Saturday of April. It serves as an opportunity to open the doors to members of the community to learn more about our mission and who we are. This is also a great opportunity to bring awareness to the Be the One mission to reduce the rate of veteran suicide.
This day was created through Resolution No. 7 accepted at the 2022 American Legion National Convention.
New Be the One resources for members
The American Legion is aiming to reduce the rate of veteran suicide through its Be the One mission, as well as build more awareness about the issue and identify solutions to help a veteran in crisis.
The American Legion’s newly updated Be the One website is full of information to help Legion Family and community members take part in this mission to save lives.
New Be the One items under the Resources and Media tab:
- Frequently asked questions
- Sample media advisory and press release
- Sample speech
- Social media graphics
- Table banner
- Videos
- Virtual training
4/1/2024——————————————————————————————————
2024 ALA EGS Fundraising Newsletter
Click the link above to see all the ways to support our ALA EGS Program for 2024! This newsletter will cover a few ways Units, Counties, Districts and members could choose to support the 2024 ALA EGS Program – regardless if you are sending Citizens to the program or not. Each option has a deadline, so be sure to be aware of each one!
ALA EGS 2024 Department Convention Package Chance to Win!
3/20/2024——————————————————————————————————
Quick reminders- You MUST process the 2024 dues before paying any prior years- this now includes 2023 dues. Make sure you are using the 2023-2024 transmittal when sending in membership to avoid sending in the wrong amount. The per capita for the 2024 dues are $28 per senior member and $6.25 per junior member. Otherwise for senior members, it is $20 for each prior year that is sent into Department.
To save us time when processing your transmittals, please write the word “rejoin” if a member hasn’t paid their dues in the past few years. Otherwise we have to stop where we are, rejoin the member, then wait 10-20 minutes for the member to be available to be paid. Any member who was last paid for 2022 is now an expired member as they now owe 2 years (2023 & 2024). If a member hasn’t paid since 2021, they are now a former member. National is going to start pulling/printing the 2025 rosters starting on April 1st. If a member is an expired or former member at that time, they will not be on your printed roster or included with your membership cards.
If there are any changes to your Unit roster (name or address changes), now is the time to make changes. Please send them into the Department Office no later than March 25th. National will start printing the 2025 membership rosters and cards after April 1st; anything submitted after that date will not be reflected in the 2025 rosters or cards.
If you have any questions, please email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com
3/6/2024——————————————————————————————————
The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary.
Date: Kickoff March 1st, 2024
PROCEEDS: Awarded equally to support the following
SAL: NYS VA Medical Center Homeless Programs & NYS Veterans Homes.
-
Homeless Veterans are sometimes found living in wooded areas, in cars, under bridges. Some locations, such as abandoned buildings, can pose physical dangers for outreach staff and volunteers. Assisting homeless veterans to find suitable, permanent housing and the support services necessary to help them remain self-sufficient is a number one priority of the VA.
-
There are 4 NYS Veteran Homes operated by the NYS Department of Health and 1 operated by the State University of New York. They are skilled Nursing Homes that provide quality care to all eligible veterans and their eligible dependents in need of skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.
-
Hope For The Warriors has advocated restoring a foundation of Stability, Strength, and Community for military families since 2006 by building on:
o Stability
Financial Wellness Career & Education
o Strength Physical Wellness Emotional Wellness
o Community Connection & Belonging Social Support
The Detachment of New York of NY c/o 2024 Walk-A-Thon
1304 Park Blvd
Troy, NY 12180
Click here to download double flyer.
<strong>2024 Walk-A-Thon</strong>
2/23/2024——————————————————————————————————
The 2025 Unit Data form for direct billing (otherwise known as the “Blue form”) is now available to download. It is due no later than May 1st to the Department Office. Click HERE to download.
<strong>2025 Unit Data form</strong>MAKE SURE YOU ARE WRITING YOUR UNIT AND COUNTY AT THE TOP OF THE FORM! DO NOT LEAVE THE DUES PORTION BLANK!!!
If you need to change the dues amounts after May 1st, National HQ charges a $30 fee to update your new rates. If they need to reprint renewal notices, they are $1 per member.
**If there are any updates to the remit to address/name above, you can resubmit this form no later than:
- July 22, 2024 for the September renewals.
- December 20, 2024 for the February renewals.
Please submit any changes in writing, via mail or email. We will not be taking any changes over the phone.
This will be the ONLY way to update your 2025 dues rates and remit to address.
Click HERE to download just the form.
