Announcements


Need to renew your Auxiliary membership?

Take care of your 2026 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

CLICK HERE FOR EVERYTHING MEMBERSHIP


 

3/4/2026——————————————————————————————————

The 2027 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. The actual blue form will be mailed this week to ALL Unit Presidents on file. (MAILED TBD)

MAKE SURE YOU ARE WRITING YOUR UNIT AND COUNTY AT THE TOP OF THE FORM! DO NOT LEAVE THE DUES PORTION BLANK!!!

2027-UNIT-DATA-FORM-FOR-RENEWAL-NOTICES

 


Please note that it is an actual blue piece of paper will be mailed.

Please do not scan or take a picture of the blue paper and email/fax it to the Office for printing. Printing these scanned versions, even in black & white, uses an excessive amount of toner. Instead, please send the form back through the mail as originally intended.

For your convenience, you can also download the fillable version of the form from the Department website using the links below. You also don’t need to print it on blue paper once downloaded. Plain paper is sufficient. 


If you need to update your dues amount or the address/remit to person (where your members renewal notices are mailed) please update this form and return to the Dept. Office ASAP. No changes will be accepted by phone.  If you need to change the dues amounts after May 1st, National HQ charges a $30 fee to update your new rates. 

If there are any updates to the remit to address/name above, you can resubmit this form no later than:

  • July 20, 2026 for the September ’26 renewals.

  • December 18, 2026 for the February ’27 renewals.

➢ Mail or email only--no changes will be made over the phone.

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 2027 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 2027 Senior/Juniors dues  rates* chart to help you fill out your form:

(THE DEPARTMENT/NATIONAL RATES ARE THE SAME AS 2026*)

dues-rate-chart _1_

*Your 2027 Unit portion (Senior/Junior) can be higher than that shown on the chart. 

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 2027 membership rosters and cards after April 1st; anything submitted/processed after that date will not be reflected in the 2027 rosters or cards.

If you have any questions, please email nyalamemberdata@gmail.com


2/19/2026——————————————————————————————————

The February 2026 Empire State News is now available to download by clicking the image below!

ALA NewsFeb 26

2/11/2026——————————————————————————————————

2/9/2026——————————————————————————————————

 

Please see the document below from National Judge Advocate of The American Legion, Mark C. Seavey regarding DD214’s. The attached document is effective immediately.
 
The Post Adjutant or Legion Post Officer – if the Legion Post Adjutant is not available – must verify a member’s eligibility by reviewing the DD214 and then promptly return the documents to the individual. No copies or electronic records are to be made and-or kept. The only time the Unit Secretary can verify the DD214 is if it is a female veteran joining the ALA under her own service.
 
This information has been emailed out to ALL current County Presidents, Unit Presidents and Unit Membership Chairman on ALAMIS.
 
For God and Country,
Barbara A. Corker
Secretary/Director of Operations

 

ALA DD214 Retention dated 2-4-26


2/4/2026——————————————————————————————————

 

Upcoming Membership deadlines:

  • January 2ND: All senior members not renewed in ALA MIS for 2026 will receive a 2nd mailed renewal notice scheduled to be mailed February 2026. Remember Junior members do not receive renewal notices. Units need to send their own notices out.
  • 2nd PUFL Distribution will be processed in January with distribution of monies to be sent late January/early February. This will include payments for any PUFL members who became a PUFL after September 1, 2025 and was not paid yet for the 2026 membership year.
  • January 31st Membership Rollover: Members not renewed since 2023 will become former members. Members not renewed since 2024 will become expired members.
    • Please keep this in mind when filling out a transmittal. When you don’t write that a member hasn’t paid their dues in the past two- three years- it slows us down processing your membership.
  • As of February 1st, 2026 dues must be paid before 2025 or prior back dues can be paid. This ensures that the members remain current.
  • Any new or renewal applications for ALAMIS access received after January 3rd will be held until National finalizes the Department ALAMIS invoice.  Last year it was the beginning of February. Remember your 2026 dues must be paid before requesting ALAMIS access. 

 

 


 

1/22/2026——————————————————————————————————

Congratulations to our newly elected Honorary Junior Department Officers! They were installed by National President Pam Ray on January 17, 2026!

