Membership Director: It’s time to comb through Post 1982

Welcome to the February Freeze — the time of year when Minnesota membership traditionally begins to slide, and not just because of the ice.

At the recent Thundering Third District Rally, a familiar topic came up once again: membership. Membership is vital to the survival of The American Legion. Without it, we would not have the numbers, nor the funding through dues, to continue our mission.

However, an important reminder was shared — while membership matters, so do the stories of what our posts do every day in our communities, our state and our nation. The American Legion has survived for more than 100 years for a reason. Our strength lies in service.

Department Commander Linda Dvorak’s theme, “Back to the Basics — The Four Pillars,” could not be timelier. This is the perfect opportunity for posts to highlight their community involvement and remind the public who we are and what we stand for.

February is an ideal time to increase visibility, especially to younger veterans. Consider reaching out to local schools and offering to have your honor guard present the colors at basketball or wrestling matches — just as many posts already do for football games. Setting up an informational booth before and during these events provides a great opportunity to talk about American Legion programs and the benefits of membership.

Since July, lists of Legionnaires belonging to the at-large posts (1982 and 1982AD) have been distributed to department vice commanders and district officers to be shared with posts. These members represent an important opportunity to reconnect veterans and strengthen local posts by bringing them home to a district.

Every post has a story to tell. Every Legionnaire makes a difference. By getting back to the basics and showcasing our Four Pillars, we not only preserve our legacy — we ensure our future.

Joe Bares of Jordan Post 3 is the membership director for the American Legion Department of Minnesota.