- Letter mailed to Unit Presidents February 2024 (Updated version)
- 2025 Unit Data form (fillable)
- 2025 Senior/Juniors dues rate chart
Be advised that the per capita sent into the Department Office will be the rate of $28 per senior member and $6.25 per junior member for the 2025 membership year. The total due on the form CANNOT be lower than those amounts per Senior or Junior member. Anything above the per capita will be the Unit portion to keep.
Here is the 2025 Senior/Juniors dues rates* chart to help you fill out your form:
PDF-2025-dues-rate-chart*Your 2025 Unit portion (Senior/Junior) can be higher than that shown on the chart.
If you have any questions, please email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com
The deadline for submitting applications for the American Legion Auxiliary’s Scholarships is March 1st to a local Auxiliary Unit unless otherwise stated. No exceptions will be made. Do not forget the cover sheet. You can download the cover sheet from the department website under the Program>education tab.
Process of Application thru Succession
Please direct any questions to
nyalaeducation@gmail.com for Department Scholarships.
- Education – SCHOLARSHIP COVER SHEET
- Education — SCHOLARSHIP COVER SHEET fillable PDF
- Education – DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP
- Education – DEPARTMENT DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP
- Education – HELEN KLIMEK STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
- Education – MARYANN K. MURTHA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- Education – PAST PRESIDENTS’ PARLEY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP IN MEDICAL FIELD
- Education – RAYMOND T. WELLINGTON JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- Education – THE CERULLO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS- https://www.alaforveterans.org/scholarships/
- Children of Warriors Scholarship Application
- Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship application
- Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Application
- Spirit of Youth Scholarship Application
-
Samsung American Legion Scholarship (ALA Girls/TAL Boys State)
- Scholarships offered by The American Legion
- The American Legion Veterans Education Center
-
ALA Member Role with National Scholarships
-
ALA SCHOLARSHIPS FAQ
2/21/2024——————————————————————————————————
The February 2024 Department Newsletter is now available to be download by clicking here or the image below!
If you wish to subscribe to our Dept. newsletter you can:
- Email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com to subscribe by email.
- Send a check for $15 to subscribe by print/mail. This will give you 4 newsletters.
The 2025 Unit Data form for Direct Billing (otherwise known as the blue form) will be posted as a fillable PDF by the end of the month. This will also be mailed to the current Unit President as well. More information will be posted with the form to help every Unit fill out their form correctly. It is due back to the office-even if there are no changes– no later than MAY 1, 2024. Please keep an eye out for the form in the mail and on our website. Any questions, please email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.
2/2/2024——————————————————————————————————
The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary.
Date: Kickoff March 1st, 2024
PROCEEDS: Awarded equally to support the following
SAL: NYS VA Medical Center Homeless Programs & NYS Veterans Homes.
-
Homeless Veterans are sometimes found living in wooded areas, in cars, under bridges. Some locations, such as abandoned buildings, can pose physical dangers for outreach staff and volunteers. Assisting homeless veterans to find suitable, permanent housing and the support services necessary to help them remain self-sufficient is a number one priority of the VA.
-
There are 4 NYS Veteran Homes operated by the NYS Department of Health and 1 operated by the State University of New York. They are skilled Nursing Homes that provide quality care to all eligible veterans and their eligible dependents in need of skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.
-
Hope For The Warriors has advocated restoring a foundation of Stability, Strength, and Community for military families since 2006 by building on:
o Stability Financial Wellness Career & Education
o Strength Physical Wellness Emotional Wellness
o Community Connection & Belonging Social Support
The Detachment of New York of NY c/o 2024 Walk-A-Thon
1304 Park Blvd
Troy, NY 12180
1/31/2024——————————————————————————————————
Handouts and Sessions from our 2024 Mid-Winter Conference are now available by clicking the banner above or clicking here.
Congratulations to our newly elected Honorary Junior Department Officers! They were just installed by our ALA National President Lisa Williamson!
| 2024-2025 | Honorary Junior Officers | for the Dept. of NY |
| Department Junior Chairman 2023-2024 |
Julianne Barton | Onieda County, 5th District |
| Honorary Junior Dept. President |
Isabelle Shanno | Rensselaer County, 3rd District |
| Hon. Jr. Vice President | Keira Blackmer | Onondaga County, 5th District |
| Junior Secretary/Treasurer | Peyton Burdick | Oneida County, 5th District |
| Junior Chaplain | Faithanne Nashton | Oneida County, 5th District |
| Junior Historian | Ailie Hagerty | Oneida County, 5th District |
| Junior Sgt. At Arms | Rilie Hagerty | Oneida County, 5th District |
| Honorary Past Jr. President |
Faithanne Nashton | Oneida County, 5th District |
1/12/2024——————————————————————————————————
Click here to download the Homecoming flyer.