President Jaedyn Vernacotola Steuben County 7th District
1st Vice President Ailie Hagerty Oneida County 5th District
Secretary/Treasurer Serena Forest Monroe County 7th District
Chaplain Rilie Hagerty Oneida County 5th District
Historian Ziva Yerdon Montgomery County 4th District
Sgt. At Arms Adelle Collins Tioga County 6th District


1/14/2026——————————————————————————————————

National ALA eNewsletter- January 2026


ALA hopes to embolden members to volunteer for

Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service

Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on Jan. 19 provides the ALA opportunities to host or participate in volunteer activities throughout our communities in honor of the Rev. Dr. King. ALA units and members are encouraged to use this day to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of our veterans by volunteering their time, talent, and compassion. A list of the types of activities the ALA can host or participate in on this day:

  • Coordinate a community cleanup — parks, schools, neighborhoods, or cemeteries that honor veterans.
  • Collect and distribute hygiene kits to people experiencing homelessness.
  • Sponsor a food drive for local food pantries or for veteran families in need.
  • Partner with Junior members for a multi-generational service project, such as assembling care packages or making no-sew blankets.
  • Sponsor an MLK Day Reflection Program highlighting the Rev. Dr. King’s commitment to service and equality, tying in the ALA mission.
  • Collaborate with local service organizations (American Red Cross, shelters, food banks) to join large-scale community volunteer events.
  • Deliver baked goods or thank-you baskets to first responders.

For more information, check out the ALA Community Service webpage.


ALA ACADEMY

Register for these upcoming January and February ALA Academy webinars

Mastering Media Presence Locally

When: Jan. 20 @ noon ET

There is a right way and a wrong way when it comes to working with media outlets. We’ll cover some basics to help protect your organization while also spreading the word about your mission outreach activities.

Objectives:

  • Understanding media relations basics — both external and internal
  • Building a relationship with your local media
  • Developing key messaging skills
  • Navigating difficult topics
  • Learn about resources offered by ALA National Headquarters (news release templates, national communications team, etc.)

Click here to register!

***

Wills & Estate Planning: Essential Documents and Practical Guidance

When: Jan. 27 @ noon ET

This session will provide participants with straightforward, easy-to-understand information about the core components of estate planning. The presentation will explain the purpose of key legal documents, common considerations for families of all types, and the practical steps individuals should take to ensure their wishes are clearly documented. Participants will also receive guidance on how to begin or update an estate plan and where to find reliable resources.

Please note: The presenting attorney is licensed in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Minnesota. This session is for informational purposes only and does not include legal advice.

Click here to register!

***

Planning and Hosting a Successful American Legion Family Day

When: Feb. 10 @ 7:30 p.m. ET

The goal is to provide ideas on how to successfully plan, organize, advertise, and host an American Legion Family Day. The webinar will also discuss the American Legion Family Day Citation that ALA National President Pam Ray is promoting this administrative year. After the webinar, attendees should walk away with a list of ideas to help them host an American Legion Family Day event.

Click here to register!


Salute to Servicemembers Award nominations open now!

We’ve made it much easier to submit for the Salute to Servicemember Award! An ALA member/entity simply makes the nomination, rather than the servicemember, to effectively tell the story of why they feel this person is “head and shoulders” above their peers and worthy of this award.

A simple narrative (no more than 1,000 words), a picture of the servicemember (preferably official Department of Defense photograph), and the endorsement from their command group are the only requirements. The nomination form is live now, and you have until June 1 to enter. Click here to fill out the form!

This award acknowledges the servicemember’s contributions that go beyond their military career, displaying their impact on their community. The goal is to have every branch of the military represented: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the National Guard/Reserve.

Do you have questions about what it takes to have a successful submission?

You’re in luck as there is a Zoom meeting open to everyone that will explain the entire form, and you will be able to ask questions. Join us Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET. To register, click here!

If you have any questions before Feb. 3, please email nationalsecurity@ALAforVeterans.org.


Missed one of our webinars? Go to the ALA Academy to view recordings and see what other webinars are coming up. Click here!

Have an idea for an Academy course? Email ALAAcademy@ALAforVeterans.org to send your ideas for potential courses. 

 –DATES TO REMEMBER–
Calendar

January: Poverty Awareness Month

January: National Blood Donor Month

Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Jan. 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Feb. 3: Four Chaplains Day

Feb. 4: World Cancer Day

Feb. 6: Time to Talk Day

Feb. 28: ALA’s Mid-Year National Executive Committee Virtual Meeting

Feb. 28 – March 4: The American Legion’s 66th Annual Washington Conference


1/7/2026——————————————————————————————————

 

REMEMBER THE CURRENT YEAR DUES (2026)
have to be paid before back dues.

2025 IS NOW CONSIDERED BACK DUES.


Process of Application thru Succession


Application due to unit March 1

Certified unit entry due to department Education Chairman by March 15 **DO NOT MAIL TO THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE**

Certified department entry due to division chairman April 1

The American Legion Auxiliary is excited to offer many great scholarships.

Click on the name of each scholarship to learn more and access the application. Please remember that all scholarship applications must be accompanied by a

SCHOLARSHIP COVER SHEET fillable PDF- A cover sheet is required for each scholarship entry. It will be automatically disqualified without it.

DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2025-2026:

 

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.

