American Legion Auxiliary Department of Arkansas
Email arkaux@att.net
Auxiliary Phone 501-374-5836
Legion Phone 501-375-1104
Committees
Purpose:
The purpose of a committee chairpersons in the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is to lead and coordinate specific program areas that support the organization’s mission of serving veterans, military families, and communities. Each chairperson plays a vital role in ensuring their committee’s goals are met and that activities align with National and Department objectives.
Responsibilities:
In accordance with the ALA Unit Guidebook and other official resources a chairperson typically performs the following with approval from the Department:
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Lead a Specific Program Area
Lead a Specific Program Area *Examples include Americanism, Children & Youth, Community Service, Education, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, and more.
•Plan and Organize Activities
Plan and Organize Activities *Develop and oversee events, drives, or initiatives that promote the committee’s mission.
•Coordinate with Unit Officers and Members
Coordinate with Unit Officers and Members *Work closely with the Unit President and other chairs to ensure smooth execution of programs.
•Report Progress and Outcomes
Report Progress and Outcomes *Maintain records of activities and submit reports to the Unit leadership or Department as required.
•Promote Participation
Promote Participation *Encourage Unit Members to get involved in committee projects and community outreach.
•Ensure Compliance
Ensure Compliance *Follow ALA Guidelines, Bylaws, and ethical standards in all committee operations.
Appointments:
Committee Chairmpersons are appointed annually by the incoming President.
Department Committee Chairmpersons are appointed annually by the Incoming Department President, and some of these appointments rotate annually to ensure fresh leadership and diverse perspectives across the organization.
These committees are widely recognized across ALA Units and Departments as foundational to the organization’s work:
American Legion Auxiliary Girls State: To promote and provide an outstanding government-in-action program for high school girls who have completed their junior year. The committee attends and actively participates in the execution of the weeklong education program. Committee members need to be capable of meeting the physical and social demands of a week supervising high school girls.
To promote and provide an outstanding government-in-action program for high school girls who have completed their junior year. The committee attends and actively participates in the execution of the weeklong education program. Committee members need to be capable of meeting the physical and social demands of a week supervising high school girls.AmericanismTo promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.
To promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF): To raise funds for and promote knowledge about the Auxiliary Emergency Fund.
Children & YouthTo work collaboratively with The American Legion to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans.
To work collaboratively with The American Legion to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans.Community Service: To promote the American Legion Auxiliary’s commitment to making our communities better places to live by supporting local service projects.
To promote the American Legion Auxiliary’s commitment to making our communities better places to live by supporting local service projects.Constitution & Bylaws: Informs and educates members of the American Legion Auxiliary on the importance and power of having properly written and regularly reviewed and updated governing documents at all levels of the organization.
Education: To promote quality education for children—especially for military children—and adults.
FinanceTo oversee the development and implementation of general department financial policy subject to approval or ratification by the Department Executive Committee, and to provide oversight of budgeted funds in the budget and report any significant variance to the Department Executive Committee.
To oversee the development and implementation of general department financial policy subject to approval or ratification by the Department Executive Committee, and to provide oversight of budgeted funds in the budget and report any significant variance to the Department Executive Committee.History: To preserve, record, and promote the history and achievements of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Arkansas.
Leadership: To better equip members to serve in leadership positions with confidence and skill.
Legislative: To provide information and assistance to American Legion Auxiliary members to advocate for the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
Membership: To recruit new members, retain existing members, and educate eligible individuals about membership in the American Legion Auxiliary. The committee works to strengthen the organization by increasing membership and encouraging active participation in Auxiliary programs and activities.
National Security: To promote a strong national defense.
To promote a strong national defense.Past Presidents Parley: To utilize the experience and leadership of past unit, district, department, and national presidents to further the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, with a special emphasis on supporting veterans through health and medical programs.
Poppy: To educate ALA membership and the public on the significance of the poppy and the program’s financial benefit for veterans, military, and their families.
Public Relations:To establish and maintain a positive public image of the organization by encouraging ALA members to be visible in their communities through branding and informing the public about the mission of the organization.
To establish and maintain a positive public image of the organization by encouraging ALA members to be visible in their communities through branding and informing the public about the mission of the organization.Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation:To promote programs, events and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans, their families, their caregivers and their survivors, ensuring the best quality of life possible and the continuing honor of their memory.
To promote programs, events and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans, their families, their caregivers and their survivors, ensuring the best quality of life possible and the continuing honor of their memory. Junior Activities: 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.
Risk & Compliance: Serves as the department’s oversight committee and is responsible for monitoring financial accountability, compliance, internal controls, and organizations risk, and reporting its observations and recommendations to the Department Executive Committee.
Serves as the department’s oversight committee and is responsible for monitoring financial accountability, compliance, internal controls, and organizations risk, and reporting its observations and recommendations to the Department Executive Committee. Special Committees
Distinguished Guest: Is generally responsible for planning, coordinating, welcoming, and extending proper courtesies to special guests and dignitaries attending American Legion Auxiliary events, meetings, conventions, and programs. This includes ensuring that guests are properly invited, introduced, seated, escorted, and recognized according to ALA protocol and traditions.
Grants: To identify, administer, promote, and secure grant funding that supports programs benefiting veterans, military members, and their families. May also research grant opportunities, assist with applications, and oversee the use of awarded funds.
Presidents Project: To promote, support, and raise awareness and funds for the special project or charity selected by the current American Legion Auxiliary president at department, and national level. The exact project changes each year depending on the president's goals and chosen cause.
PoliciesTo develop, review, recommend, and maintain policies that guide the organization's operations and ensure compliance with the American Legion Auxiliary's governing documents.
To develop, review, recommend, and maintain policies that guide the organization's operations and ensure compliance with the American Legion Auxiliary's governing documents. VA Gift Shop Fayetteville: To manage and operate a gift shop or sales area that supports veterans, patients, residents, or Auxiliary programs while generating funds for charitable and service activities.
VA Gift Shop Little Rock: To manage and operate a gift shop or sales area that supports veterans, patients, residents, or Auxiliary programs while generating funds for charitable and service activities.
