JUNIOR ACTIVITIES

Junior Activities

National Program Engagement Plan

2026 Fall Conference Registration form

The purpose of Junior Activities is to interest eligible young women under the age of 18 in adult membership through positive experiences of mission-based volunteer opportunities that instill the ideals of the organization. Membership eligibility requirements are listed in the membership section of this book. The Junior Activities program encourages participation in service projects that serve our military, veterans and their families; promotes awareness of the various scholarship opportunities through the American Legion Auxiliary; and empowers Junior members by seeking their assistance to increase the use of technology (i.e. email, internet, and social networking sites) in promoting Auxiliary programs.

Junior members do not form a separate organization but are members of the American Legion Auxiliary, grouped separately so they may be offered a program appropriate to their age and level of understanding (Group 1: Infant through 8 years; Group 2: 9 through 12 years; Group 3: 13 through 18 years).

Dr. Christine Johnsen, Dept Chair
Email: cmj102@aol.com

2026-2027 District Chairs:

District 1 - Sherri Curzi

District 2 - Kathy Olson

District 3 - Linda Brunner

District 4 - Laura Calteux

District 5 - Linda Bartell

District 6 - Diane Steinert

District 7 - Jesse Elmhorst

District 8 - Kay Grosskopf

District 9 - LuAnn James

District 10 - Penny Schmidt

District 11 - Barb Bell

District 12 - Barb McDaniel

Junior groups function as a committee of the unit, selecting their own chairman, but under the guidance of an advisor. Americanism should be their major activity, but all Auxiliary programs can be adapted for their participation. Details regarding Junior Activities are contained in the Junior Activities Handbook, available from the Emblem Sales catalog, 1-888-453-4466 or www.emblem.legion.org, or downloaded from the national website (www.ALAforVeterans.org). Other sources of information and assistance are available from the Department Junior Activities Chair or Vice Chair.

2026-2027 Department Honorary Junior Officers

President - Virginia C. of Unit 416, District 4

Vice President - Lylyana S. of Unit 494, District 1

Secretary - Tillie P. of Unit 340, District 6

Chaplain - Karina S. of Unit 494, District 1

Historian - Luna P. of Unit 33, District 6

Sergeant at Arms - Tatiana H. of Unit 100, District 7

Sergeant at Arms - Mayla M. of Unit 33, District 6

Resources:

Certificate of Enrollment
Certificate of Membership
Junior Activities Handbook
- Handbook is available for purchase from American Legion Flag & Emblem (item # 355.208) for $1.99 each
Junior Patch Program
- Purple level: Pre-School (age 3) through Kindergarten
- Red level: 1st through 4th grade
- Gold level: 5th grade through 8th grade
- Blue level: 9th grade through 12th grade (or 18 years old)
- Spirit of Youth Fund Patch

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2026-2027 National Junior Activities Program 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.

Here are the national awards for this committee:

Member Award: Junior Member of the Year

Check back at a later date for more detailed information.

Unit Award: Best Department Junior Activities Program for Central Division

Narrative not to exceed 1,000 words that includes specific examples of how the unit involved Junior members as part of their unit's programs.
Should include high-resolution action photos, scans/links to news articles, etc.
All unit entries must be submitted to the department chairman by April 1st using the entry form in the Junior Activities Program Engagement Plan.

Authorization to Release Personal Information:

Award submissions become property of the American Legion Auxiliary. Through submission of reports and award entries, the submitter grants non-exclusive 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 provided on the entry form, so please be sure to complete it in its entirety. 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.