Making our communities better places

The purpose of the Community Service Committee is to promote the American Legion Auxiliary’s commitment to making our communities better places to live by supporting local service projects.

Key Program Statements

  • Making our communities better places in which to live is something Auxiliary members strive for each day across this country.
  • A major outreach program of the Auxiliary since 1926, Community Service also demonstrates our longstanding commitment to supporting the work of American Legion posts and other organizations in providing assistance with blood drives, first aid and CPR training, child safety programs, support for women in shelters, and disaster and emergency preparedness programs.

The Auxiliary’s Community Service program is based on the premise that no organization has a right to exist within the community without giving something to that community in return. Community service helps to make our communities better places in which to live. Auxiliary members study community needs, recommend projects, raise funds and donate their time to accomplish their specific objectives. Special attention is given to the selection of each project to ensure that the work of other organizations is not duplicated. Auxiliary Units also provide assistance on Community Service projects sponsored by American Legion Posts and work with other organizations to implement practical, worthwhile projects for the benefit of the community. Some examples include, blood drives, first aid and CPR training, child safety programs, support for women in shelters, donations to shelters for the homeless, tree plantings, recycling programs, and disaster and emergency preparedness programs.

Get Involved

Purpose: The purpose of the Community Service Committee is to promote the American Legion Auxiliary’s commitment to making our communities better places to live by supporting local service projects. Standing Rules #6, National Committees Mission Outreach

Promote American Legion Family Day — April 26, 2025.

  • The National Executive Committee of The American Legion Passed Resolution No. 7 in October 2022, establishing American Legion Family Day to be observed annually on the last Saturday of April.
    • Posts are encouraged to open their doors to members of their community for the day to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion members, Legion Riders, and American Legion Auxiliary.
    • Bring awareness to The American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative to improve access and reduce the stigma around mental health services.
  • Use the “How To” sheet to assist ALA members in promoting American Legion Family Day.
  • Plan activities for various age groups.
  • Highlight our 100+ years of service to veterans and the community.

Find new and creative ways to promote the program.

  • Continue to use what works, but think outside the box for fresh ideas.
    • Promote participation in blood drives, CPR training, and emergency preparedness (National Security).
    • Suggest participation in child safety programs (Children & Youth).
    • Participate in patriotic holidays (Americanism).
  • Develop new ways to reach diverse groups (age, ethnicity, etc.).
  • Encourage units to create visible events in the community that support veterans (VA&R).
    • Use community events to raise awareness of The American Legion’s Be the One initiative to reduce the rate of veteran suicide.

Participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

  • Promote patriotic community service activities to build community partnerships.
  • Use this holiday as an opportunity to serve veterans as our mission statement states.
    • Help veterans in their home with projects like building an accessible ramp, yard work, or home repairs.
    • Organize or participate in a stand down.
  • Encourage members to check with their employers for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service opportunities.
  • Keep good records of hours and activities for year-end reporting.

Participate in the 9/11 National Day of Service.

  • Encourage members to make an official pledge of service on the 9/11 Day of Service website.
  • A service pledge can be as broad or specific as the member would like, so long as it is in the spirit of service and remembrance.
  • Invite members to “pass It on!” and share their pledge with others through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other means.
  • Participate in a volunteer activity or project of which they are already a part and encourage others to join.
  • Organize a service activity specifically for 9/11 Day.
  • Record hours and activities for year-end reporting.

Deadlines/Important Dates:

  • Unit Report due to Department Chair: April 15.

  • Americanism Essay Contest: Winning essays are due to Division Chair by April 15.
  • Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.
  • Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Community Service Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1. Awards form available at National Awards Form.
  • Department Award: Best Department Community Service Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.

Contact

Contact the Alaska Department of the American Legion Auxiliary or American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters to learn more.

Contact our Community Service Chair:

Programs