 

No extensions will be made. Please direct any questions to nyalaeducation@gmail.com


All National Scholarships are filled out on form stack through the National website: 

  • Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
  • Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
  • Spirit of Youth Scholarship
  • Member Loyalty Scholarship
  • The American Legion Scholarships
  • VAVS Scholarship

Please contact Education@ALAforVeterans.org with any questions for the National Scholarships. 


12/12/2025——————————————————————————————————

This could be you at Empire Girls State 2026!

Join Our Team!

Complete our 2026 online Staff Application Form by January 1!

Interested in volunteering for just over a week? Do you want to help make the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State program a success? Consider filling out the application at the above link!

 
 

12/11/2025——————————————————————————————————

January 16-17, 2025

This year’s Mid-Winter Leadership Conference will be held at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12205. Rooms are $117.00 per night. You may make hotel reservations through the link located on the department website under Mid-Winter Conference or this link provided: https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1764340848511&key=GRP&app=resvlink

As always, you will need to present your tax exempt form ST-119.5 filled out and signed with an original signature at the time of check in. Deadline for hotel reservations is January 1, 2026.

There will also be the annual Junior Meeting and Elections by the Department Junior Activities Chairman Cathy Yerdon. A separate Junior member registration form is also enclosed.

The cost of the two-day conference will be $50.00 for Senior members and $25.00 for Junior members. This includes all the conference printing expenses, room and technology rental fees and Saturday morning breakfast.

For more information please click here or the midwinter tab at the top of the page.


This past weekend at the DEC meeting, drawings were held for the Milestone winners:  They are as follows:
 
Milestone #1 – County ($100 to the County reaching 50% by 10/1/25) 
Richmond
 
Milestone #1 – Units ($100 to the Units reaching 75% by 10/1/25)
District 2, Kings County, Unit 1175
District 7, Livingston County, Unit 333
District 9, Dutchess County, Unit 1758
District 10, Queens County, Unit 1946
District 10, Suffolk County, Unit 1146
 
Milestone #2 – County ($100 to the County reaching 60% by 11/11/25)
St. Lawrence
 
Milestone #2 – Units ($100 to the Units reaching 85% by 11/11/25)
District 1, Bronx County, Unit 19
District 6, Chenango County, Unit 348
District 7, Seneca County, Unit 463
District 7, Monroe County, Unit 330
District 7, Cayuga County, Unit 658
 
And, the winner of the Navigators Award – $250 to the County with the highest percentage of goal by 12/7/25 goes to Schuyler County.

 


12/3/2025——————————————————————————————————

 

American Legion Auxiliary
Department of New York
Mid-Winter Conference
will be held on January 16-17, 2026
.

The details will be updated after
the December Exec Meeting 2025.

Deadline for hotel reservations is January 1, 2026

Make your hotel reservations by clicking the link below:

Book your group rate for American Legion Auxiliary Mid Winter Convention

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

  • Marriott Albany for 117.00 USD per night
  • Last Day to Book : Thursday, January 01, 2026

189 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12205


11/26/2025——————————————————————————————————

Reminder the Department office is closed

Thursday 11/27/25 and Friday 11/28/25.


11/25/2025——————————————————————————————————

 
Want to serve on a national ALA committee? The application process for 2026-2027 national committee appointments is open through Jan. 1, 2026! 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. All members are eligible to apply. Learn more by reading the ALA blog: https://www.legion-aux.org/Blog/Apply-today!-2026-2027-ALA-national-committee-appl 

11/24/2025——————————————————————————————————

It is with great sadness to inform you Past Department President Violet Brosart (2003-2004) passed away 11/21/2025. Please keep Vi and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.
 
 
Funeral information:
Wake:
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 from 4 – 8 pm
Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home
4199 Lake Shore Rd.
Hamburg, NY 14075
PH: 716-627-2919

11/18/2025——————————————————————————————————

The November 2025 Empire State News is now available to download by clicking the image below!

ALA Newsletter NOV 25


American Education Week is an annual observance that celebrates public education and honors the teachers, support staff, parents, and all who make a positive impact on students’ lives. It recognizes that everyone — from cooks and office staff to custodians and bus drivers — play an important role in supporting a student’s education. 📚
Check out the National HQ ALA blog to see how you can participate during this important week!

Save the date! 🌟 National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. 🌟
Back in August 2023, the American Legion Auxiliary partnered with Wreaths Across America to strengthen awareness of each group’s common missions. Wreaths Across America is an organization whose mission is dedicated to remembering our fallen U.S. veterans, honoring those who serve, and teaching future generations the value of freedom. Their mission is deeply connected to the ALA’s, as we both work to ensure our heroes are remembered long after their earthly journey has ended. 🇺🇸

American Legion Family members are encouraged to participate in this important day by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or donating. Support the ALA’s efforts through the WAA program at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/amlegaux

 

. Sponsorship cutoff dates begin Nov. 28 — click the link to honor a hero today.

