The reasons for making the commitment to becoming a Paid Up For Life (PUFL) member of the American Legion Auxiliary may vary for each person. But there’s one thing every PUFL has in common – their membership ensures the Auxiliary can continue to serve the mission into the future.
Pronounced “puffle” in informal ALA terms, PUFL members are important to the longevity of the organization. By having PUFL memberships, the Auxiliary can count on a certain amount of revenue, making possible the continuation of mission and related programs. Instead of projecting a one-year commitment in dues, the ALA can project long-range revenue.
In addition to showing a commitment to the ALA and the mission, there are several other benefits to becoming a PUFL member:
“I knew I would never want to not belong, so I figured this was the easiest way to keep from ever forgetting to renew.”
Any member of the American Legion Auxiliary in good standing (having a valid membership card for the current year) may pay dues in advance for the remainder of member’s life. After January 1, a member whose dues are not paid for the current year is delinquent and such member must pay member’s current dues to the Unit before becoming eligible to purchase a PUFL membership. If a member pays their dues in advance and later decides they want to purchase a PUFL membership, that dues amount may be deducted from the total PUFL membership cost until January 1 of the current membership year.
COMPLETING APPLICATION:
The APPLICANT completes and signs the top portion of the application form and submits to the Unit Secretary for certification that member is in good standing and has paid dues for current year. Payment or charge card information must be provided before the application can be processed.
After the application and payment are accepted and processed by National Headquarters, a permanent PUFL Membership card is sent to the member. The card is proof of the member’s paid-up-for-life membership status. Each year there after, National Headquarters will send the Unit, through its Department Headquarters, the Unit's share of the member's annual dues. The Unit and Department will receive the same amount each year as long as the member lives and remains a member of that Unit.
Do you know someone who would be honored to receive a PUFL membership as a gift? This is how several current PUFLs received their membership.
“My grandma made herself, my mom, and me PUFL members around the time I was department Junior president. It was a way to honor us, knowing we would continue to be active in years to come. ”
- ALA PUFL Member
