AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
Department of Illinois

LEGISLATIVE   
November, 2007

“The Game Plan is to Inform legislators of Veterans Issues”

The National Chairman says the Legislative Committee is committed to ensuring our members are aware and informed on issues that are central to the support and well being of our veterans and their families.  They promote communication with local, state and nationally elected officials promoting a grass-roots level of advocacy and action.

The American Legion Auxiliary follows the mandates of The American Legion.  NEVER ENDORSE ANY MEASURE UNTIL IT HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION.

Writing letters is one of the best ways to help.  DO NOT use form letters but write a letter in your own words.  Remember to send a copy of all replies to this Chairman by May 5, 2008.

Legislative Chairmen on all levels should subscribe The Dispatch.  This is an invaluable resource and the cost is $15.00 a year.  An order blank is enclosed.

Offer your Post home for a Town Hall meeting.  This is a good way to know your elected officials.  Work with your Americanism Chairman in support of “Get-out-the-Vote” initiatives.

Accomplishments of the American Legion Auxiliary are numerous.  Send special activities and accomplishments to your congressional Record.

One resource available is The American Legion DC Office at www.legion.org and click on Legislative Programs

NATIONAL AWARDS

NATIONAL PRSIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE - to the Unit with the BEST OVERALL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM.  Use the application Cover Sheet enclosed and follow the instructions.  Entry should be sent to Diane Duscheck, P.O. Box 170924, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 by June 1, 2008.

UNIT LEGISLATIVE AWARD - a citation plaque to the Unit Chairman in each Division reporting the MOST OUTSTANDING OVERALL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM.  All entries are to be in narrative form, double-spaced, not to exceed 1,000 words.  Do not include pictures, clippings, scrapbooks, folders, etc.  Entries are to be submitted to Department Chairman Carollee Junge, 3750 W. 215th Street, Matteson, IL 60443-2710 by May 5, 2008.

INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITON CERTIFICATIONS - a recognition certificate will be presented to individual unit members that forward the National Legislative Chairman (Diane Duscheck, P.O.Box 170924, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217) copies of responses received from congressional leaders as a result of their advocacy efforts; letters, emails, visits, etc.  Packets of correspondence must be post-marked by June 1, 2008 to be considered.

ALL NATIONAL AWARD ENTRIES ARE TO HAVE AN AWARD ENTRY FORM WITH THEM.  THESE ARE ENCLOSED IN THIS PACKET.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

1978 Sluggers Legislative Plaque to the Unit for the best overall participation in the Legislative program (taken from the Annual Report Form).

$10.00 to the Runner up to the Sluggers Legislative Plaque.

$10.00 to the Unit Chairman reporting the most replies received from Legislators to this chairman by May 5, 2008.

$10.00 to the Unit Chairman for the best 1000 word narrative sent on to National.  Due to me by May 5, 2008.

$10.00 to the District Chairman reporting the most subscriptions to The Dispatch.

                                                                                    Carollee Junge, Chairman