For more information about our partnership: www.ALAforVeterans.org/Wreaths-Across-America

 

11/4/2025——————————————————————————————————

The 2026 ALA MIS access application is now available for download below. Please look at the back of the form for the breakdown of each access level. Anyone applying for access my have their 2026 dues already paid before applying. Current user received an email from the Office with the renewal form. Payments and completed form must be received no later than Monday, December 29, 2025.

Access will be deactivated on December 30th for anyone whose payment has not been received. If you wish to cancel your access, please notify me as soon as possible.

Please note that late payments may result in significant delays. National has implemented a lockout period for adding or reactivating users each January for the past three years until February, so timely submission is strongly encouraged.

Click HERE to download the 2026 ALA MIS ACCESS FORM

2026 ALAMIS ACCESS- APPLICATION


10/22/2025——————————————————————————————————

The first Unit reporting date for the 2025-2026 Administration is November 1st to be sent to your County Chairman.

2025-2026 Reporting dates for Units :

🗆 November 1, 2025     🗆 March 1, 2026   🗆 May 1, 2026


The first County reports are dues to the Dept. Chairman listed on the report forms- no later than November 10th

2025-2026 Reporting dates for Counties :

🗆 November 10, 2025   🗆 March 10, 2026   🗆 May 10, 2026


Click HERE for all Unit and County Report forms. All forms are fillable PDF’s.


The 2026 ALA MIS access form will be available after November 1st. All current users will receive the new form for 2026 to their email listed on ALA MIS. Access is determined by CALENDAR YEAR. You will be billed in November for your upcoming year ALAMIS access. If not paid by December 31st, your access will be terminated. A email reminder will be sent to all current users on or around November 1st. The member requesting access must have their current and the upcoming years dues paid before requesting access. Users requesting a higher level of Unit access will not be pro-rated under any circumstances, the full amount of that access will be billed. 

To learn more about ALA MIS- click HERE.


Are you interested in networking with national leaders and other American Legion Auxiliary members in your ALA division who share your dedication and enthusiasm for supporting our veterans, servicemembers, and military families? 🇺🇸 If your answer is yes, then we encourage you to register for one of the ALA Mission Trainings and bring your Junior members with you, so they can attend the national Junior meetings (held at the same time and location). 👍

Adult members will:
▪️ Explore ways to increase volunteer participation at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs)
▪️ Learn about Honor Flight, Poppy Funds, ALA Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation mission engagement and sponsorship opportunities, and be updated on Be the One.
▪️ Discover youth scholarship opportunities, community service projects, new requirements for the Merit Medallion Award, our Veteran Projects Fund grants, and more.

The Albany, N.Y. Mission Training is currently on a waitlist due to high demand. However, registration remains open for all other upcoming trainings. 🎉 We also still have available spots for each of the national Junior meetings — including Albany! We encourage you to secure your Junior’s place soon!

Click HERE to register!

To register your Juniors, please click the link below. As a reminder, your Junior Auxiliary members, and your SAL members aged 8 – 17 are invited to attend.
Registration is $70 and includes breakfast, lunch and a T-shirt.
 
Do you have Juniors that cannot afford to go? Why not have a Unit sponsor them or hold a fundraiser to help cover the expense of the trip.

ALA National Headquarters partners with SmileAssociate to support Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund 🎓 The American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters is thrilled to announce a new partnership with SmileAssociate, giving members, supporters, and friends an easy way to make a difference with every Amazon purchase. 👏 By simply starting your shopping at the ALA’s SmileAssociate page via www.smileassociate.com/alahq
 

, you can help raise funds for the Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund — at no additional cost to you. Read more on the ALA blog!

Shop now to support the American Legion Auxiliary.

Red button with white text that says 'Shop Now', an arrow icon, and smaller white text that says 'available at Amazon'.
 

Every time you shop on Amazon using the buttion above the American Legion Auxiliary receives a donation … at no extra cost.

 

Shopping for the American Legion Auxiliary is just a click away with our App. Click above to download.

 

Spread the Word – Friends and family can scan the QR Code above to support or share.


10/18/2025——————————————————————————————————

It is with great sadness to inform you Past Department President Betty Jane Light (1992-1993) passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
—————————
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 to 12:30 at the Church of the Good Shepherd Parish Hall in Elizabethtown with a Memorial Service following at the Church at 1:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s honor to the Essex County Veteran’s Cemetery, PO Box 217, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 and to the Elizabethtown-Lewis EMS, PO Box 443, Elizabethtown, NY 12932.

