Junior Activity

JUNIOR ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations to each Unit, and County Junior Activity Chairman.

Each of you has been chosen and accepted the responsibility and challenge to guide our Junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary. They are the future of our great organization and members of the largest women's patriotic organization in the world. As we work together as Seniors and Juniors, we must instill knowledge and understanding so they will be prepared to become active and productive Senior members. It is essential they be taught the proper way to conduct a meeting, nominate and elect officers and be taught the responsibilities of each office. We must update our programs and bring new ideas and suggestions to them.

Teaching our Juniors the right way to conduct their meetings, encourages them to have a clear and better way to accept the  challenge with excitement and a sense of pride by working hard to become successful as Senior members.

Americanism -  All activities relating to American ideals and  to uphold the principles of democracy. Folding the flag  properly, distributing small flags, marching in a parade, when  to salute as the flag passes by and the proper way to  dispose of flags that are not usable. There are a few  activities to stimulate them and allow them to show how  proud they are to be a member of the largest patriotic    organization in America. Please give them this great  challenge.

Children & Youth - Our juniors can relate to other youths by becoming involved with Special Olympics. They can distribute educational materials to their schools or other places on child abuse, drugs and teenage suicide. They can also help out with a reading program. Get Involved. Ask them what is needed in their school or neighborhood. Collect books and toys for homeless children. Remind them to offer a helping hand. Perhaps a test is coming up and someone needs help. Volunteer their time to help.

Community Service - The juniors can work with senior citizens by helping out at day care centers, visiting nursing homes and volunteering at food pantries and shelters. They can adopt a senior citizen, send cards, run errands, walk their pet, mow lawn or shovel snow. They can stop and just chat for a few minutes. A junior member will find this very rewarding and enjoyable when that senior citizen smiles and says "thank you."

Legislation - Instill in our Juniors the importance of their rights as citizens. Watch for new Legislation and have them write their legislator about their feelings, concerns, and discuss at meetings.

Poppies - Seniors should work together with juniors, help them prepare Poppy entries for awards under the Poppy program. Teach them the origin of the Poppy as our official flower. Invite them to assist in the Unit Poppy distribution program.

Membership - Encourage them to recruit their friends from school or neighborhoods. Watch their membership grow within our organization. Have them participate with initiation, installation, memorial and graduation ceremonies.

VA&R /Field Service - Volunteering at the VA Medical Center is one of the main programs of the American Legion Auxiliary. The Juniors can write letters, adopt a Veteran, make favors, gifts for the Women veterans, perhaps read the paper or book when visiting; you will come away with a great feeling knowing you have brought cheer to a Vet.

Public Relations & Publicity - Recognize the hard work of your Juniors. Put articles in your monthly newsletter, utilize the local newspaper, radio, and TV stations giving them credit where credit is due. We all like to be told we have done a good job.

Our Web Site has a bulletin board just for Junior Activities. Tell us what the Juniors are doing -- a page in the "National  News" is also just for juniors.  Special activities sponsored by the Junior group should be photographed and photos sent with their stories to the "National News" editor at National Headquarters.

The Junior Activities Handbook has many suggestions and ideas that will prove to be a big help for each of our programs. Other resources are available to help with their programs. Check with the local library, local citizens of varying backgrounds, volunteer organizations etc.

We need to act as role models and work with enthusiasm for all our programs . Guide them, encourage them, but let them do the work. .

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Mary Lou Platt Award:
To the Unit, County, or District Advisor with the most outstanding report on her Junior Activities, emphasizing American Legion Auxiliary Programs. The report is to be in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words. Cover sheet must include name of Unit, County, and District with the name and Address of the Junior Advisor. Photos, news clippings, etc. may be used. All entries must be sent to Department Junior Activities Chairman - no later than May 10, 2008.

Junior Activities Chairmen are reminded to check the Awards listed under the other Committees. (Americanism, VA&R, Education, Poppies, etc.)
We must encourage our Junior Members to submit an entry.

What an opportunity we as American Legion Auxiliary members have to promote love of God and Country through our Junior Activities Chairmen. Through your expertise and guidance, we will have an outstanding year!

JUNIOR MEMBER AWARDS

HISTORY AWARD - Awarded to the Junior Historian submitting the best History from an organized Junior Group
 ( Unit or County)
All Unit and Junior Histories are to be judged on the County Level and only ONE (1) Junior History in each category from each County is to be submitted. County Histories are also to be submitted to the Department Historian. Rules can be found under the History Bulletin

LEADERSHIP AWARD - To the Junior member exemplifying the best leadership model in the Unit and/or County Level based upon her typewritten report not to exceed 500 words. Report may be typed by a Senior member but it is to be the work of the Junior. Entry to include a cover sheet containing the Junior's name, age, Unit name and number and the County. Cover sheet shall also have a signature of the Unit President and the Unit Junior Activities Chairman.

MEMBERSHIP JUNIOR AWARDS - To the top three (3) Units with the highest numerical increase of New Junior Members by March 1, 2008  (3 - $50.00 Awards)