Post Training Guide Booklet
(PDF)
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Introduction
Teaching our members how to effectively execute the programs and functions of
The American Legion is critical to our success. We must mentor new members,
whether they are veterans of Vietnam, Korea, WWII or fresh from combat ops in
Iraq or Afghanistan. They must know how and why the nation’s largest wartime
veterans’ organization operates, and be able to lead us into the future.
Training should be one of the top priorities at all levels of the
organization. From the top down and inside out, even the smallest pebbles of
knowledge can create a ripple effect of energy and excitement throughout our
ranks. There are countless Legionnaires ready to carry on our mission, waiting
only to be taught how.
It is everyone’s responsibility to carry on this vital mission, not just the
top leadership. Every Legion family member with the skills and knowledge to
share should do so at every opportunity.
This guide is intended to give you the guidance and confidence to get
started. Consider it your first pebble. Now go out and make a few waves of your
own.
Training Resources - DVDs and Videos
For Which It Stands (DVD) - Flag Etiquette video for school children.
Purchase through National Emblem Sales. Includes teacher and presenter guides.
American Legion Baseball “Play Ball” (DVD) - Training, promotion and
marketing video about American Legion Baseball. Distributed through National
Americanism Commission.
America’s Veterans (DVD) (VHS) - Focuses on importance of veterans and
why we celebrate Veterans Day. Purchase through Emblem Sales.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program “A
Constitutional Speech Contest” (DVD) - “How To Conduct an Oratorical
Contest” and “Judges Briefing”. Distribution provided by National Americanism
Commission.
Responsibilities of a District Commander (DVD) - Training DVD
distributed by the Internal Affairs Division.
Membership and Post Operations Training ( 2 DVD Set) - Training DVD -
Developing an Effective Post Membership Team (Includes PR Video) and “Guidelines
for Post Operations and Leadership.” Distributed by the Membership Division.
Post Public Relations (DVD) - Training DVD on developing and executing
a post public relations program. Distribution provided by the Public Relations
Division.
Conducting A Successful Blue Star Salute Event (DVD) - Distribution on
request through the Public Relations Division. Provided with the Blue Star
Salute Booklet.
Michael Peterson’s “It’s Who We Are” (DVD) - Video contains segments
on American Legion Legacy Fund Public Service Announcement, the title song and a
“four pillars” segment to show to general audiences. Available from the
Americanism Commission. Ideal video for use at public speaking events
about The American Legion.
Four Pillars Campaign (DVD) - 60-second Television Public Service
Announcement and various print ads of different sizes.
The National Legislative Council – Responsibilities and Procedures
(DVD) - Training DVD about lobbying for American Legion positions.
Distributed by the Legislative Division.
Boys State and Girls State (DVD) - Recruiting and promotion video for
post chairmen to use for recruiting potential students and selling to schools
and sponsors. Distribution provided by the Americanism Commission.
Heroes To Hometowns (H2H) (DVD) - Training DVD for posts and
departments outlining tasks and responsibilities associated with supporting the
H2H program.
Training Resources - PowerPoint Presentations
Children & Youth (PowerPoint) - Various topics on Children & Youth as
presented at the National Conference.
American Legion Extension Institute (PowerPoint) - Available from
National Internal Affairs & Membership Division.
ALPOP Training (PowerPoint/PDF) - Informational presentation covering
the ALPOP & AIM! software package.
Member Benefits (PowerPoint) - Available from the Marketing Services
Group.
National Emergency Fund (PowerPoint) - Available from National
Internal Affairs & Membership Division.
Heroes to Hometowns (multiple presentations available) (PowerPoint)
• H2H Introduction (presentation)
• VAVS Presentation
• H2H Volunteer Management (presentation)
• H2H Networking (presentation)
• H2H Diverse Volunteers (presentation)
• Employment & Education (presentation)
Training Resources - Handouts/Booklets
Order Information - To order any of the instruction materials or
handouts identified on this website, call The American Legion National
Headquarters at (317) 630-1200 and ask for the division that oversees
instructional materials for the topic(s) needed. You may also send email
to the applicable division. Many free items are also available for
download on this website by clicking the link.
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division
Guide for Women Veterans - Identifying Risks, Services and Prevention:
Guide on women in the military, transitioning from active duty,
women’s veterans’ health issues, breast cancer self-exam guide, mental
health issues and services available for women veterans.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Guide explaining Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), symptoms, who gets it, combat and other
deployments, families, military sexual trauma, what can be done, how to file
a claim and resources.
What to do Before a Veteran Dies: Provides information on
gathering important documents, VA burial and memorial benefits, burial in a
VA National Cemetery, headstones and markers, burial flags, reimbursement of
burial expenses, presidential memorial certificates, Arlington National
Cemetery and military funeral honors.
Veterans: The War Against Hepatitis C: Provides information
on Hepatitis C, knowing your risks and planning your attack if you are
infected.
