Poppy_PoppyPoster

Poppy Poppy - Poster

Nat'l Plans of Work

Welcome to Department President Carol Johnson's Cardinal TEAM!
Congratulations on your appointment to this very important committee. Our Department president has chosen a project with its focus on veterans. The Poppy Program also benefits our veterans at two levels. Not only are our disabled veterans paid to construct these tiny red flowers but the work serves as rehabilitation therapy. In addition. the donations collected by units throughout the Department of New York are used on veteran programs and to aid the children of veterans.

Supporting returning and severely wounded veterans is all important at this time with our young men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and constantly in danger of attack. It is imperative that you make the community aware of the history of the poppy's significance and the purpose of its distribution. Work with your public relations chairman to publicize the poppy distribution through the media in your area. Visit schools and tell the poppy story. Promote Miss Poppy and Poppy Poster contests.

Distribution of poppies in your community is an integral part of this program. Place poppy cans in your community and at your American Legion Post. Have a Poppy Day and distribute poppies, be sure to explain how the donations are used. Solicit the help of Junior Auxiliary members. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. We must educate and involve youth in the Poppy Program.

Contact the village/city mayor or town supervisor in your area and ask them to proclaim Poppy Day in your community and print the proclamation in its official newspaper Present a poppy to either of these officials and publicize this by having a photo taken and published by the local news media through your public relations chairman.

Order your Poppies EARLY to be sure they arrive in time for Poppy Day. Orders are to be sent to the chairman accompanied by a check made payable to the Department of New York, American Legion Auxiliary. County presidents are asked to encourage units that need less than the minimum order to join with another unit when ordering poppies. Be sure to store your poppies in a dry location.

Support our veterans by utilizing proceeds from distribution of the poppy. Volunteer at VA facilities with poppy workshops. Encourage units to organize trips to VA facilities to distribute poppy items. Solicit Junior Auxiliary members to help with parties, activities, and making and distribution poppy cards.

Our veterans have given their all for us and it is our obligation to do the same for them. Always remember the importance of making the Poppy Program a success. Unit and county chairmen are the keys to achieving the goals under this program.

Please read the requirements under each Poppy contest and note especially the deadlines for entry. I am asking that all contests be judged at the Unit. County and District levels and the District winners submitted for Department judging.

Be sure to report your activities and accomplishments throughout the year. I want to hear about any innovative or creative means used for poppy distribution or how donations were expended to aid our veterans.

For over 70 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored Poppy Day to remind America that millions have sacrificed their lives and health to keep our nation strong and free. The Memorial Poppy contributions are devoted entirely to rehabilitation and assistance for veterans and their families. On behalf of our American veterans, be sure to thank donors for caring.

Working together, the Cardinal team is sure to score a home-run for our Veterans!

Department Poppy Awards

SENIOR AWARDS
 

Poppy Wreath: You may use poppies without tags, netting, artificial
greens and other flowers make sure the poppy is the dominating flower.
 

Poppy Centerpiece : Use poppies without tags, netting, ribbon, artificial greens and candles. Other flowers may be used, but the poppy is to be the dominating flower. Centerpieces are not to exceed 14" X 14" and be no more than 6" high, except for candles in the display.
 

Poppy Hat:  Use larger and / or smaller poppies without the tags, netting, artificial greens and ribbons. The hat need not be entirely covered with poppies but should be presentable for wearing in the public.
 

JUNIOR AWARDS

Poppy Centerpiece and Poppy Hat : The rules are the same as for the Senior entries.
 

Poppy Tray or Table Favors: Poppies should predominate, other materials may be used.

All Poppies are to be used in their original state - "DO NOT WAX"

Judging for Senior competitions will be at the Unit level, one winner in each category shall be submitted to the County, one winner from each category in the County shall be chosen at the Spring Conference in each District. One winner in each category in the District shall be at the Convention City no later than Tuesday preceding opening session.

Judging for junior competitions will be at the Unit level, one winner in each category shall be submitted to the County. The winner from each category within the County will be sent directly to the Department Poppy Chairman NO LATER THAN MAY 10, 2008.

NATIONAL AWARDS

The National President's Award for Excellence - Unit program must meet all required elements as stated in the Plan of Work including the support of hospitalized veterans and severely injured military service members, getting the word out on the poppy program and raising and distributing poppy funds. Submit Unit entries to Department Chairman by May 10, 2008.

