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PUBLIC RELATIONS

Bob Shappell, Department Chairman
Email: bobshap@aol.com

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The purpose of Public Relations is to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization to create, implement and support a proactive communications network that positively projects the American Legion Auxiliary's image to the general public while advancing our mission and goals through a variety of materials and resources available to departments and units online.

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Internal Communications:

The job of the Public Relations Chair is not just to promote the American Legion Auxiliary in our communities but also to keep our members informed. The Public Relations Chair should be included in the planning of all programs and events, as well as potential newsworthy happenings involving unit leadership.

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The goal is to utilize all forms of communication and media to inform and educate our members about new and existing programs. Use the national and department websites as resources for information (www. ALAforVeterans.org; www.amlegionauxwi.org). Effective and frequent communication keeps members motivated and active.

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External Communications:

The goal of all external communications is to use the Auxiliary emblem and branding to build public awareness of our organization. Electronic images are available from department for use on printed publications and media. For appropriate use of the American Legion Auxiliary emblem or brand mark, please refer to that section of the Red Book (pg 27 & 31).

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Public Relations Chairs should also focus on increasing community awareness of the many programs the Auxiliary has to offer. Utilize the brochures available from department, national, and Emblem Sales to show how Auxiliary programs benefit veterans, servicemen and women, military families, children, youth and local communities.

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The American Legion Auxiliary has a public image based on integrity, action and commitment to our purpose. That image is a product of the organized efforts of the Public Relations Chairs and individual members to spread the word about our organization and programs, as well as everyday contacts of Auxiliary members with the public in the name of the Auxiliary.

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Although the words 'public relations' and 'publicity' are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. Public Relations is broad-based and covers all spontaneous events, planned promotions and interviews, as well as public observation and response to Auxiliary activities. Publicity is just one facet of public relations and includes planned events or promotions that are promoted through the media. In such coverage, the Public Relations Chair can exercise more control over the content of the message and the timing of the release. A good public relations program offers one thing that advertising can never provide with assurance: credibility.

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Resources & Information:​

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2023 District Chairmen:

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District 1 - Vacant                         District 7 - Christina Petranovich

District 2 - Pat Bruss                    District 8 - Vacant

District 3 - Vacant                         District 9 - TBD

District 4 - Laura Calteux            District 10 - various members

District 5 - Vacant                         District 11 - Vacant

District 6 - Nancy Rivera             District 12 - Vacant

2022-2023 National Public Relations Committee Awards Deadlines and Submission Requirements

Thank you for taking the time to share a favorite story about the positive impact you or someone you know has had on our mission! Your story may inspire another member into service. It also helps us tell the world who we are, what we do, and why we matter.

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Here are the national awards for this committee:

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Member Award: ALA Brand Ambassador

  • Award: Personalized ALA Ambassador Badge

  • Presented to: One member in each department who achieves excellence in promotion of the American Legion Auxiliary with their use of social media, appearance in public wearing ALA-branded apparel, and other activities that showcase the Auxiliary’s unique branding through visual identity

  • Materials and guidelines:

    • Document with action photographs, screen shots, and other evidence of brand promotion activities

  • Activity must occur between May 1 prior to the start of the current admin year and May 1 before the end of the current admin year

  • All entries must be submitted by the department chairman via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

 

Unit Award: ALA Mission Focused Social Media Account

  • Presented to units with active social media accounts:

  • Must have a maintained account focused on the mission of the ALA

  • Encourage postings of VCAF/NVCAF or POW/MIA Awareness

  • Must conform to ALA Branding Guide

  • Materials and guidelines:

    • Document with screenshots/photos of social media postings

    • Social media account URL

  • All unit entries must be submitted by the department chairman via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted. Unit members should follow instructions from their department.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

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Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Public Relations Program (per division)

  • One unit in each division (5) that earns media placements in their community

  • Materials and guidelines:

    • Media placements/coverage highlighting ALA mission delivery featured in three different months (September 1 – May 1 of the current ALA administrative year)

  • All unit entries must be submitted by the department chairman via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted. Unit members should follow instructions from their department.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

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Department Award: Best Department Public Relations (per division)

  • One department in each division (5) to departments that exhibit outstanding use of public relations.

  • Materials and guidelines:

    • Articles, newsletters, pictures of displays, ALA events, speeches, website address, social media activity, etc.

    • Narrative not to exceed 500 words

  • All entries must be submitted by the department chairman via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted. Unit members should follow instructions from their department.

Please note – when applicable, unit and department deadlines differ.

Questions? Contact pr@ALAforVeterans.org

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

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Fine Print:

submissions become property of the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters. Through submission of reports and award entries, the submitter grants nonexclusive reproduction and publication rights to the materials submitted and agrees to have their names and submission published for ALA use or commercial use without additional compensation or permission.

Please fill out the information as completely and accurately as possible. Award certificates will be completed using the information given on this sheet, so please be sure to complete the electronic form

Please refer to the webpage for the specific criteria such as photographs, narrative length, submission deadline, and point of contact. All awards will be mailed to the department office after ALA National Convention. Department presidents may wish to recognize award recipients by presenting them with the award at a department function.

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