The American Legion Debt Management Guide: Guide that
explains the Debt Management Center, collection process, settlement options,
payment options, notes and diary of events and financial status reports.
Sourcebook for Military Personnel and Veterans: Pocket
resource that provides information on U.S. military operation locations/time
periods, VA disability, educational, employment, family, health care,
insurance and home loan benefits.
Agent Orange Benefits and Programs – A Guide for Vietnam Veterans and
Their Families: Brochure explaining Agent Orange benefits for
Vietnam veterans and their families, eligibility for Agent Orange-related
compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation and temporary financial
assistance.
Gulf War Benefits and Programs – A Guide for Veterans and Families:
A guide giving the basics on benefits – insurance, VA pension, veterans
preference, upgraded discharges, disability compensation, getting help to
complete applications, advocacy and obtaining family benefits.
Welcome Home – Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom
Veterans: Veterans benefit summary of VA Disability Compensation,
VA medical care, dental treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and much more.
Veterans affairs and Rehabilitation Code of Procedure:
Internal staffs guide explaining The American Legion Code of Procedures –
recognition of representative or organizations, power of attorney and other
VA claims regulations.
Heroes To Hometowns: Heroes to Hometowns application to
request for assistance.
Economics Division
Active Duty Legal Rights – Guide to the Servicemembers Civil Relief
Act; Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; and other
resources: A guide that outlines protections provided by Congress for
servicemembers who have been activated to serve their nation in the global
war on terror.
Job Fairs For Veterans: This guide is an overview of how
your post can link employers with a pool of job seekers that are talented
and adequately prepared due to military training.
Employment Service Awards: These are applications for
departments to confer national recognition annually on one outstanding Local
Veterans Employment Representative (LVER), one Disabled Veteran Outreach
Program (DVOP) specialist, and one local Employment Service office.
Employer Awards Program: These are applications for
departments to recognize employers and individuals that hire and assist
veterans in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.
A Resource Guide for the Homeless Veteran: This pamphlet is
intended to help homeless veterans locate resources and benefits that are
available to them because of their military service.
Pocket Guide to The American Legion’s Economic Award Program: This
pamphlet explains procedures to nominate employers and individuals across
the country who have established outstanding records in the employment and
retention of disabled and nondisabled veterans.
Questions and Answers About Your first Resume: A pamphlet
that provides veterans with tools that assist them in writing their resume.
The American Legion Primer on Veterans Preference: A guide
that explains the 5 and 10 point veterans’ preference and how this
preference benefits veterans in applying within the federal government.
Manual for Employment Chairmen: This manual provides the
policies, programs, and other significant information concerning The
American Legion’s National Economic Commission.
VA Home Loan: A guide that gives general rules for
eligibility when applying for a VA home loan.
Internal Affairs & Membership
Post Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies: The principle
handbook to assist American Legion officers in fulfilling their
responsibilities.
Post Adjutant’s Manual:
A blueprint to help Legionnaires
handle their daily duties as post adjutant.
Post Operations Manual:
A guide to set up accounting
procedures for the post.
Post Membership Team Training Guide: A guide to assist
membership teams with methods for recruiting and tools for retaining
members.
District/County Commander Guide: A resource guide to assist
district/county commanders with their responsibilities.
American Legion Extension Institute:
A home study course of
all phases and aspects of the Legion. Available for purchase through Emblem
Sales.
National Security & Foreign Relations
Disaster Preparedness and Response for American Legion Posts: Detailed
recommendations on participating in your community’s disaster preparedness
and response plan.
Americanism and Children & Youth Division
Americanism – General
Action Programs:
An overview of 13 major Americanism
programs.
Americanism Manual:
A guide for planning and conducting
Americanism activities.
Americanism Chairman’s Guide: A complete breakdown of all
duties and key responsibilities for the Legion department chairman.
Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States of
America: The text of both documents.
Geography Coloring Book: Activity book gives children
concept of their position within the vast world. For lower elementary
grades.
Get Out The Vote:
Information on conducting community voting
related activities. LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Know Your America: A 64-page study course on Americanism.
“Light Of Liberty” Comic Book: Details our fight for
freedom, how government works and the rights and responsibilities of every
citizen.
"Our Country's Veterans" Comic Book: Teaches children about
our veterans and why we should honor them.
Veteran Of The Month: Information on how to conduct a
program for your community.
Baseball
Baseball Brochure: Emphasizes the benefits and reasons for
posts to sponsor American Legion Baseball teams.
Baseball Rulebook: Rules and regulations unique to American
Legion Baseball.
“It’s Time To Play Ball!” American Legion Baseball (DVD): A
three-part DVD that explains the benefits of sponsoring and playing American
Legion Baseball.
Boys State
Boys State Program:
A comprehensive overview of the
government instruction program for high school students.
