Junior Activities

Purpose: The purpose of the Junior Activities Committee is to inspire active participation in members aged 17 and under so they become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their American Legion Auxiliary membership into adulthood. Standing Rule 6, National Committees – Mission Outreach

Key Program Statements:

• To inspire active participation in members age 17 and under so that they will become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their American Legion Auxiliary membership into adulthood.
• To build the Junior Activities program one member at a time by giving Junior members a voice and an opportunity to participate.
• To promote and encourage Junior participation in the Patch Program in order to teach them about the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary.
• To make Junior meetings fun and informative.

In the heart of the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission to serve veterans and their communities, there exists a vital and dynamic component dedicated to nurturing the potential of our youngest generation: the American Legion Auxiliary Junior Activities Committee.

The Junior Activities Committee is the driving force behind a multitude of programs and initiatives that engage and empower young minds. From fostering a sense of civic responsibility to encouraging a lifelong commitment to community service, this committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

One of the hallmark programs spearheaded by the Junior Activities Committee is the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. This immersive experiences give high school juniors the opportunity to learn about the democratic process and the responsibilities of citizenship firsthand. Participants engage in mock government activities, debate pressing issues, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Moreover, the committee coordinates scholarships and educational opportunities specifically designed for young individuals who have a passion for making a positive impact on their communities. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of higher education but also serve as a testament to the ALA’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of our youth.

Furthermore, the Junior Activities Committee organizes various community service projects, instilling in young people a deep sense of compassion and a desire to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation’s freedom.

In conclusion, the American Legion Auxiliary Junior Activities Committee is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the next generation of leaders. Through their dedication to education, civic engagement, and community service, they empower young minds to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities, carrying forward the ALA’s legacy of service and commitment.

Get Involved

Inspire active participation in members age 17 and under so they will become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their American Legion Auxiliary membership into adulthood.

• Mission-related:
  • Distribute poppies with assistance from senior members.
  • Organize and participate in service projects.
  • Offer computer/technology help to veterans with assistance from senior members. See article from Auxiliary magazine on Veterans Tech Support, plus more information here: https://veteranstechsupport.com.
  • Offer help to military families and help military kids entering a new school.
• Leadership training:
  • Shadow senior member officers at meetings and hold an appropriate unit office.
  • Post colors at senior meetings, conferences, and conventions.
  • Lead opening ceremonies (the Pledge, prayers, National Anthem, ALA Preamble).
  • Shadow senior chairmen and assist with their program plans.
  • Promote ALA scholarship benefits of remaining a member.
  • Encourage Juniors to attend their ALA Girls State program the summer between their junior and senior years of high school.

Build the Junior Activities program one member at a time by giving Junior members a voice and opportunity to participate.

• Plan mission-related activities that are interesting and inspiring to Juniors.
• Participate in Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremonies.
• Hold graduation ceremonies to recognize Juniors who will move to ALA senior membership status.
• Pay first year of senior membership to encourage retention.
• Share information about the ALA’s scholarship programs
  • Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship
  • Spirit of Youth
  • Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
  • Samsung Scholarships
• Pair older Juniors with less experienced Juniors to promote mentorship.

Promote and encourage Junior participation in the ALA’s national Junior Member of the Year award.

• There will now be five division Junior Members of the Year.
• From those five division winners, a national Junior Member of the Year will be chosen.
• Four division winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The national winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship, plus invited to the ALA’s National Convention.
• This scholarship is to reward ALA Junior members who are contributing to the organization and our mission, with a long-term goal of increasing Junior participation.

Promote and encourage Junior participation in the ALA Patch Program to teach them about the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary.

• Work on the Patch Program at unit meetings. Include senior members to educate Juniors about the importance of participation in the Patch Program and as a way for Juniors to learn about ALA programs.
• Provide year (1st, 2nd 3rd) attachments to Juniors who have achieved a patch at the same level for more than one year.
• Work with Sons of The American Legion (SAL) squadron leaders to inform them of the opportunity for young SAL members to participate in the ALA Patch Program.

Make Junior meetings fun and informative.

• Explore mission service and how they can impact our mission at each meeting.
• Encourage friendships and mentoring by planning fun team-building activities (games, learning Junior songs, etc.) and/or provide age-appropriate crafts.
• Highlight the numerous ALA learning opportunities available to members in the ALA Academy, including the ALA Juniors eLearning Courses

Deadlines/Important Dates

• April 15: Purple Up! Day for Military Children
• Unit Report due to Department Chair: April 15.
• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.
• June 1: Awards submissions due, including Junior Member of the Year. Awards form available at National Awards Form.
• August 1-15: Honorary National Junior Division Vice President elections. Open to any Junior who attended a 2024-2025 National Junior meeting. Winners will be announced at National Convention.
• 2024-2025 National Junior Meetings: See dates and locations here

Contact

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