DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
Past presidents parley
Diane Weggen, Department Chairman
Email: dsweggen@gmail.com
Wisconsin Focus:
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The Past Presidents Parley (PPP) is a standing committee of the Department of WI American Legion Auxiliary. The purpose of the PPP is for members who have served as unit, county, district, department or national presidents to continue in the active service of the Auxiliary to ensure a strong leadership future for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA).
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A past president is: 1) a member who served as president for one full year or 2) a member who served as president for part of the year and who, due to illness or conditions beyond their control, had to terminate their tenure or 3) any vice president acting as president due to the resignation or death of the president. (Note: If presidents succeed themselves in office, they are considered a past president after the end of their first term and may then join the PPP.)
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Eligibility to membership in the PPP is based on two factors: 1) Member is a past president as defined above and 2) member’s unit dues are paid for the current year.
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Past presidents at all levels are encouraged to continue their support to the ALA by accepting responsibility that their knowledge and wisdom as a past leader can make a difference in developing and mentoring the life of a member. They can serve as ambassadors for the ALA, knowing there is much information to share to make each level of the organization stronger and maintain its growth with positive actions.
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A citation will be awarded at Department Convention to the unit that describes in 500 words or less how they worked with the American Legion Family to fundraise for PPP scholarships? That narrative along with pictures due May 15, 2026, to Department Chairman, Diane Weggen. Email dsweggen@gmail.com for submission and questions.
​​What else does the Past Presidents Parley do?
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The PPP recognizes the contributions of valued unit members through the Mentor of the Year award. Nominations must be submitted to the PPP Chairman by May 15th.
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The PPP assists deserving students who are pursuing an education in nursing or healthcare fields through their scholarship program. Scholarship applications are due to the sponsoring ALA Unit by March 1, 2026.
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The Wisconsin PPP currently awards up to three scholarships to qualified applicants who need financial assistance to complete their education in the nursing or healthcare fields.
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​PPP scholarships are funded by PPP dues ($7) and donations from individuals, units and parleys, minus PPP expenses. Any unit or member can donate to the PPP Scholarship Fund. Continued support of these scholarships is dependent on the amount of money raised through PPP dues and donations. In the fall of the year, each unit receives a form to submit to department headquarters with the names and PPP dues of the past presidents who are current members of the unit.
CAVALCADE OF MEMORIES
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Wisconsin Focus:
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The purpose of the Cavalcade of Memories is to preserve, display and share the history of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA).
At the Unit, County and District levels, this is an opportunity to recognize units and to honor those members who work the ALA mission. The Cavalcade of Memories repositories can also act as a resource for members, volunteers and the general public. It is suggested that units, counties and districts have some type of Cavalcade of Memories.
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A citation will be awarded at the Department Convention to the unit, county and district that demonstrate how they are mission driven and American Legion Family focused. The submission, due on May 15, 2026, may include pictures along with the narrative emailed to PPP Chairman Diane Weggen at dsweggen@gmail.com. Email or call 715-644-2668 if you have questions.
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​At the Department level, those members who have made significant sacrifices for the ALA are honored. Following their term of office, each Department President is to donate a memento for the Cavalcade of Memories cabinets and an ornament to be placed on the Department Presidents' Christmas tree at department headquarters.
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The Past Presidents Parley Chair is responsible for updating the Department Cavalcade of Memories. Past Department Presidents' treasures are identified in the cabinet with name and year served. A permanent record is kept at department headquarters with the name of the president, year served, description of the memento, and the president's theme.
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MENTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is to be given to a past president that has gone beyond the unit level and is continuing to be a leader and mentor to members of our organization. We want to recognize those members who excel at encouraging and mentoring other members of the organization on a regular and on- going basis.
To nominate someone for this award, a letter of nomination not to exceed 1000 words must be sent in by May 15th to the Past Presidents Parley Chairman.
Criteria to consider when recommending a nominee:
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Must be a member in good standing
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A history of being involved in multiple levels of the organization
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Prior leadership roles on the unit, county, district and/or department levels
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Leads by example
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Demonstrates passion in working the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary
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Willing to work in the background, not seeking recognition for their actions
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Takes a personal interest in the future leaders of the organization
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Attends District and Department events when possible
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Is open to change in our organization
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A Legion Family supporter