 

Visitation

Saturday, October 25, 2025

10:00am – 12:30 pm (Eastern time)

Church of the Good Shepherd Parish Hall

20 Williams St., Elizabethtown, NY 12932

Memorial Service

Saturday, October 25, 2025

1:00 – 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Church of the Good Shepherd

10 Williams Street, Elizabethtown, NY 12932


9/29/2025——————————————————————————————————

Below is the list of County officer or committee lists that are still owed to Department NOW AS OF 10/8/2025. The County Officer form was due on July 1st. The Committee List was due August 1st. They were both in with the Convention Call mailed to the 2024-2025 County President. We need this information as soon as possible- so the correct members are receiving the information. These are MANDATORY forms that need to be completed. Even if there are no changes from last year, you must fill out the committee list that is provided below.

  1. 2025-2026 COUNTY FORM (fillable)
  2. 2025-2026 County Committee List
    1. EXCEL VERSION
    2. PDF FILLABLE VERSION
2025-2026 COUNTY COMMITTEE LISTS/OFFICER FORMS AS OF 10/8/2025
DISTRICT COUNTY OFFICER FORM COMMITTEE LIST
01 Bronx RECEIVED RECEIVED
01 New York RECEIVED  
02 Kings RECEIVED RECEIVED
02 Richmond    
03 Albany RECEIVED RECEIVED
03 Columbia RECEIVED RECEIVED
03 Greene RECEIVED RECEIVED
03 Rensselaer RECEIVED RECEIVED
03 Schoharie RECEIVED RECEIVED
03 Sullivan    
03 Ulster RECEIVED  
04 Clinton RECEIVED  
04 Essex RECEIVED RECEIVED
04 Franklin RECEIVED RECEIVED
04 Fulton    
04 Hamilton    
04 Montgomery    
04 Saratoga RECEIVED RECEIVED
04 Schenectady RECEIVED RECEIVED
04 St. Lawrence RECEIVED RECEIVED
04 Warren RECEIVED RECEIVED
04 Washington RECEIVED RECEIVED
05 Herkimer RECEIVED RECEIVED
05 Jefferson RECEIVED  
05 Lewis RECEIVED RECEIVED
05 Oneida RECEIVED RECEIVED
05 Onondaga RECEIVED RECEIVED
05 Oswego RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Broome RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Chemung    
06 Chenango RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Cortland RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Delaware RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Madison RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Otsego RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Schuyler    
06 Tioga RECEIVED RECEIVED
06 Tompkins RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Cayuga RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Livingston RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Monroe see committee list RECEIVED
07 Ontario RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Seneca RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Steuben RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Wayne RECEIVED RECEIVED
07 Yates RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Allegany RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Cattaraugus RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Chautauqua RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Erie RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Genesee RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Niagara RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Orleans RECEIVED RECEIVED
08 Wyoming RECEIVED RECEIVED
09 Dutchess RECEIVED RECEIVED
09 Orange RECEIVED RECEIVED
09 Putnam RECEIVED RECEIVED
09 Rockland RECEIVED RECEIVED
09 Westchester RECEIVED RECEIVED
10 Nassau RECEIVED RECEIVED
10 Queens RECEIVED RECEIVED
10 Suffolk RECEIVED RECEIVED

 


9/24/2025——————————————————————————————————

The September 2025 Empire State News is now available to download by clicking the image below!

If you wish to subscribe to our Dept. newsletter you can:
Email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com to subscribe by email.


-OR-

Send a check to the Department Office for $15 to subscribe by print/mail. Please include your name and where you would like it to be sent.

This will give you 4 newsletters.


 

9/17/2025——————————————————————————————————

The 2025-2026 Plan of Action is available to be downloaded in it’s entirety by clicking HERE. All committee forms are now available as fillable PDF’s under their committee page or by clicking HERE.



UPDATES:

The County reporting dates for the following forms are incorrect in the printed POA and the full downloadable plan of action:

  • National Security
  • VA&R
  • WFA
    • The 2025-2026 County reporting dates are:
      • ☐November 10, 2025   ☐March 10, 2026     ☐May 10, 2026

They have been correct under their program tab and the individual report forms.


9/16/2025——————————————————————————————————

Transmittals cannot be larger than 50-55 senior members. We can only process 55 senior dues for 2025-2026 dues year at a time. 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.

Click the links below to download the transmittal of your choice: 

REMINDER: ONLY WRITE “REJOIN” IF THE MEMBER HASN’T PAID IN 3 YEARS OR MORE. OTHERWISE IT IS JUST A RENEWAL-PUT A “X” IN THE BOX.

2025-2026 EXCEL TRANSMITTAL (please print in Portrait)

2025-2026 PDF TRANSMITTAL

2025-2026 WORD TRANSMITTAL


9/10/2025——————————————————————————————————

Thursday, Sept. 11, marks the 24-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. #PatriotDay serves as a remembrance of the lives lost on that September morning. All American flags should be lowered to half-staff from dawn to dusk on Sept. 11.

