By Cathi Taylor, ALA National Headquarters Archivist 

When it comes to the month of December, peace is one topic that always surfaces. It is something people everywhere seem to desire — whether it be peace in the world, at home, or within ourselves. 

But where does peace start? How do we find it? British author and co-founder of Headspace, Andy Puddicombe, states, “We cannot hope to experience peace in the world if we do not have peace in our own life. Inner and outer conflict are not so different. And so, this peace begins with transforming our own mind.”

So, how do we transform our mind? Although most of us aren’t in any position where we could stop wars, we are responsible for peace within our communities and within ourselves. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

So, how do we work at it? I suppose there are different ways to do that. American Legion Auxiliary National Secretary Doris Anderson (1964-1979) proffered a place where Auxiliary members could start. In the May/June 1975 National News magazine, Anderson called on all Auxiliary members to look within to resolve conflict and work together in peace. And if we can accomplish that, peace will continue to blossom — perhaps taking world peace from an idea to reality.

Please note that the following article was written when American Legion Auxiliary membership was restricted to women.
 

Peace, the most sought-after and longed-for of all man’s dreams, is a state of mind that must begin with each of us, with a dedication of heart and mind.

Across the desks of National Headquarters come letters of misunderstanding and unhappiness among units of our organization. All of these situations could be resolved if the dedication to peace existed in all our units. And if peace begins with each unit member’s personal commitment, then it follows that five standards of unit conduct of business would be adhered to. These five include:

1. Free and open discussion on all subjects relating to the business of the Auxiliary. The time to express an opinion about a unit matter is during the unit meeting, not later. The place to discuss unit business and reach a decision is at a unit meeting, not at a social gathering of a few members.

2. The rule of the majority. Regardless of personal feelings, the majority of the unit is the decision of the unit. Once a matter has been resolved by vote, once an election has been held, the majority opinion of the unit as expressed by the vote must rule. Of course, it goes without saying that all unit business must be conducted in accordance with the unit, department, and National Constitution & Bylaws and Standing Rules, as well as Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. This is in fairness to every unit member. A good presiding officer has with her at her station these Constitution & Bylaws and a copy of Robert’s Rules. Once the majority vote has been taken and a decision reached thusly, it is the responsibility of every unit member to adhere to that decision.

3. The right of the minority. Every unit member has a right to be heard. Every unit member has the right of a vote but can not be compelled to exercise that right. A good presiding officer knows that all present at a meeting have the right of discussion, unless the Constitution & Bylaws state otherwise, and she should recognize all who wish to be heard. 

4. The good of the Auxiliary. In all decisions of the unit, the future of the unit, and the future of the American Legion Auxiliary must be paramount in the thoughts and decisions of the unit members. No Auxiliary member should promote a project for personal gain or attainment but should at all times consider the future of the unit.

5. The good will of each member. One of the strongest attributes of the American Legion Auxiliary is the continuing membership in our units. This is largely due to the feeling of friendship and good will which exists among the members. We are concerned about our fellow members; we enjoy working on projects together; we share the concern for the future of our communities and for our nation. Sometimes trouble exists in a unit because someone is too quick to offer a comment about another member. Could we stop, before such ill-timed and thoughtless comments, and ask ourselves, “Is it true? Is it fair for me to repeat such a statement? Am I repeating what someone has told me? Will it help my unit or my fellow member to repeat this? Would it be better for me and my unit not to repeat this?” Think on these things!

Peace, it can begin with me, and where there is peace, there will be harmony; and there will be progress in my unit, my department, and with all units everywhere!