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.