 


9/3/2025——————————————————————————————————

District Presidents have received the 2025-2026 plan of action by now. They will start to distribute them at the Fall Conferences over the next two weeks. All Dept. Committee Chairman, Past Department Presidents, District Presidents, District Vice Presidents, Unit Presidents and County Presidents will receive one POA. 

If you wish to order an extra plan of action, please contact Dept. Secretary Barbara Corker by email- nyalasecretary@gmail.com. The POA will be $25.

POA request form 2025-2026

The 2025-2026 Plan of Action is available to be downloaded in it’s entirety by clicking the photo below. I am still breaking down the POA by committee and making all report forms fillable PDF’s. They will be available under each committee or by clicking HERE.

If you have any questions, please email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.


Download a complete copy of the

Department of New York Plan Of Action 

by clicking the picture below! 


**Please note the change to the reporting dates for the 2025-2026 administration.  

Reporting dates for Units :

  🗆 November 1, 2025     🗆 March 1, 2026   🗆 May 1, 2026

Reporting dates for Counties :

🗆 November 10, 2025   🗆 March 10, 2026   🗆 May 10, 2026


When submitting an application, please remember the Veteran, if living, needs to be a current member of the American Legion with a 9-digit ID#. Please do not submit the application if they are joining at the same time. Wait until they are given an official ID# from their Post. 

Friendly reminder, when sending in membership at this time of year- please remember the following:

  • You must submit a transmittal that is:
    • In alphabetical order. The name must be as written on the roster- no nicknames. 
    • 55 seniors or less. 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). This is also the reason why our transmittals only go up to 55.
    • One check per transmittal- please do not submit multiple checks for one transmittal. Make sure your check is filled out correctly and signed.
    • ID#’s are required
    • Only write “rejoin” for those members who have not paid their dues in 3 or more years. Otherwise they are just a renewal for 2026. If they haven’t paid in 2 years, they’re an expired member. 
    • Make sure you are using the transmittals that have the 2025-2026 year at the top of the paper. Older transmittals are causing the chairman to submit the incorrect payment. The 2024, 2025 AND 2026 dues year are $28 per senior member. ALL  prior years are $20 per senior. ALL junior dues are $6.25. If you are wishing to pay back dues, just write the year you wish to pay in the prior dues column. No need to send a separate transmittal to pay back dues. 2026 and 2025 has to be paid first at this time of year before we are able to process 2024 and prior back dues.
    • Do not put data changes within the names you have listed on your transmittal. If you must, please skip a few lines, or write it on the back. 
  • Make sure your applications are completed:
    • The applicants information is legible.
      • It should be a complete address with a legible zip code. Do not abbreviate the Town/City- We should not have to look up the address in order to enter it into the system.
    • If the member is under 17, we need a correct date of birth. As long as they will be 17 on January 1st, they will be a Junior member for 2026 dues. If no date of birth is listed, they will go in as a senior member. 
    • If the Veteran is deceased, please mark the deceased box. 
    • ONLY list ONE Veterans name.
    • If the Veteran is living, they must be a CURRENT paid member of the American Legion. We need the following information:
      • Post number, City, and State.
      • Their Legion 9-digit number. Please do not submit the application until the Veteran is given an official ID# by the Legion. 
    • FOR ALL VETERANS- WE NEED:
      • When they served.
      • What the applicants relationship to the Veteran is. If they do not fit one of the boxes provided, please do not send it in anyway. We cannot process it if they are not eligible. DO NOT USE OLD APPLICATIONS PRIOR TO OCTOBER 2019. Please stop using applications with “direct descendants”- these applications are outdated and have not been in rotation since Summer of 2019.
    • The Post Adjutant or Post Officer has reviewed the Veterans paperwork and has signed off on the application. The Auxiliary can only sign off on a Female Veterans ALA application. REMEMBER- the rest of the application should be complete before giving it to the Post before they sign off on it. Otherwise, please return it to the applicant for the required information.

Membership is heavy for the next 2-3 months, please give us time to process all 464 Units membership in a timely manner. If you put it in the mail on a Thursday, please do not call on a Monday expecting your new member ID#’s. Chances are we only received it in the mail on Monday. Please put a note in with your applications for us to email you the ID#’s once processed. If you have multiple questions, please send an email. 

Here are all the forms you will need to have a successful membership year:


Click the links below to download the transmittal of your choice: 

2025-2026 EXCEL TRANSMITTAL (please print in Portrait)

2025-2026 PDF TRANSMITTAL

2025-2026 WORD TRANSMITTAL


Membership Data Form PDF

    1. This form is used for:
      1. Member data changes.
        1. Name changes.
        2. Updating addresses.
        3. Adding contact information.
      2. Marking members deceased.
      3. Transferring members.
      4. Updating members continuous years


8/15/2025——————————————————————————————————

Important Notice: Membership cards were printed by National as of April 1, 2025. As such, any updates, transfers, or new members submitted after that date will not be reflected on the printed membership rosters or the 2026 membership cards.