1/10/2024——————————————————————————————————
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marion’s memory to the American Legion Auxiliary, 23 Pleasant Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or the Methodist Church Food Pantry Ministries, 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
1/3/2024——————————————————————————————————
The deadline for hotel reservations is January 5, 2024.
Make your hotel reservations by click the link here:
Book your group rate for American Legion Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference 2024
Register online through Zeffy by clicking the link below:
Make sure to select “other” under the Summary on the checkout page. Otherwise you will be charged an additional fee.
Donation form powered by Zeffy:
12/23/2023——————————————————————————————————
12/11/2023——————————————————————————————————
The Mid-Winter Conference call is now available to download HERE.
This year’s Mid-Winter Leadership Conference will allow you to personalize your learning, build upon your experiences and knowledge, and allow you opportunities to learn from others! It will be held at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12205. Rooms will be $114.00 per night (single, double, triple, or quad). Please call the hotel reservation number at 518-458-8444 to make your reservations. As always, you will need to present your tax-exempt form ST-119.5 completely filled out and signed with an original signature at the time of check-in. The deadline for hotel reservations is January 5, 2024.
Make your hotel reservations by click the link here:
Book your group rate for American Legion Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference 2024
There will also be the annual Junior Meeting and Elections organized by the Department Junior Activities Chairman Julianne Barton. A separate Junior member registration form is also enclosed. Juniors will be holding elections, making pocket flags, and participating in a variety of activities throughout the day.
The cost of the two-day conference will be $50.00 and this includes the SAVE Workshop Friday evening, equipment rental fees, room rental fees, conference printing expenses, and Saturday breakfast with our ALA National President Lisa Williamson.
New this year will have the opportunity for members to participate in a Community Service Event. PS I Love You Day is a day that raises Suicide awareness through education and spreading love. Participants will pay $20 to help offset the cost of supplies and then will work together to assemble PS I Love You Packs that will be delivered to VA Hospitals throughout the state in honor of PS I Love You Day which is celebrated the second Friday in February!
Please see the schedule for an overview of the revised Mid-Winter Conference
schedule. Complete the attached information form/question sheet and return to the department office WITH PAYMENT no later than January 5, 2024.
Friday Registration Opens at 5:00pm.
Events include: Member Mingle, SAVE Workshop
Saturday Registration Opens at 7:30am
Events Include: Breakfast Buffet, 4 classroom style workshops (9am-3:15)
Optional *add on* Community Service Event ($20.00)
Please complete the forms below and return to the Department Office WITH PAYMENT
no later than January 5, 2024. New this year we are hoping to have an online registration and payment option available! An announcement will be made on Facebook and will be posted on the announcements page if this becomes available.
STAY TUNED!
12/8/2023——————————————————————————————————
pdf December Poppy Newsletter
11/28/2023——————————————————————————————————
|
|
Today is the day of global giving: GivingTuesday. Let’s go back in time and revisit the history of this day. GivingTuesday was first introduced in 2012 by New York cultural and community center, 92nd Street Y, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Originally, the idea was conceived in reaction to the consumerist holidays of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. What started as a humble idea quickly gained traction, becoming a worldwide phenomenon. In 2015, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation participated in GivingTuesday for the first time, launching the “I Give Because” campaign. We took the campaign on the road to the ALA National Convention and the members attending in Baltimore that year showed up in a big way. You can read more about it in the November 2015 issue of Auxiliary magazine here. Since 2015, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation has received 4,036 gifts totaling $318,920 for GivingTuesday. In a time when people are preoccupied with material consumption and holiday shopping, it’s important to remember that there are opportunities to serve and do good. One of the easiest ways to do that is by giving a financial gift in honor of someone who inspires you to make a positive change in the world. You can donate to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation on GivingTuesday by visiting us here or by texting HONOR to 1-844-940-3450. Make this GivingTuesday one to remember by doing something selfless. Don’t overthink it. As long as you make an effort to give back, you’re on the right track. To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, visit www.ALAFoundation.org. |
11/20/2023——————————————————————————————————
The November 2023 Department Newsletter is now available to be download by clicking here or the image below!
If you wish to subscribe to our Dept. newsletter you can:
- Email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com to subscribe by email.
- Send a check for $15 to subscribe by print/mail. This will give you 4 newsletters.
