Guest blog post by 2022-2023 ALA National President Vickie Koutz
 
It’s hard to believe another American Legion Auxiliary membership year is ending. What a fantastic one it has been! Although I’ve been your national president for only a few short months, meeting members firsthand throughout the country has been inspiring. Our ALA units are doing great things!
 
With the start of the next ALA membership year just around the corner, I’d like members to be motivated by the new year — take advantage of the newness that 2023 will bring and use it to inspire new ideas to work the ALA mission in support of our veterans, military, and their families. 
 
This is a great time to think about how we can work our ALA programs differently from years past. Remember to be welcoming of new ideas — it doesn’t always have to be done the same way from year to year. Change things up! You might be surprised by the interest you see from your local community by making some simple changes to your events, advertisements, and more. 
 
The new year is always a great time to refresh — think newsletters, Facebook pages and groups, flyers, banners, etc. Be sure to use the updated ALA logos on your materials — the new year is a great time to add them! Check out page 26 in the February 2023 Auxiliary magazine for more information. Additional logos for the ALA provide an opportunity for updated items from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales too. You can purchase your branded apparel and accessories here or by calling 1-888-453-4466.
 
Use January as a forward momentum for your unit to encourage current members to renew as well as using this time to recruit potential members to join our organization.
 
As I continue visiting departments during the 2023 ALA membership year, I look forward to seeing new ideas implemented at the unit level. Although I’m currently serving in a national role, my heart is always with the unit member. You are the movers and shakers of this organization! I know sometimes it can be difficult to rejuvenate yourself with the same ALA programs you’ve done year after year, but there are fresh ideas out there from current and new members to breathe new life into the programs and events we do each year. 
 
Let’s start 2023 off with a positive attitude, grateful hearts, and open arms to current and new members as we continue being a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families!