The American Legion Auxiliary has members from all walks of life who come together to support veterans, military, and their families. Military service is a sacrifice for the whole family —  that’s why ALA members are there to ease the burden. Renewing your membership each year helps support our mission while also building friendships, gaining leadership skills, promoting patriotism, and advocating for those who have fought for our country.

“I was signed up as an infant by my parents. At the age of 18, we were given the choice to continue or not. There was no decision at all – the opportunity to help veterans is one that is unique and rewarding,” said 2019-2020 National Membership Chair Pam Ray.

Since 1919, members have continued to raise millions of dollars to sustain ALA programs that help advance the mission of service. Whether or not you’re able to actively participate in ALA service projects or attend meetings, your dues make our mission outreach possible and help ensure the future growth and prosperity of the ALA.

Are you the membership chair for your unit? Are you a member who wants others to renew too? There are many ways to reconnect to ALA members in renewing their membership. Instead of focusing on the numbers, remind members the reason(s) they joined the Auxiliary in the first place.

“I have continued my membership for a total of 62 years now. I continued at first to honor my father’s service. I stay now to work our mission and honor my entire family and their commitment to the veterans and to the organization,” said Ray.

Your personal dedication to our nation’s military and veterans is the reason we are able to celebrate 100 years of service. Let us focus on making a stronger impact in our second century by continuing to push the value of our members’ volunteer service. Not only does renewing your membership help grow the mission, it also provides you with information and resources that help make your ALA membership meaningful.

THANKING OUR VETERANS: The 2019 Veterans Day parade in New York City

Photo: George Etheredge/The American Legion

“If you can share a story from the heart, it is a great recruitment tool,” Ray said. “If you share your ‘hidden paycheck’ you receive from belonging to the ALA, [members] will want to experience that as well. Find what tugs at their heart within the organization,” Ray said.  “Encourage them to get involved. Allow them to bring new ideas to the table. If they feel valued, they will continue to renew. Asking someone to join and not recognizing their strengths will not have someone anxious to renew their membership.”

The American Legion conducts Buddy Checks twice a year as a way to reach out to members, reconnect with veterans, and renew memberships. The Auxiliary can mirror this concept to add a personal touch to membership renewals. Contact ALA members who have not yet renewed their membership with a personal visit, phone call, email, or a combination of all.

The important part is to communicate and connect with the members in your community to let them know you care. Visit legion.org/membership/buddycheck to see how your local ALA unit can accomplish the same idea.

Learn more about the easy ways you can renew your ALA membership:

• Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org to renew online with your member ID on your card. You must log in to pay your dues. Click “Renew Here” and log in with your username and password. If you do not have a username or password, simply click “Sign Up” to get started.
• Pay by phone to ALA National Headquarters at (317) 569-4570, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Visa/MasterCard or Visa/MasterCard Debit are accepted when renewing online or by phone.
• Contact your local ALA unit to let them know you want to mail your 2020 dues payment. The unit will provide a mailing address. Please make all checks payable to “American Legion Auxiliary.” If you prefer, you can visit your unit and pay your dues directly to an Auxiliary officer.