November 2023 Newsletter-1
11/15/2023——————————————————————————————————
The last chance to change the remit to address for the February renewal notices is December 27th. Anyone not paid for 2024 by January 2nd will receive the 2nd notice in the mail Mid- February. As a reminder- Units should not only rely on the notices sent from National. Units should be reaching out to their members in addition to the national emails and paper notices.
If the remit to address/receiver needs to be updated- please fill out a new 2024 Unit Data form. We will not accept any changes over the phone. If you need to update the dues amount- National will charge a $30 fee in order to update the amount each member owes the Unit.
2024 UNIT DATA FORM FOR RENEWAL NOTICES FILLABLE PDF (BLUE FORM)
11/8/2023——————————————————————————————————
The National November 2023 eNews:
To our heroes: Thank you for your service!
Join us for the Veterans Day of Giving on Nov. 11
As Veterans Day approaches, we have a unique opportunity to come together as a community to honor and support the heroes who have selflessly served our nation. Their dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to our country deserve our deepest gratitude.
This Veterans Day, we’re launching a special campaign, Veterans Day of Giving, to give back to those who’ve given so much. It’s our chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of our veterans, and we’re reaching out to you for your support.
Why Your Support Matters
Our veterans have faced challenges most of us can only imagine. Many have returned from service with physical and emotional scars, struggling to transition back to civilian life. Your contribution can help provide essential services such as healthcare, housing, job training, and more. It’s a way to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.
How You Can Help
Make a Donation: Your financial contribution, no matter the amount, will go a long way in supporting veterans in need.
Volunteer: Give your time and skills to organizations like the American Legion Auxiliary that assist veterans in your community.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media to raise awareness.
Join Us on Veterans Day
On Nov. 11, we encourage you to join us in paying tribute to our veterans. Let’s show them that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that our community stands by their side by making a gift to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund in honor of a servicemember in your life. The ALA Foundation Board of Directors will match the first $6,000 received. You can give online here or text VETERAN to 1-844-940-3450.
To learn more about the Veteran Projects Fund, visit www.ALAFoundation.org/grants.
Time for the American Legion Auxiliary to celebrate!
On Nov. 10, the American Legion Auxiliary will celebrate 104 years of service! We thank our members, volunteers, and donors for all they have done to help our organization serve veterans, military, and their families for more than a century. Because of your commitment, the ALA will continue our legacy of Service Not Self.
Understanding the difference between ALA National Security and VA&R
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Do you find yourself wondering if an activity falls under ALA National Security or Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation? Are you looking for guidance on how to properly report these activities? Join us Thursday, Dec. 7, at noon EST for a 30-minute informative webinar on the differences and similarities between our National Security and VA&R programs. Led by Pam Ray and Ann Rehbein, the ALA national committee chairs for VA&R and National Security, this webinar will explore similarities and differences between the two programs. Whether you volunteer at a local VA, military installation, or in your community supporting military, veterans, and their families, this is a must-attend event. Attendance to this webinar is FREE, but pre-registration is required. Secure your spot today! We look forward to having you join us Dec. 7! |
Apply by Dec. 15 to serve on a 2024-2025 national ALA committee
The application process for 2024-2025 national committee appointments is now open. National committee chairs and members are appointed annually and confirmed by the National Executive Committee to serve on a wide variety of ALA committees for you to explore. The goal is to match skill sets and talents that best complement the Auxiliary’s mission of serving veterans, the military, and their families. You need not have served as an officer in your district or department to be eligible for an appointment, and our male spouse ALA members are welcome to apply. The application window is through Dec. 15. Apply now!
Nov. 28 is the last day to sponsor a wreath for 2023!
Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 16. On that day, more than 2 million wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves across local, national, and military cemeteries, as well as veterans’ memorials and historic sites. We encourage members of The American Legion Family to participate.
American Legion Auxiliary and Wreaths Across America have entered a partnership that supports both organizations’ common missions.
There are two ways you can take part in Wreaths Across America Day:
- Sponsor wreaths. Help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths.
- Volunteer as a Sponsorship Group. ALA units can take part in the Wreaths Across America Sponsorship Group Program. Units that register as a “$5 back group” will earn $5 for every $17 sponsorship earned — allowing the donor to essentially “do good twice” and support both programs and missions. As a volunteer Sponsorship Group, you will be responsible for networking within your local community to gather wreath sponsorships. You will select at least one cemetery to support as a group, whether that’s Arlington National Cemetery or another cemetery in your state or within your local community.
Wreath sponsorships must be placed by Nov. 28 to be guaranteed for delivery.
‼️Important note: ALA poppy funds cannot be used for wreaths.