Please note that if a change, new member, or transfer was received by the Department Office after April 1, 2025, it may still have been processed; however, it will not appear in the printed materials. We kindly ask that you verify the date your request was submitted or mailed to the Department Office prior to inquiring about its status. 

For an updated membership roster or to confirm whether your changes have been processed, please contact the Department Office via email at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.


8/6/2025——————————————————————————————————

Any membership that has been sent into the Department Office in the past few weeks, will be processed by next week. Please remember we have other priorities to finalize that have a deadline that needs to be completed first. We are trying our best to catch up as soon as possible. 

Please be patient with us as we are with you.

 Anyone NOT paid by Friday August 8th, will receive the September renewal notice from National HQ- not Department. 

If there are any changes to the dues remit to address for the February notices, it needs to be updated by  December 19, 2025. The addresses for the September notices are now locked.
➢ Mail or email only–no changes will be made over the phone.


7/25/2025——————————————————————————————————

 Below are the 2026 Membership goals. If you have any questions, please email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.

2026 GOALS-DEPARTMENT

7/23/2025——————————————————————————————————

Congratulations to the Newly Elected officers for the 2025-2026 Administration(l-r):
Department President Maureen Morgan
1st Vice President Lora Rowe
2nd Vice President Yvonne Paccione Brunner
3rd Vice President Julianne Barton

The 2025-2026 Department President Maureen Morgan’s Project is

The Military Women’s Memorial &

The American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State Program.

For More information about the 2 Presidents Project click HERE!


Our American Legion Family helped raise over $90,000 for
President Kim’s Department President Project Homeward Bound Adirondacks!
Congratulations President Kim Quick, now PDP!
 
 
For those unable to attend the Department Convention, here is the links to download the 2024-2025 Book of Reports and the Department Chaplains Memorial Service Booklet.

Click HERE to download the 2024-2025 Book of Reports

 

Click HERE to download the Memorial Service Booklet


Below are the Close of books standings as of 6/17/2025 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.



Below is the 2025 membership standings as of today, 7/23/2025.


The 2025-2026 Membership Goal will be available by the end of the week.

Membership cards were distributed at Department Convention in Syracuse, NY. 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 new District President.

Remember National printed the membership cards as of April 1, 2025. Any updates, transfers or new members added after that date WILL NOT be reflected on your printed membership rosters or printed 2026 cards. Please email the Department office @ nyalamemberdata@gmail.com for an updated roster or to verify if your changes were made.

If you have any questions, please email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.

 
 

 
 
 
7/3/2025————————————————————————————————
 
The 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State is now in session. Check out this great interview from American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State.
 
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/rochester/news/2025/07/02/empire-girls-state-inspires-tomorrow-s-leaders?cid=app_share
Stay in the know—follow EGS on their social media platforms if you haven’t already! 💙💛
 
 
 

6/11/2025————————————————————————————————
This will be the last time the 2025 Numeric, County, and District Objective will be updated until AFTER Department Convention. The Unit Paid Membership report will be updated next Wednesday so every Unit can figure out their delegates for Department Convention.
 

Department close of books will be on June 17th this year. Everything must be received by the 13th in the office for it to be processed and counted. 

 

A friendly reminder- we will still be processing membership all summer long. Do not hold membership until the Fall.  National will be opening up the 2026 dues the beginning of July. Only renewals will be accepted until September 1st. No new members or rejoins will be accepted. If they are received before September 1st, they will be going in for the 2025 dues and will automatically owe for 2026 dues. Anyone not paid for 2026 dues by August 1st, will receive the first printed notice from National in the mail Mid-September. 

New transmittals for the 2025-2026 year will be posted in the next few weeks. PLEASE DO NOT USE OLD TRANSMITTALS>

2026 Unit membership cards and roster will be distributed at Department Convention in Syracuse, NY. If no one is there to represent your Unit, they will be given to your County or District. 

If you have any questions, please email Caitlin at nyalamemberdata@gmail.com.


5/30/2025————————————————————————————————
The 2026 dues rates are now locked. 
 If you need to change the dues amounts National HQ charges a $30 fee to update your new rates. 

2026 UNIT DATA FORM FOR RENEWAL NOTICES FILLABLE PDF (BLUE FORM)

If there are any updates to the remit to address/name, you can resubmit this form no later than:
➢ July 20, 2025 for the September renewals.
➢ December 19, 2025 for the February renewals.
➢ Mail or email only–no changes will be made over the phone.

***Remember- Units should not only rely on the National printed renewal notices. Units should be reaching out to their members independently. Also Junior members do not receive printed notices. 




5/23/2025————————————————————————————————

National Poppy Day®
May 23, 2025

Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The American Legion Family brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day.

On the Friday before Memorial Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.

The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. 

