Public Relations

Publications Immediately Available Online

The American Legion recently released two new publications for distribution to the public throughout the 2008 elections.  The American Legion, VOTE America ’08, Guide to Promoting the “Get Out the Vote” Program encourages voter registration, voter education and voter participation in all elections.  This pamphlet suggests activities on how American Legion Posts can increase the turnout.  Veterans traditionally respond to this call to become actively involved in the electoral process and are the most likely to cast their ballots on Election Day.  The American Legion’s goal is to encourage more Americans, especially veterans and the military family abroad, to vote.

The other pamphlet entitled, The American Legion, Policy on Illegal Immigration, A Strategy to Address Illegal Immigration in the United States offers The American Legion’s assessment of illegal immigration and a strategy on how to effectively address this issue.  Everyone is encouraged to read and understand this booklet as illegal immigration will be one of the most fiercely contested issues in many state and congressional elections, as well as the presidential campaign.

"Everyone is strongly encouraged to "spread the word" about these pamphlets and their availability for use during the 2008 campaign season."

Both pamphlets are also available for downloading on The American Legion National website. Click on the following link Publications & Resources icon and scroll down the Publications page to the Public Relations section.

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It is important our communities know about the programs and activities of the Units. Talk to the Editors of your local newspaper informing them of what we do. Encourage the papers to include the American Legion Auxiliary in their Community Bulletin Boards. Use TV spot announcements on up-coming activities or special affairs that are being planned. Keep copies of any items in a scrap book in a year-after-year continuation.

Let’s promote our organization through newspapers, television, radio, newsletters, community displays and via the internet. We have a lot to be proud of.

Don’t forget to keep copies of your published articles, including photos from the newspapers. I will need TWO original copies of all forms of media publications; one for President Carol’s Press Book and one for the Department Press Book. If you could tape these to an 8 ½ sheet of paper – banner – date of article – ACTUAL ARTICLE and place in chronological order, it would help put these books together.

To measure articles and pictures measure by column inches. Measure the number of inches down the side of an article and multiply by the number of columns across. For example, if an article is 8” long (must include headline) and 2 columns wide, you will multiply 8 X 2 for 16 inches of publicity

When reporting for 2007-2008 please used the report forms included in this years Plan of Works. The due dates of the reports are on the forms PLEASE ABIDE BY THESE DATES.

Let’s have a very informative and productive year!! COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS in all of our endeavors. I look forward to hearing from you!!

Public Relations Goals:
Internal Communications within Unit/ County:

The Public Relations Chairman for the Unit and County should be included in the planning of all programs, and especially informed of everything the Unit and County leadership are involved in that may be newsworthy. As Public Relations Chairman you should communicate program activities to all members keeping members informed. This is critical to keeping them motivated and active. Utilize all forms of communication and media to actively educate and inform Auxiliary members about new and existing programs.

1. Establishing Unit and County e-mail bulletins as a way to send information to members
    

2. You can assist other program chairmen by creating and providing them with a media kit. Create a list of local media contacts for radio, newspaper, television - - help with the contact of these people. Please note that all of these have web pages, don’t forget to ask them to place your news on their web site.
    

3. Create a Unit/County Web site. If you feel that you can’t do this yourself, form a committee and refer to:
    

As Public Relations Chairman for your Unit/County, your goal is to increase the visibility and public awareness about the American Legion Auxiliary, what we do and what we stand for.

1. Taking  time to create a Public Relations plan. You can refer to the National Web site for instructions and template if you wish. The important thing is to create a strategy to best accomplish public awareness and visibility.
    

2.  When informing the media include Unit/County statistics. For example, number of volunteer hours and money donated. Any information worth mentioning, for e-mail go to publicrelations@alauxiliary.org
    

3. Set-up displays in your local communities to promote the programs of the American Legion Auxiliary and to bring recognition to your Unit/County.
    

The resources listed below direct you to programs and services related to the objectives of the National Public Relations Committee.

"Getting Started in Unit Public Relations" This publication provides guidance for the Unit Public Relations Chairman.

