PUBLIC RELATIONS

National Program Engagement Plan

The role of the Public Relations Program is to:

Collaborate across all organizational levels
To develop and maintain a proactive communications strategy
To establish and maintain a positive public image of the organization by encouraging ALA members to be visible in their communities through branding
To inform the public about the mission of the organization

Please note that if you would like to request a visit from the Department Public Relations Chair, request forms may be found under the Department website under the FORMS (amlegionauxwi.org/forms).

Kristy Wakeman, Department Chair
Email: kareuter19@gmail.com

2026-2027 District Chairs:

District 1 - Sherri Curzi

District 2 - Kristy Wakeman

District 3 - Jenni Syftestad

District 4 - Kathy Grom

District 5 - Linda Bartell

District 6 - Carol Lofland

District 7 - Jesse Elmhorst

District 8 - Kay Grosskopf

District 9 - LuAnn James

District 10 - Mary Townsend

District 11 - Nancy Schultz

District 12 - Barb McDaniel

Internal vs External Communications

The Public Relations Chair is responsible for keeping members informed and connected. This individual should be involved with all events and any newsworthy activities, so they can publish/promote the information. They should also be educating members about both new and ongoing programs. Information can be found on the national and department websites concerning programs.

The Public Relations Chair is also responsible for elevating public awareness of the American Legion Auxiliary through branding and outreach. Brochures and promotional materials are available from department, national, and Flag & Emblem Sales.

Resources & Information:

PR Toolkit
- PR Checklist
- Media Templates
- PR Guide: Tips for Recruitment
- Legion Family Branding guide-2022 version
  - Auxiliary branding guide begins on pg. 18
- ALA Emblem Use approval request form
- ALA Branding game
How to create a Facebook page for your Unit
How to create a Facebook group
How to use and create a QR code
Newsletter
- Public Relations Newsletter-September 2026
Training
- ALA Academy
  - ALA Branding and Why it Matters to Me!
  - Using Social Media to your Unit's Advantage

2026-2027 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.

Here are the national awards for this committee:

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
- Must conform to American Legion Family Branding Guidelines
Materials and guidelines:
- Document with screenshots/photos of social media postings
- Social media account URL

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

Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Public Relations Program for Central Division

Materials and guidelines:
- Media placements/coverage highlighting ALA mission delivery.

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

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.