Knowledge Is Power: The Case for District Training

In previous articles, I’ve talked about not surrendering your voice and encouraged you to take an active role by attending your Post and District meetings. As we move into the New Year, it’s time to take that commitment one step further—by actively seeking out the knowledge that makes you an effective leader in the American Legion.

Each year, the Department of Minnesota hosts Minnesota Legion College, offering classes focused on Post and District operations and leadership responsibilities. Class size is capped at 24 participants, and our goal is always to fill every seat. That gives the Training Committee roughly four days to deliver meaningful, hands-on training.

Let’s be honest, four days a year isn’t enough.

When you add the training sessions offered during Department Fall Conference, we gain about another day and a half. When you do the math, the Training Committee has roughly five days out of 365 to equip Legionnaires with the tools they need to participate effectively and confidently at the Post and District levels.

That limited time makes one thing clear: training only works when members actively seek it out, show up, and commit to learning. Strong Posts and Districts don’t happen by accident. They’re built by informed, engaged leaders who are willing to invest in themselves and in the organization.

This isn’t a new concept. Many years ago, the American Legion of Minnesota recognized the importance of leadership development and passed a series of mandates encouraging Districts to provide training for their Posts.

The first mandate came in 1946, calling for Adjutant and Commander training during Fall Conference. Eleven years later, Districts were encouraged to establish Post Commander and Adjutant Schools of Instruction to help Posts conduct effective meetings and programs. In 1981, the Department once again reaffirmed this expectation, urging Districts to provide leadership training at the local level.

Do you see the theme?

For decades, the message has been consistent: leadership training matters, and Districts play a critical role in delivering it. The challenge and the opportunity now is making sure we are answering that call.

Does your District provide training to its Posts? Could membership rallies also serve as opportunities for District-level training? What do your Posts need most to better serve their members and the communities they support?

The Department Training Committee continues to provide knowledge, tools, and resources to Districts and Posts. But training isn’t something that can be delivered by force, we can’t just show up at your door and make you listen. It only works when leaders are willing to lean in, engage, and commit to learning.

At your next District meeting, ask when your District will be providing training. If they aren’t, ask why not. Be prepared to assist, participate, and help shape solutions—with the goal of ensuring your Posts have what they need to be successful.

Remember: knowledge is power. With the right training, you have the power to make a real difference.

Jennifer Havlick

Past Department Commander 2022-2023

Department Training Committee Chairman