"National News" Our magazine contains a message from the National President, updates from each National Chairman about our programs and features the activities of Senior and Junior members. This publication is free with membership.

“This is the American Legion Auxiliary" This brochure provides information about our programs and includes a membership application.

"Writing Tips" This brochure gives you clear, concise tips on proper writing to improve the professional look of your written work.

The American Legion Auxiliary Public Relations Handbook is available through Emblem Sales for $12.95.
Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manuel (look on line or in bookstores) $13.75 each, normally .

1. Public Relations Handbook, latest edition “slicks”

2. Good PR Equals Membership Success – approx. 16 minute video.

3. PSA (Public Service Announcements) on CDs

4. The American Legion Web site offers Media contacts in local areas

DON’T FORGET OUR AMAZING WEB SITE -
THERE IS A WORLD OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE!!! www.deptny.org 

OTHER INFO TO HAVE:
American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters
777 N Meridian St. 3rd Floor,
Indianapolis, In 46204

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Awarded to the COUNTY with the best publicity book submitted: Must Contain County Publicity only!

Deadline to Department Public Relations Chairman– May 10, 2008.

AWARD – To the Unit with less than 200 members for a press book containing the best publicity on all American Legion Auxiliary Programs.

AWARD – To the Unit with more than 200 members for a press
Book containing the best publicity on all American Legion Auxiliary Programs.

RULES:

1. No special size or type of book is required.

2. It must include the name of the County, District, the Public Relations Chairman and an annual report.

3. Newspaper clippings and published photos are acceptable.

4. Cover sheets must list the Unit name and number and the name of the Public Relations Chairman submitting the book.

5. Unit books are to be judged on the COUNTY level and winner to be forwarded to Mary T. Geer by May 10, 2008.

Mary T. Geer
6822 Route 22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-562-9022
E-mail mgeer@parkercountry.com

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE:

Award Criteria: Unit program must meet all required elements as outlined in the Plan of Works including member communication, program promotion, highlighting Junior programs, and press book development.

OTHER NATIONAL AWARDS:

UNIT AWARD: Program Emphasis

A $50 award to a Unit Chairman in each division for the best three published press releases. National Public Relations Vice Chairman will use these press releases in the National President’s Press Book. Entry must include three different articles, published in three different months (Nov. 1, 2008 – May 1, 2009) and highlight a different ALA committee.

Send nominations to: Department Chairman Janet Mahoney by May 10, 2009

UNIT AWARD: Community Display

An award presented to the Unit with the most unique community display setup in any location other than an American Legion Post home.

Unit should send a photo of the display to Department Chairman: Janet Mahoney by May 10, 2009, with a narrative of less than 250 words, disclosing where and when the display was used, and how and why it was created.

UNIT AWARD: Web Site

A citation presented to the Unit with the launch of a new Web site, created since September 1, 2008.

Web sites will be judged as follows: 33% each for design, ease of use and content.
Web site URL, Webmaster name, and full contact information constitutes an entry. All entries must be post-marked by May 10, 2009 and sent to: Department Chairman: Janet Mahoney.

JUNIOR PUBLIC RELATION AWARD:

A $50 award to the Junior group (department, district or unit) for the best published press or media coverage for a Junior activity or project. Copies of articles, newsletters, pictures of displays promoting the event, or any other examples of public relations may be included in the entry.

Send to: Department Public Relations Chairman, Janet Mahoney by May 10, 2009
Email: mcrazyacres@aol.com.

Click on Nat'l Public Relations Plans of Work 
for more information!

Unit Chairmen:  Please send your reports to your County Chairman by November 1, 2008, March 1, 2009 and May 1, 2009.

County Chairmen:  Please send your  reports to the Dept. Chairman by November 10, 2008, March 10, 2009 and May 10, 2009

Janet Mahoney
Department Public Relations Chairman
Email: mcrazyacres@aol.com.

Mary T. Geer
6822 Route 22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-562-9022
E-mail mgeer@parkercountry.com