Public Relations
To provide maximum support to The American Legion, the Auxiliary must be well thought of in the community. It must have a reputation for worthwhile community endeavors. This can only be accomplished by telling the public about the work of the Auxiliary and its value to the community.
Public Relations is simply a matter of establishing and maintaining goodwill. It is telling the general public of the value of the American Legion Auxiliary to the community and the country. Public Relations covers every kind of communication from personal contact in casual conversation, to speakers and to carefully prepared news releases for the media. It is not a complicated job, but it is a vitally important one. It is a job for every members of the Auxiliary as well as the Public Relations Committee.
There is only one way to build a reputation for worthwhile work, and that is by doing things well and making sure the public is aware of both the effort and the result. There are many ways to build goodwill, and an active Unit will take advantage of each of them, appointing a committee to make personal contact with newspapers, radio, and television stations, thus building a bridge from the Unit to the media. There is interesting and important information that can be given to the public about all the Auxiliary programs.
Public Relations is simply a matter of establishing and maintaining goodwill. It is telling the general public of the value of the American Legion Auxiliary to the community and the country. Public Relations covers every kind of communication from personal contact in casual conversation, to speakers and to carefully prepared news releases for the media. It is not a complicated job, but it is a vitally important one. It is a job for every members of the Auxiliary as well as the Public Relations Committee.
There is only one way to build a reputation for worthwhile work, and that is by doing things well and making sure the public is aware of both the effort and the result. There are many ways to build goodwill, and an active Unit will take advantage of each of them, appointing a committee to make personal contact with newspapers, radio, and television stations, thus building a bridge from the Unit to the media. There is interesting and important information that can be given to the public about all the Auxiliary programs.
Local Broadcasting and Training
There are many programs devoted to the local community that can provide an avenue for reaching the public. The local program schedule (published in the newspaper) can point out opportunities. Many radio and television stations provide airtime for public service announcements. There are locally produced talk shows and spots on human interest stories. Community access television and community calendars are other options.
The Unit chairman should meet with the staff of all available electronic and print media to explain the Unit's objectives. Frankly asking for suggestions from the station on how these programs can be promoted can encourage interest and provide solutions. The chairman should offer to provide information on veterans' affairs, community service and other matters to assist the media. The chairman can provide the opportunity and, at the same time, build an excellent rapport with the media that will be helpful in the future. If she asks for their professional assistance, they will usually be happy to help. Be sure to thank them for their cooperation.
The Unit chairman should meet with the staff of all available electronic and print media to explain the Unit's objectives. Frankly asking for suggestions from the station on how these programs can be promoted can encourage interest and provide solutions. The chairman should offer to provide information on veterans' affairs, community service and other matters to assist the media. The chairman can provide the opportunity and, at the same time, build an excellent rapport with the media that will be helpful in the future. If she asks for their professional assistance, they will usually be happy to help. Be sure to thank them for their cooperation.
The Heart of America Awards
The Heart of America national media awards recognize talented communications professionals who make positive contributions to society through their work.
Founded on the Auxiliary's belief that women and their families are "the heart of America," the awards were conceived not only to recognize creative talent and technical ability, but also to honor print and broadcast professionals who use their art to convey helpful ideas and useful information, specifically to the women, children, and families of America.
Since an entry fee and release signature are required from all entrants, official ballots cannot be accepted from Auxiliary members; however, Auxiliary members are encouraged and invited to submit the names of possible candidates who they feel have produced something worthy of the award. When a member wishes to suggest a possible candidate for the Hart of America Awards, she can request that the National Public Relations Division send a ballot to that individual. Be sure o include the complete title or name of the production, the date on which it appeared in print or on the air, and the name of the publication or station/network on which the work appeared. When this form is received, the Public Relations Division at National Headquarters will contact the nominee to determine her/their interest in receiving an official entry form.
Founded on the Auxiliary's belief that women and their families are "the heart of America," the awards were conceived not only to recognize creative talent and technical ability, but also to honor print and broadcast professionals who use their art to convey helpful ideas and useful information, specifically to the women, children, and families of America.
Since an entry fee and release signature are required from all entrants, official ballots cannot be accepted from Auxiliary members; however, Auxiliary members are encouraged and invited to submit the names of possible candidates who they feel have produced something worthy of the award. When a member wishes to suggest a possible candidate for the Hart of America Awards, she can request that the National Public Relations Division send a ballot to that individual. Be sure o include the complete title or name of the production, the date on which it appeared in print or on the air, and the name of the publication or station/network on which the work appeared. When this form is received, the Public Relations Division at National Headquarters will contact the nominee to determine her/their interest in receiving an official entry form.
National News
The American Legion Auxiliary's National News is the official publication of the organization. It is published bimonthly by National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each Senior member automatically receives a subscription to the magazine when she joins the Auxiliary.
The magazine contains information about the programs and direction of the National Organization, and gives general information of interest to members of the Auxiliary in relation to these programs. It is a direct link between the member and the National Organization through the letters to the editor and National Committee Chairmen.
Accurate circulation information is absolutely necessary so that the magazine will arrive promptly at the home of each Senior member. The address for the mailing list is the same as is shown on the membership card. If there is an error on the membership card, it should be corrected by the Unit Secretary.
The magazine contains information about the programs and direction of the National Organization, and gives general information of interest to members of the Auxiliary in relation to these programs. It is a direct link between the member and the National Organization through the letters to the editor and National Committee Chairmen.
Accurate circulation information is absolutely necessary so that the magazine will arrive promptly at the home of each Senior member. The address for the mailing list is the same as is shown on the membership card. If there is an error on the membership card, it should be corrected by the Unit Secretary.