For more information click here for the rest of the November 2023 eNews
10/31/2023——————————————————————————————————
Important notice re_Be the One
Important notice re_Be the One
Be the One Talking Points
Be the One Talking Points
10/26/2023——————————————————————————————————
6th District Event
10/25/2023——————————————————————————————————
The following Counties are still missing their County Committee Lists. We are trying to send out our Empire Girls State packets out to the County EGS Chairperson as soon as possible. An email will be going out to the last known County President and current District Presidents.
UPDATED 11/8/2023
|
Chemung |
| Clinton |
| Essex |
| Franklin |
| Fulton |
| Hamilton |
| Montgomery |
| Otsego* |
| Rensselaer |
| Rockland |
| Schuyler* |
| Steuben |
| Sullivan |
| Tioga* |
| Tompkins* |
| Ulster |
| Wayne |
*EGS Chairman confirmed through 6th District Directory.
10/19/2023——————————————————————————————————
The County and Unit Legislative report forms have now been corrected.
| Legislative | COUNTY | UNIT |
10/17/2023——————————————————————————————————
On the updated transmittals- the column where it states “write the word New/Rejoin” that is for members who are either new members or members who haven’t paid their dues in 3 plus years. If you are just paying their 2024 dues- please just put a “X” or check mark in the 2024 renewal column. Otherwise we have to check each name to make sure it is not in fact a rejoin before we start processing the transmittal.
WORD TRANSMITTAL 2024
10/16/2023——————————————————————————————————
November’s Late Night Leadership Save the Date!
Interested in learning more about the National Organization?
Have a question you have always wanted to ask?
Curious about their path to becoming the American Legion Auxiliary National President?
Come to Rock the night away with a few ALA Rockstar’s! Several ALA National Presidents will be joining us to answer your questions, share their love for the ALA, and help us grow and learn as a department!
Watch the video below to learn more about who will work with us on 11/13/23 at 7pm EST. (zoom link to follow)
Have a question you would love to ask?
Please submit questions for the PNP Rockstar’s here! (if time allows, we will open up questions from the floor): [https://forms.gle/wXUrq3KRP3wCTRi28]
The fun kicks off at 7pm on November 13, 2023! (Zoom link to follow)
10/11/2023——————————————————————————————————
From Carley Schutz, National HQ-
The National Executive Committee (NEC) approved an increase for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) grants in February. The new grant amount took effect at the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year, Oct. 1. The updated grant award is $3,000 for ALA members who have been affected by a natural disaster or other crisis and need urgent financial assistance.
The increase from $2,400 to $3,000 is a result of the rising cost of living and inflation. These rising costs impact millions of Americans, making it increasingly difficult for them to attain economic security. In July 2023, consumer prices were 3.2% higher than the year before. This has increased the cost of goods and services, making it more difficult for families to afford their basic needs.
The updated applications are attached and can be found on the ALA website here. Please distribute them to your units so we can help as many members in need as possible. We will no longer accept outdated applications.
Click here to download the AEF_Hardship Application_10.02.23
AEF_Hardship Application_10.02.23-fClick here to download the AEF_Disaster Application_10.02.23
AEF_Disaster Application_10.02.23-fAll this information has been updated under the Programs> Auxiliary Emergency Fund Tab.
10/3/2023——————————————————————————————————
Deborah Morris’s address in the Plan of Action is incorrect under- Committee Chairman and under her committee constitution and bylaws. It is correct under PDP.
Her correct zip code is 13308.
Click the links below to download the corrected Constitution and Bylaws section:
- Constitution & Bylaws Resolutions-2023-2024 Plan of Action
- Constitution & Bylaws Resolutions- transmittal form
- CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS- 2024 COUNTY REPORT FORM
- CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS RES.- 2024 UNIT REPORT FORM
There were many requests for additional information and tips on using ALAMIS as a result of the 2023 ALA MidWinter Conference as well as from our online feedback form. Because of this, Debbie Morris has agreed to lead a workshop 2 different times.
10/2/2023——————————————————————————————————
The paid up for life was updated by National. The PUFL fee rate chart has not changed since September 1, 2014. **
PUFL_application_UPDATED 7/21/2023– PDF
PUFL_application Revised 07.21.20239/21/2023——————————————————————————————————
The September 2023 Department Newsletter is now available to be download by clicking here!
If you wish to subscribe to our Dept. newsletter you can:
- Email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com to subscribe by email.
- Send a check for $15 to subscribe by print/mail. This will give you 4 newsletters.
September 2023 Department Newsletter Final 09.20.2023
9/20/2023——————————————————————————————————
The American Legion Family College- Empire Girls State committee pages (under the programs tab above) are now updated with their individual Plan of Action sections. All forms are fillable PDF’s for your convenience. The rest of the committees will be up by Monday.
