As Sgt At Arms for our Americian Legion Post, I want to know how can we reach our Brothers and Sisters now serving and vets?

2015-02-06T15:31:58-05:00

I have watched my post go down in membership the older members are passing away !!! I know there is a big time factor with Brothers and sisters serving and out plus some do not have the money for membership what are your thoughts

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-02-06T18:19:42-05:00

SPC Mark Beard, one way would be to tell folks you meet about the benefits of joining the American Legion. And a great place to do that would be at some sort of outreach event put on by the Legion. A picnic or a happy hour? Something like that. If you can publicize it, you might get local vets and SMs to attend.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-02-06T19:18:00-05:00

SPC Mark Beard I can only generalize some thoughts on this. I think one of the few hurdles is what does the American Legion, VFW, AMVets, DAV, as organizations do? What do they offer to service members, both retired and active? a Veteran(not retired, honorably discharged) Many people do not know what either of these organizations are, how they came to be, or what they can offer to their members.

One other aspect is I don't want to go to post where everyone gathers to drink and everyone is older than me. I get the older part, that's a gimme, I know full well that there are older Vets than me. I know they have been an immense driving force on some of the benefits we all enjoy today. I was a member at large, never had the time to go. I have a motive to want to join one now and that's in part that I want to be trained to be a VSO. However I have to get my foot in the door first.

Some of us mid 30 to mid 40 types still have families and as PO2 William Allen Crowder brought up a good point, some are single parents and would like to bring their kids. CW5 Private RallyPoint Member suggested an outreach night or day. Perhaps a family day/night at the post several times a month so everyone gets to be a part of it. When you take in a new member its not just the service member. There are those that may shy away because they still think its a dark smelly place serving alcohol all day.

I linked some articles that may shed some light on this topic and give you some idea why there's not a large number of Post 9/11 Vets not joining. :

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-11-10-VFW-American-Legion-posts_N.htm
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/19/younger-veterans-bypass-vfw-american-legion-for-se/?page=all
http://www.legion.org/commander/224883/legion-commander-responds-washington-times-article
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20130103/vfw-american-legion-hold-on-waiting-for-younger-vets-to-join
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/08/25/vfw-battles-to-reverse-a-decline-in-membership.html
http://www.debbieschlussel.com/11969/sadness-on-veterans-day-as-american-legion-vfw-posts-struggle/

Even a post on that subject right here on RP:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-think-the-american-legion-and-the-vfw-need-to-adapt-to-the-time

American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars posts struggle - USATODAY.com

VFW and American Legion posts struggle to survive as older members die and younger veterans decide not to join.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 6 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-02-06T19:52:22-05:00

The advice of CW5 Scott Montgomery SSG Jose Garza and PO2 William Allen Crowder are all great pieces of advice. I have not looked at your profile but if you have a military installation nearby you can may be arrange to talk with service members leaving the service that are staying in the area and talk up your post. Hold open houses and market your post and the American Legion as a hole. My post collects canned good for a local elementary school and on Fridays they deliver it to the school for kids that do not have much to eat on weekends.

Response by PO2 Christopher Morehouse made Feb 6 at 2015 8:09 PM

2015-02-06T20:09:17-05:00

I'll be honest, I have thought about joining but have not because I do not see the point. Why should I join? Camaraderie? I'm not lacking in friends, though I am always open to new ones. But, that takes time, which is often taken up by work, family, or my current friends. Community service? I admit, I could probably do more, but I would probably make more of an impact by performing pro bono work as an attorney, which I can do without these organizations even if I focus on SM's and Vets. Aside from those two reasons, I'm not sure why else join an veteran organization.

I hope I have not come across as disrespectful of what the organizations stand for, but you are asking a general question about boosting recruitment. As I consider myself a fairly representative example of the average Vet, I am providing you with my thought process as to why I have not signed up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-02-06T22:10:18-05:00

SPC Beard, a few years ago I bought a condo in Coral Gables, Florida that was two blocks North of American Legion Post 98. My work was directly across Salzedo ST from that post. I went there a few times because my father is a member of the American Legion and urged me to check it out. Unfortunately, as some of these other commentators have said, it is mainly older men. No one greeted me when I walked in and walked around which seemed strange because I certainly stood out. Not only was a significantly younger guy, but I am also a very pale, tall white male in the middle of the greater Miami area. I always stood out.

I've read through all the other comments and the things other posters have said that resonate with me are PO2 Morehouse's statements that there are no pressing needs or desires to join the organization. I agree with that completely, but at the same time my father has explained to me that if my generation continues to stay disjunct organizationally and politically then Congress is going to walk all over SMs and Veterans. That's my only real drive to join at this point.

I also agree with what both SSG Garza and PO2 Crowder wrote in their comments. WiFi won't hurt your post and neither will things that make families and children comfortable.

Ultimately though, you will get people with your organizational purpose. Most people don't know why the American Legion exists in the first place. If the cause is worthy then veterans will be more likely to support it.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 7 at 2015 8:44 AM

2015-02-07T08:44:25-05:00

Something we do is invite the local chapters to our redeployment ceremonies. Great discussion and thanks for sharing the challenges faced. We have partner units also with some of the organizations as well. Seems to keep us in tune a little better than most.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Feb 7 at 2015 8:44 AM

2015-02-07T08:44:36-05:00

I'm going to step out and post a different view then everyone here. I think the main problem with all these veteran groups is that they are not what they propose to be, accepting of vets. And before everyone gets worked up saying that's not true let me explain. The biggest problem that I see in the SM and veteran communities is the constant classification and separation of SM and vets. RP overall seems to be fairly inclusive, but you often see it on here. Many many posts with topics like "Did I serve if I didn't go to a combat zone?" And yes most replies correctly state that of course you did, BUT I know, and you all know, that there is also that little thought that creeps into most minds that says, "Yea, but your service isn't the same as mine!" The age issue in the veterans organizations isn't much different...just another "group", this time an age group, not really welcoming vets because they view another generation as not being the same as them.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about pride in your branch or good natured ribbing. But, the real reason IMHO why veterans arn't shown the full respect by this nation that we should is that we don't show it to each other. It is one thing to "write things on RP" and it's another to act and do the right thing in person.