American Legion Boys State Prayer Manual: Suggested sample
memorial service messages and prayers for use by Boys State programs.
Chaplains Program
Saga Of The Four Chaplains: Story of these men and the
Chapel of Four Chaplains in Pennsylvania.
Chaplains "How To" Manual: A resource “How to” manual for
American Legion department and post chaplains.
Chaplains Prayer Manual: Prayers and services for all
occasions.
Service To God And Country: A handbook for American Legion
chaplains.
Children & Youth
Department Children & Youth Chairman’s Guide: A complete
breakdown of all duties and key responsibilities for the Legion chairman.
Children & Youth Program Piece:
A must for any Children &
Youth volunteer. This booklet covers everything.
April is Children & Youth Month:
A guide to help you with
your observance. Includes many program suggestions.
Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night:
Designed for children.
Facts on “Trick or Treat” safety.
Warning Signs: Designed for children and adults. Facts about
youth suicide.
“Gateway” Drugs:
Designed to help children make responsible
decisions. Basic facts on alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and inhalants.
Temporary Financial Assistance: Basic overview and
description of TFA program.
Temporary Financial Assistance Applications: Available
through department headquarters or Children & Youth Chairmen
Family Support Network:
Designed to promote support for
military families.
National Family Week: Emphasizes the importance of family
togetherness during the week of Thanksgiving.
Play It Safe:
A short course in child safety - Designed for
use by parents to teach safety facts to children.
The American Legion & Children’s Miracle Network:
Explains
the Legion’s relationship with Children’s Miracle Network and the benefits
of this alliance
Education
Adult Literacy: Suggestions for post and unit involvement.
Lists resources for national literacy groups.
American Education Week: Suggestions for post and unit
participation in AEW. Revised annually.
Pact in Education Handbook: Suggestions for conducting a
well-rounded education program for post and unit involvement.
Policy on Education: Our position on the status of education
in America.
School Award Medal Program:
Program to develop ideals of
Americanism in young people.
Guide for Parents and
Students: Gives parents and students hints for planning their
future education.
Need A Lift?: College scholarship listings; career, college
profile, and financial aid information for higher education.
Eight and Forty Nursing Scholarship Fund:
Fact sheet about
how qualified applicants can receive scholarships.
Flag Education
“For Which It Stands” Flag Education DVD: A 20-minute video
and learning activities with teacher’s guide. Designed to help grades 5-9
meet state education mandates for required flag education. Topics include
the history, significance, meaning, proper display and treatment of the U.S.
Flag. Flexible options for Legion presenters or teachers.
The Flag Code: A history of the Flag; illustrates and
describes how to display and respect it.
Let’s Be Right On Flag Etiquette: Questions and answers on
the proper treatment for the American Flag.
“Our Country’s Flag” Comic Book: Educational comic book
relates the history, significance and proper treatment of the United States
Flag.
“I Pledge Allegiance” Comic Book: Teaches children how to
pledge allegiance to our Flag properly.
Junior Shooting Sports
Junior Shooting Sports:
Airgun marksmanship and safety
program.
Junior 3-Position Air Rifle tourney Official Match Program:
Information, requirements and entry form for matches leading to national
competition.
Oratorical Contest
National High School Oratorical Contest Finalists Orations:
Printed text of annual final three orations.
National High School Oratorical Rules: Rules, regulations
and contest information for participants and chairmen.
National High School Oratorical Chairman’s Guide: “How To”
booklet for chairmen.
National High School Oratorical Contest Promotional Brochure: Full
color, 3-panel brochure highlighting the contest.
Oratorical Contest DVD: Includes the “How To Conduct the
Contest,” “Contest Judges Briefing” and the most recent National Finals
videos and Public Service.
Scouting
Eagle Scout Of The Year:
Application form and instructions
to apply for the Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship.
The American Legion And Scouting: The Boy Scout Program:
What it offers and how a post can become a sponsor.
The American Legion And Scouting Square Knot Award:
Information,
eligibility, and selection requirements for the award.
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) General Information: All
about the foundation.
Contribution Envelopes: All-in-one envelopes designed for
easy use by the contributor.
Grant Guidelines: Includes information on limitations,
submission process and application policies.
Contribution Cards: Fill in the blank card used to designate
contributor.
Annual Awards: Brochure lists our special awards presented
annually for outstanding support.
Library Division
Resolutions and Reports: Guidelines on writing resolutions
and reports for The American Legion. Available free on request from the
National Headquarters Library.
Public Relations Division
Public Relations Handbook: A post-level guide for the PR
officer.
Public Relations Handbook - Part
1 (PDF)
Public Relations Handbook - Part
2 (PDF)
Blue Star Salute: An Amed Forces Day celebration.
A Day to Remember:
Event planning and promotion guide for a
community commemoration of September 11, 2001.
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