9/18/2023——————————————————————————————————
Have you considered
applying for a grant from
the American Legion
Auxiliary Foundation?
What really happens
when you fill out an
application? Join us to
learn from the ALA
Development Team at
ALA NHQ about the
process and answer
questions!
September 27th at 12pm
September 27th at 7pm
9/13/2023——————————————————————————————————
The following Counties are still missing their County Committee List and/or Officer form.
| County |
| Allegany |
| Bronx |
| Chemung |
| Chenango |
| Clinton |
| Essex |
| Hamilton |
| Monroe |
| Montgomery |
| Otsego |
| Putnam |
| Queens |
| Rensselaer |
| Richmond |
| Saratoga |
| Schuyler |
| Steuben |
| Sullivan |
| Tompkins |
| Ulster |
Please use the links below to send in your list as soon as possible. It was due to the Office by August 1st and it is now September.
- 2023-2024 COUNTY FORM (fillable)Replacing County “white card”
- 2023-2024 County Committee List (Excel) Same as last year
9/8/2023——————————————————————————————————
Since there is no Fall Conference tour this year, our Department Officers have made videos for our members to watch at their convenience by visiting the page below!
Fall Conference 2023
Every Unit, County, District, Committee Chairman, PDP will be receiving a copy of the Plan of Action at their Fall Conference. If you would like to order a copy, click here to download the form.
A one-day commitment can increase your service to veterans, military, and their families
We invite you to spend a Saturday learning, connecting with fellow members, and enjoying one of five cities. This one-day interactive event will allow attendees to share ideas, learn more about working the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, and network with others who share the same passion for service.
The informative content will focus on:
Service for veterans/active-duty Family support Community Youth development
Past attendees have returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, creative ideas, and new friends in the ALA. 
Register for an ALA Mission Training today! https://cvent.me/ZKAnvO?RefId=Facebook
Registration is also open for National Junior Meetings that will be held at the same time in the same city.
Providence, Rhode Island:
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Marriott Providence Downtown
1 Orms Street, Providence, RI 02904
Providence Registration Click Here
NEW THIS YEAR therapy dogs 
and their handlers will be onsite to talk about how canines assist veterans!
ALA Juniors have the opportunity to increase their leadership skills, meet other Juniors, and have a fun Saturday learning more about the ALA mission.
This meeting is unlike a school day. This is a Saturday to make new friends, do crafts, play games, and more.
Juniors will have so much fun, they won’t realize they are building skills.
Don’t let your Junior miss out on this opportunity, register for one of the five National Junior Meetings today! These meetings are held at the same time and in the same city as Mission Trainings.
Register now! https://cvent.me/ZKAnvO?RefId=Facebook
9/6/2023——————————————————————————————————
The 2023-2024 Membership reports are now available.
PUFL members will be processed by National HQ following National Convention. As of 9/6/23- PUFL’s with a last name starting with “A thru P” have been processed yesterday 9/5/23.
Effective with the 2024 dues- Transmittals cannot be larger than 50-55 senior members. We can only process 55 senior dues for 2024 dues year at a time. This is due to the increase in dues. The Department cannot exceed $1,000 in a single transaction.
If there are 55 seniors it’s a total of $990.00 (55 x $18).
You can send in more than one transmittal at a time. Remember ONE check per transmittal. Do not put multiple transmittals on one check.
2024 dues are available to be paid- renewals can be sent in around Mid-July. ALL new members and rejoins for 2024 must be held until September 1, 2023. If sent in before that date, they will be processed for 2023, and automatically owe 2024.
The Plan of Action will be uploaded as soon as we receive our digital copy from the printer. Each committee will then be broken down and will be available to download as well. All forms will then converted into fillable PDF’s for your convenience. All should be available by the end of the month.
8/30/2023——————————————————————————————————
It is with great sadness to inform you that Past Department Secretary and Past Dept. President Juanita “Terry” Lochner (1994-1995) passed away Tuesday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. As the arrangements are made, they will be posted here.
UPDATE:
https://wjlyonsfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/5065/Juanita-Lochner/obituary.html#content-start
8/28/2023——————————————————————————————————
8/15/2023——————————————————————————————————
REMINDER: There are changes to the 2023-2024 Transmittal. We have removed the PUFL (Paid up for life) column. Too many membership chairman confuse a “HLM” (honorary life member) and their “PUFL” members. HLM’s are voted on and paid by the Unit. PUFL member are paid automatically by National HQ right after the conclusion of National Convention. With that, there is no need to write down PUFL members on your transmittals. They will be included in your count towards your goal as soon as National pays them on ALAMIS.