Poppy Corsage Contest - Held annually at Awareness Assembly, each department may submit up to 12 entries. Each corsage should have the name of the creators, their unit number and department.- All funds raised through the voting process will be donated to the National Creative Arts Festival fund. Winning corsages will be used for 2008 Girls Nation. Entries should be sent to the Department Poppy Chairman by Feb. 15, 2008.

Unit Poppy Program Award - A plaque will be presented to the unit chairman in each division reporting the Most Outstanding Overall program as per the goals stated in the Plan of Work. Entry must he typewritten in narrative form not to exceed 1,000 words. Do not include pictures, clippings, scrapbooks, folders, etc.. Units will submit to the department chairman by May 10, 2008.

Best New Poppy Distribution Idea Award - A special award will be given to the unit or department in each division that presents the best NEW idea that increased poppy distribution and raised contributions. Entry must be typewritten in narrative form, not to exceed 500 words. May include pictures (no more than 5) and news articles. Unit entries are to be submitted to the Department Chairman by May 10, 2008.

POPPY POSTER CONTEST
 

1. Contest shall be carried on in schools under the direct supervision of Units. In the event that the schools do not participate, Units may sponsor contests in youth groups providing entrants are not eligible through participating schools or groups sponsored by another Unit.
    

2. Contest shall have 6 (6) categories: 

*Special needs is defined as those students in special special education classes or on a waiting list to enter such a class; a student with an identified disability but not in a special education class for reasons other than wait listing.

3. POPPY POSTER REQUIREMENTS

1. Each poster shall have a fitting slogan not to exceed ten (10) words. The words, a, an, and, the are not to be counted as words. The words "buddy" and "buy" cannot be used.

2. The words The American Legion Auxiliary must be incorporated in the design of the poster, but these words shall not be included in the 10-word count of the slogan.

3. Each poster must carry a picture of the Flanders Poppy in the correct color (four red petals with a center of green and black and no leaves).

4. The poster shall measure 12" x 18" poster board. Drawing paper is not acceptable.

5. The United States Flag may be used as long as there is no infraction.

6. When the Christian Cross is used, the Star of David shall also be used. The Start has six (6) points.

7. The label "In Memoriam" from the veteran made poppy may not be used.

8. Media used shall be watercolors, crayons, powder or oil paint, handmade paper cutouts, ink or cut textures, acrylics, pencils and markers.

9. The Poppy Poster shall be the work of only one person.

10. The name and address of the contestant, with age, grade, County, Department and the Class shall be written in ink on the back of the poster (not attached).

11. No humorous drawings or slogans shall be used.

12. In judging points, the following scale shall be used:
       1. Poster appeal - layout, message, originality 50%
       2. Artistic ability - design and color 40%
       3. Neatness 10%

13. Only the winning entry in each classification is to be sent by the County to reach this chairman NO LATER THAN MAY 10, 2008.
     

MISS POPPY CONTEST

Sponsoring a Miss Poppy Contest can be very effective in focusing attention on Poppy Distribution within your local communities.

There are two (2) categories: Ages 6-12 and Ages 13-18

1. Entrant must be between 6-12 year of age or 13-18 years of age and a Junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

2. Promotional activity of the Poppy Story must be through the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the community.

3. Selection of Miss Poppy is at the discretion of the Unit.

4. A narrative report, not to exceed one hundred (100) words on the "Memorial Poppy" must be submitted.

5. Entrant must submit a Miss Poppy Scrapbook (8-1/2" x 11") containing photographs of nominee in costume and clippings illustrating how she promoted the America Legion Auxiliary Poppy

6. Winning entry in each age group should reach this chairman by May 10, 2008

Both National Miss Poppy winners will be invited to appear at the National Convention immediately following her selection at her own expense. The winners of the National Miss Poppy contest will be awarded $50.00

There is no specific dress code for "MISS POPPY". Units can use their own ideas and colors, but it is suggested you use something that compliments the "POPPY".

Click here for Poppy order forms

Please read them carefully before placing your orders. All orders must have a street address to be delivered - No P.O. Boxes or RD Numbers. Complete the form and forward your order along with your check to  Helethea Roy before December 1, 2007 Please place your orders early.                                                                     

POPPY SUPERVISORS - 2007 - 2008
 

REPORTING PROCEDURE:
Report_Form