For this next part, I would like everyone to take an honest step back and do some selfreflextion. The next time that you are out in the real world and you think to yourself, look there is a (SM or vet) Marine over there...I hate Marines, or I can't stand arrogant Navy pilots, or everyone in the Army is stupid, or look the chair force, and those Coasties arn't even in the REAL military....the problem is you! If we can't get our shit together as a family (albeit a military family) we can never expect to have the political power or respect from this nation that we deserve. So take a look back at the other responses that people have written...which one doesn't fit my premise? Would you allow a new younger member of your family walk the first time into your house and not great them? Would you want to create an environment that was good for you (smoking) but caused other members of your family to not want to come to your home? My response is if everyone of us treated SM and veterans the way that we do here on RP, with our words, these organizations would be booming. I for one make this pledge, "I treat all SM and veterans of all ages, sexes, branches, MOS's, rates, living or deceased, with the honor and respect that they ALL deserve, in my words, thoughts and actions."

Response by SGT Scott Douzart made Feb 7 at 2015 11:10 AM

2015-02-07T11:10:46-05:00

Think of yourself as a recruiter. What does the American Legion offer, what is expected of its members, and how will my "recruitment" benefit the organization. Do you have an existing social media account for your post?? Do you have events that attract both military and civilian attention. I drive by an American Legion everyday and all I see is a brick building that sometimes has cars in the parking lot. A simple outside barbeque with some tents, chairs, tables and music would garner a lot of attention. You will have to be proactive, not just rely on the genetic letters sent out to veterans asking them to join, and in the same breath wanting money. Another thing, local radio and TV usually offer spots for military and nonprofit for no charge. Call in your local radio station and discuss every event you guys have coming up. I know that its geared toward active duty and veterans, but once or twice a year have something that civilians can participate in also. Everyone loves bingo!!! Or have a raffle with tickets that can be purchased by anyone.
CONNECT WITH LOCAL BUSINESS.... I can guarantee they would be will to put up donations, sponsorships, or help in anyway they can. There is a strong commitment in this country to be "involved" with military organizations. You just have to ask. Get the message out. I own a portable restroom company. If you called me and said you were putting on an event and asked if I could donate restrooms for the added people, I would simple ask, when and where.
One other thought. Find the nearest military installation. Retired military tend you reside near these installations. Make sure your radio adds cover these areas. Or even have a remote event on the installation itself..

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 11:17 AM

2015-02-07T11:17:31-05:00

SPC Mark Beard We are facing much the same at my local post. The leadership is actively trying to find younger members to join as they are all getting older and wanting the next generation to take over. The problem is that the younger generation just isn't there.

We've discussed having family nights, a dinner party at the post where members are encouraged to bring their families and involve them, meet each other, and become friends instead of just fellow veterans.

Another one that I'm wanting to organize is a fun run type event to promote health and fitness for veterans. Team RWB has done a lot in that area and it wouldn't hurt the older vet associations to take heed and follow suit.

I will follow this thread to get ideas as well since my post seems to be in the same boat as yours.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 7 at 2015 8:41 PM

2015-02-07T20:41:58-05:00

Although I am not a regular at my post i.e. there every night I talk up the American Legion and things my post does for the community. Did you know that outside of churches the American Legion is the largest sponsor of Boy Scout troops? I attend the month meetings and try to get to the post at least once a month besides the meeting.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 7 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-02-07T23:21:36-05:00

I agree with Colette, please explain the benefits to join and what makes The American Legion stand out versus the VFW? I would like to know.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-02-09T16:24:16-05:00

PO2 Crowder's comments below are perfect regarding environment: non-smoking, wifi, space for kids, convenient time/location.

I am a life member of the VFW, but I choose not to participate locally for many reasons. When I was home, the location was in the middle of no where. My post (the Vietnam-one) has combined with another (the WWII one), closer in. The facility is more convenient, but run down, smoke-laden, dark, and mostly just a bar full of dudes. Not much of a draw.

It was hard to tell when the meetings started and ended, and what was supposed to be achieved during them. There was no real orientation as to why different projects are being undertaken or "who's who in the zoo" -- people need to wear name tags every.single.time.

Thanks, but I'm not here for the Ladies Auxillary. But even if I wanted to join (since folks were oh, so kind to let me know that I could be, since my spouse is also VFW-eligible), I couldn't, since they met at the same time. So maybe there are scheduling/membership eligibility matters to consider.

But when it gets right down to it, I don't attend because I disagree with their politics. If I were not already a life VFW member, I would not become one now. For too long, it's seemed like the VFW (national) has been Chicken Little, fighting for benefits that I don't want, don't believe are necessary, and with which I don't want to be associated. The VFW has done great things, but I quickly grew tired of the beating drums demanding more benefits, declaring all was being taken from "us." That's not my orientation for solving problems, and it just doesn't speak to me.