Effective with the 2024 dues- Transmittals cannot be larger than 50-55 senior members. We can only process 55 senior dues for 2024 dues year at a time. This is due to the increase in dues. The Department cannot exceed $1,000 in a single transaction. If there are 55 seniors it’s a total of $990.00 (55 x $18).
Click here for the finalized 2024 Unit goals for the Department of New York.
8/7/2023——————————————————————————————————
The remit to addresses for the September renewal notices are now locked in. Anyone not paid for 2024, not paid by Midnight on August 11th, will receive a renewal notice in the mail Mid-September.
The first membership report for the 2023-2024 year will be posted Wednesday, September 6, 2023. PUFL members will be processed by National HQ following National Convention. They will automatically show as paid on the membership reports. If you have any questions, please email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.
REMEMBER that CURRENT YEAR DUES (2023 or 2024) have to be paid before back dues.
Please remember when you are submitting your transmittals- as you write it- that is how it will be processed. 2023 dues are now to be marked/paid in the prior column using the updated transmittal form. If a member wishes to pay 2024 and was NOT paid for 2023- they can. Just remind them that their join date and continuous years will restart to the date their 2024 dues are paid into the National system.
Please do not submit old version of transmittals. Only the one for the 2023-2024 year as seen below will be accepted. This is to avoid confusion with the 2024 dues increase.
WORD TRANSMITTAL 2024Click the links below to download the transmittal of your choice:
EXCEL TRANSMITTAL (please print in Portrait)
Membership cards were distributed at Department Convention in Westchester, July 19th. If no one was there from your Unit, it was given to your County. If no one was there from your County, please contact your District President.
Remember National printed the membership cards as of April 1, 2023. Any updates, transfers or new members added after that date WILL NOT be reflected on your printed membership rosters or printed 2024 cards. Please email the Department office @ nyalamemberdata@gmail.com for an updated roster or to verify if your changes were made.
-
Applications should be COMPLETE when mailed into the department office. The following is the only acceptable eligibility: Only Female Veterans can join under their own service. Otherwise the relationship to the Veteran can be their Spouse (Male or Female), Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter, or Granddaughter. Do not send in the Veterans service records to show eligibility. Once the Post Adjutant or other Legion Officer reviews the documents and signs off on the application; the Department office does not need to review the documents. If mailed in– they will be destroyed*
Direct descendants (Great-Granddaughters) are NO longer accepted to comply with the IRS (Oct. 2019). If using older applications, please circle Daughter or Granddaughter.
7/27/2023——————————————————————————————————
Karen D. St.Hilaire, 2023-2024 Department President
The 2023-2024 Department Presidents Project is Hope For The Warriors.
For More information click HERE!
For those unable to attend the Department Convention, here is the links to download the 2022-2023 Book of Reports and the Department Chaplains Memorial Service Booklet.
Click HERE to download the 2022-2023 Book of Reports
2022-2023 Book of Reports FINALClick HERE to download the Memorial Service Booklet
Chaplain-Memorial Service booklet 23 FINALBelow are the Close of books standings as of 6/21/2023 for Department Awards. If a Unit or County reached 100% goal or more, their 100% ribbon was placed in their membership packet given out at Department Convention.
PDF 2023 NUMERIC OBJECTIVE AS OF 6.21.2023 CLOSE OF BOOKS PDF 2023 COUNTY OBJECTIVE AS OF 6.21.2023 CLOSE OF BOOKS PDF 2023 DISTRICT OBJECTIVE AS OF 6.21.2023 CLOSE OF BOOKS PDF 2023 CLOSE OF BOOKS-UNITS @ 100%
7/12/2023——————————————————————————————————
2024 Dues are available to be paid. REMEMBER- The dues increase takes effect with the 2024 dues payments.
Take care of your 2024 membership in three easy ways:
by phone, online, or mail.
Go to www.ALAforVeterans.org,
calling National HQ (317) 569-4570,
or mail it directly to your Unit.
2024 membership cards will be distributed at the Department Convention next week. If there is no one present from your Unit, they will be given to your County. If there is no one present from your County, they will be given to your District.
There are changes to the 2023-2024 Transmittal. We have removed the PUFL (Paid up for life) column. Too many membership chairman confuse a “HLM” (honorary life member) and their “PUFL” members. HLM’s are voted on and paid by the Unit. PUFL member are paid automatically by National HQ right after the conclusion of National Convention. With that, there is no need to write down PUFL members on your transmittals. They will be included in your count towards your goal as soon as National pays them on ALAMIS.
