At the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary National Convention, the national Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee shared details on the new strategic plan. 
 
What’s different about this strategic plan compared to previous versions?
 
First, continuity and accountability. Through experience, we’ve learned that a strategic plan works only if it is actively managed, regularly evaluated, and adjusted when needed. That’s why the 2025 National Convention delegates approved five-year terms for members of the Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee, while still making annual appointments. This approach gives us continuity and accountability.
 
Second, representation and clarity during the planning meetings to develop the strategic plan. Volunteers and staff were very intentional about who was at the table and what their role would be. This included Past National Presidents, National Headquarters staff, and unit-level members who had never served in a national capacity. That mix mattered. It ensured that every discussion included both strategic vision and real-world practicality.
 
The committee’s responsibilities were also defined: Develop the plan, monitor progress, recommend adjustments, and report regularly to leadership.
 
This plan was created to be usable at every level of the organization — from the national president to the unit member — and from large departments to small communities. It is strong enough to guide where we are going but simple enough for every unit to use.
 
For two full days in late 2025, committee members and National Headquarters staff worked side by side. The National Executive Committee, the ALA’s governing board, saw the initial framework and focus groups were held so every department had an opportunity to provide input. The feedback made the final plan even stronger.
 
The strategic plan was voted on by delegates and passed via a show of support at the 2026 National Convention, giving it the green light to be implemented at the national level. 
 
Following are the three areas of focus for the national strategic plan: 
 
Mission is why we exist. Everything begins with serving veterans, military, their families, and our communities. Our goal is not simply to continue the work we have always done, but to make sure our programs are meeting today’s needs, and that we are making the greatest impact possible.
 
Members are how we make that mission happen. We need to make it easier for people to join, easier for them to get involved, and give them reasons to stay. That means looking at the entire member experience — from someone’s first impression of the Auxiliary through opportunities to serve, lead, and grow.
 
Means is what makes all of that possible — it’s our people, our financial resources, our technology, our partnerships, and the systems that support the organization. We have to make sure those resources are strong enough to support both our mission and our members.
 
This is not a strategic plan built only for the national level — it’s built to be used by everyone in the American Legion Auxiliary. So, what can you do to move mission, members, and means forward? Tell us at PR@ALAforVeterans.org.