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

Time to make plans for National Poppy Day®

American Legion Family members can help. Use these resources as you make plans for your activities and events. 


5/15/2025————————————————————————————————
 

Congratulations to the National Scholarship winners!

From the Department of NY the following was selected:

Children Of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship ($5,000)

Ryan Leonard, Richmond County

Non-Traditional Student Scholarship ($2000)

Jessie Haskins, Orange County

Spirit Of Youth Department Scholarship ($1000)

Kelly Clarke, Nassau County


 

Congratulations to our Department Scholarship Winners!

All Dept. winners have been notified by mail as well as the Unit Presidents on file.


5/9/2025————————————————————————————————
The 104th American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New York Convention will be held July 16 – July 19, 2025 in Syracuse, NY. Click HERE for Dept. Convention Page.
 

The following are announced candidates, for
Department Office for the Administrative Year 2025- 2026


Department President

Maureen Morgan, Rockland County

Department 1st Vice President

Lora Rowe, Chenango County

Department 2nd Vice President

Yvonne M. Brunner, Nassau County

Department 3rd Vice President

Julianne C. Barton, Oneida County 

Department 3rd Vice President

Patricia A. Galley, Wyoming County

*Please note:  Candidates for Department 3rd Vice President are listed alphabetically by County affiliation.


AUXILIARY HEADQUARTERS: 

Collegian Hotel & Suites*
1060 East Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13210

To reserve rooms and get info on hotels & attractions, go to:

Click the link below to visit the Syracuse Convention page



 

4/25/2025————————————————————————————————

Below are the 2025-2026 Unit and County Officer form as a fillable PDF and the County Committee lists as an excel file and now a fillable PDF. Each form will be in with the 2025 Convention Call mailed to the 2024-2025 Unit/County Presidents in May 2025.  

  1. 2025-2026 UNIT FORM (fillable) 
  2. 2025-2026 COUNTY FORM (fillable)
  3. 2025-2026 County Committee List
    1. EXCEL VERSION
    2. PDF FILLABLE VERSION

4/22/2025————————————————————————————————

Submit Your Department Award Entries by May 1st

It’s that time of year to submit your Department Award entries to the appropriate Department Chairman!
 
All available awards are listed under each committee in the 2024-2025 Plan of Action, along with the Department President’s Awards. Please ensure you are referring to the current year’s awards when preparing your entries. (Link to the 2024-2025 Plan of Action.)
 
🔹 Important: A cover sheet must be attached to each award entry. The information you provide on this sheet will be used to prepare the award certificate, so please print clearly and complete all requested information.
 
 
 
📬 Deadline:
All entries must be received by the Department Chairman by May 1st. Addresses for each chairman are included in the Plan of Action. Do not mail them to the Department Office.
 

For a specific program click HERE


You can’t win if you don’t apply—good luck🍀

 


————————OLDER POSTS left for reference———————–


4/8/2025————————————————————————————————

Here is the revised list of Where to report what for committees per National Headquarters.

Where to Report - Cross Reference updated March 2025

 

6/1/2023————————————————————————————————————

The American Legion passed Resolution No. 13 during the Spring Meetings.
Starting June 1st, 2023,Legion family members are encouraged to wear a “Be The One” item in support of our commitment. ALA members are SO GOOD about wearing RED on Fridays; lets make sure to wear our Be The One merchandise on June 1, and every 1st day of the month! And post it on social media!
You might consider adding it to your calendar until it becomes second nature.
Thank you in advance for your support and commitment!
 
BE THE ONE
To ASK a veteran in your life how they are doing
To LISTEN when a veteran needs to talk
To REACH out when a veteran is struggling
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO BETHEONE.ORG
 


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.

 


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

ALA_Membership_Application_2_

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

ALA eligibility graphic-bold



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

$34.79

Updated April 23, 2025

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.

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:

Wearing an article of clothing does not count toward volunteer hours, much like hours spent flying a flag in your front yard doesn’t count. Volunteer hours should reflect direct mission service and direct impact in your community. Wearing red on Fridays to show your support of our military and veterans is important and encouraged, but it ultimately has little do to with direct mission outreach. Volunteer hours are reported to Congress via The American Legion. Our impact numbers (aka your hours) need to reflect our actual hands-on mission outreach, as Congress uses those numbers when considering funding in the veterans realm. So, by reporting non-service (i.e., wearing a shirt for 8 hours), it misrepresents the actual hours serving veterans’ needs in your community and could ultimately hurt further federal funding as it looks like we are meeting the needs without that additional funding.
Being branded or wearing red on Fridays is truly for awareness of veterans and the mission of the ALA, but it’s just not something that should be reported in your volunteer hours.
Questions? Because each situation re: volunteer hours is unique, please email programs@ALAforVeterans.org so we can answer your questions thoughtfully and on an individual basis.