ONLY use the transmittals with the 2023-2024 at the top. This will reduce the confusion with the 2024 dues increase.
SAMPLE:
WORD TRANSMITTAL 2024Click the links below to download the transmittal of your choice:
EXCEL TRANSMITTAL (please print in Portrait)
If you have any questions, please email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com .
7/3/2023——————————————————————————————————
Empire Girls State is now in session. Click HERE or the image above to keep up with their daily blogs of everything happening.
6/1/2023————————————————————————————————————
4/20/2023———————————————————————————————————–
The April 2023 newsletter is now available to download here.
APRIL 2023 NEWSLETTER FINAL 4.19.23 (1)FINAL
Below is the form discussed under Constitution and Bylaws:
- Standing Rules #1 & #2 ONLY (Per Capita change) NEW April 2023
- IMPORTANT SUBMISSION CHANGE: As of Department Executive meeting held April 1-2, 2023, there has been much discussion as to how Units need to forward their Constitution & Bylaws / Standing Rules to this chairman. In an effort to further simplify submission of “Standing Rules ONLY” the department has enhanced the form to include a space for the Unit name, number, and contact information. There is also a line that states “Unit approved date.” Additionally, there are 2 signature lines, one for the President and one for the Secretary. At the very bottom of the page, there will be a space for me as the chairman to sign and date if submission is being forwarded to the department office as “reviewed.” Otherwise, I will be contacting the person whose information is noted on the “Transmittal Sheet.”
- Standing Rules #1 & #2 ONLY (Per Capita change) (FILLABLE)NEW April 2023
- Standing Rules #1 & #2 plus one blank page (fillable)
- Standing Rules #1 & #2 plus two blank pages (fillable)
- Standing Rules #1 & #2 plus three blank pages (fillable)
- If you need more room for your standing rules, please email the office.
Need American Legion Family membership applications? We have two versions available – color and black-and-white – available for download. We created the black-and-white version to be printer friendly from your home office.
————————OLDER POSTS left for reference———————–
FROM THE NATIONAL FACEBOOK PAGE:
MISSION OUTREACH VS. MISSION AWARENESS: We’d like to provide some clarity on recent questions we’ve received about counting volunteer hours:
9/28/2021————————————————————————————-
From the Department Office-
Applications should be COMPLETE when mailed into the department office. The following is the only acceptable eligibility: Only Female Veterans can join under their own service. Otherwise the relationship to the Veteran can be their Spouse (Male or Female), Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter, or Granddaughter. Do not send in the Veterans service records to show eligibility. Once the Post Adjutant or other Legion Officer reviews the documents and signs off on the application; the Department office does not need to review the documents. If mailed in– they will be destroyed*
Direct descendants (Great-Granddaughters) are NO longer accepted to comply with the IRS (Oct. 2019).
Please remember when submitting older applications, make sure the applicant has circled DAUGHTER or GRANDDAUGHTER- not check off direct descendants. We can no longer select direct descendants as seen below:
If they do not fall under one of the selections above, we cannot enter them into the system at this time.
Same goes with the years the Veteran has served. The applicant needs to check off all that applies, not just check off served after 12/7/1941. If using an older application, please write the word “other” if they did not serve in a time of war– do not leave it blank. We cannot enter them on ALA MIS without this information.
Do not send in incomplete applications. They will be returned to the membership chairman with a credit for the Unit to use on a future transmittal.
Click here to download the latest ALA MEMBERSHIP application shown below
Here is a helpful tool to use when reading your membership rosters or looking at ALAMIS:
If you ever have any questions, please email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com
Click to download new ALA eligibility graphic
Guess what?
Your Volunteer Time Counts!
Did you know that throughout the year it is important to report the hours you volunteer and the value of this time.
Each year the National Organization sets the value of our volunteer time. They refer to a website called www.independentsector.org. While there are different values for different states the national organization uses the average rate so that the reports from each department are consistent.
The Current Estimated National Value of Each Volunteer Hour Is
$31.80
Updated August 2023
Please this when calculating your hours and valued time for any committee report form that requests such information.
In the future you can view the website for more information by clicking HERE.
Help Recognize the Vietnam Veterans
by finding the missing New York Faces
Click on the image above to learn about how you can help honor the sacrifices made by finding pictures of the names listed on Vietnam Memorial from New York who do not have photos linked with their name!
http://www.vvmf.org/wall-of-faces/
Click below to see the names of those who still
don’t have a photo linked with their name.