NALPA NEWSLETTER
The official newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association Fall 2017 Issue
What’s Coming Halloween safety National headquarters produces a publication geared toward ensuring a safe Halloween. Check it out and promote it within your communities. Download the brochure at www.legion.org/ publications.
Veterans Day
2017-2018 National American Legion Press Association members are sworn in at The American Legion’s national convention in Reno, Nev.
READY, AIM, FIRE By Mark Sutton, NALPA president
N
ovember 2015 seems like forever ago when I sat in a conference room with National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) leadership and staff from The American Legion’s Media and Communications Division in Indianapolis to discuss the future of NALPA. We started the meeting with the thought that if we could not develop a plan or path then NALPA would cease to exist. The association was struggling with its identity, brand, image and purpose. I left National Headquarters that day ready for the challenge to make NALPA what it could be – the go-to association for public relation officers and communicators from every level of The American Legion that would provide the tools to train, inspire and grow the image of The American Legion. With support and resources from the Media and Communication Division, we changed the
NALPA newsletter’s look, feel, content and purpose of what it should convey to members. And we placed NALPA’s website under the Legion’s national one (www.legion.org/nalpa) for consistent branding. NALPA leadership, with the help of Media and Communication Division staff, took front and center stage at the Legion’s annual Washington Conference in 2016. The large NALPA banner and table display was in the path of everyone. We handed out postcards about the social media blast scheduled for that event. We promoted NALPA, we signed up new members, and NALPA was given the opportunity to speak in front of conference attendees to encourage the Legion Family to Tweet, Facebook and talk about the meetings they were about to have in Washington, D.C., using the hashtags presented. Under the leadership of immediate past NALPA President Dave Wallace and the steadfastness of Executive Director Patrick See Ready, Aim, Fire on Page 2
National Commander Denise H. Rohan is encouraging posts to join the nation’s largest Veterans Day dinner. Share how your post is celebrating by submitting a story on www.legion.org/ legiontown. And use hashtag #LegionFamilyDinner on social media.
Blood donor drive Thanksgiving kicks off the nationwide blood donor drive. Share how your post is participating on social media.
Christmas events Many posts host special holiday events in the season of giving. Share yours at www.legion.org/legiontown.
National Family Week National Headquarters has a brochure on ways Legion Family members can coordinate or get invovled with National Family Week (Nov. 19-25) activities. Download the brochure at www.legion. org/publications.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NALPA news and reminders By Patrick R. Rourk
I had a wonderful time in Reno, Nev., during The American Legion’s 99th national convention. I traveled to and from by Amtrak. If you haven’t done such a trip you are missing out on America, the home of the brave and land of the free. Our media awards luncheon was a great success. We awarded 45 print and digital publications, however, every entry into the media awards program was a winner. I encourage every media producer in The American Legion to enter the contest next year. Remember, the entry fee is waived thanks to NALPA’s recurrent national sponsorship. While mentioning sponsors, I would be greatly remiss not to recognize the super folks at the Reno-Sparks Convention Authority for their outstanding support of the 2017 award year and taking that initial step to be the first sponsor of our awards program. You’ll notice in this issue that there are two NALPA leadership positions open for those who might be interested. NALPA is running well at this time so the learning curve should not be too difficult for either position. Both the executive director and finance officer positions are an integral part to the operation of NALPA. Although the bylaws indicate these resumes can be received up to 30 days prior to national
From Ready, Aim Fire on Page 1
Rourk over the past year, NALPA’s relationship with the Media and Communication Division is strong and it’s working. This relationship is ready to take aim at the next level. NALPA is ready to fire on all cylinders, we are ready to take up the challenge to help our fellow Legionnaires and family make better newsletters, make better
convention in August, we would like to receive resumes by this Dec. 31. This will provide time for the NALPA Executive Committee to make a decision and to help ensure a smoother transition at convention. We have been able to obtain some very nice NALPA embroidered shirts that are available for purchase. I will say they are nice enough that someone bought the shirt off my back at convention. Finally, I must continue to mention membership. Growth of NALPA will improve our health and productivity. I recently saw the notes for our reorganization and rebranding meeting from 2015. When I reviewed those notes and remembered we spoke of over 1,500 newsletters and like numbers of digital products now, we should easily have between 2,500 and 3,000 members. We still have a way to go folks. Talk to your friends, post members and acquaintances in social media that produce The American Legion post media products. And lastly, a small reminder. As you know, NALPA has a nice membership card that features your name, American Legion membership number, city and state. This year I have had to make quite a few new cards due to address changes. When you move, please let us know. It’s much easier to make the change before the cards are printed.
use of their websites, and make better use of social media. If we deliver more robust newsletters then members will want to renew. If we deliver interesting content then perspective members will learn about who we are, what we do and will want to join. If we make better use of social media then we can reach out to more veterans, their spouses and children to join the Legion Family and take advantage of all the
Legion has to offer. Technology is changing how the world communicates at warp speed. NALPA is well positioned to fire our rockets and keep up to teach the Legion Family how to use that technology. Watch for it, encourage your fellow communicators to join, follow us and give us the opportunity this year to show you why NALPA matters. You will not be disappointed.
The National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) is a nonprofit organization made up of members interested in furthering the aims of The American Legion. Copyright © 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Editor. You are encouraged to contact us if you wish to utilize materials contained herein for other non-profit organization publication. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily represent those of either the Publisher or Editor. Correspondence and letters to the editor: NALPA c/o Patrick R. Rourk 3 Morton St. Norwood, NY 13668-1100 Telephone: (315) 353-8892 (6:00 – 9:00 P.M. ET only) Email: prourk@twcny.rr.com Online: www.legion.org/nalpa Membership information and applications: NALPA c/o Debra Murrell P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 NALPA Newsletter is published quarterly by The National American Legion Press Association. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN-Permit # 719. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NALPA, c/o Debra Murrell, The American Legion, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis IN 46206 PRESIDENT Mark Sutton EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Patrick R. Rourk VICE PRESIDENTS Kevin Harrington, Area 1 Jane McKnight, Area 2 Susan Knapp, Area 3 Michael Hjelmstad, Area 4 DIRECTORS Robert G. Stronach, Area 1 Staci King, Area 2 Dolly Zitur, Area 3 Larry Hill, Area 4 JUDGE ADVOCATE Charles G. Mills
HISTORIAN Dolly Zitur CHAPLAIN Maudi L. Price FINANCE Joseph Porempski SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Kenneth George COUNCIL TO THE PRESIDENT Parvin R. Gibbs, John E. Thompson, James T. Higuera, David Wallace, Patrick Rourk
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NALPA NEWSLETTER
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ORGANIZATIONAL TOOLS
Effective communication starts with a calendar calendar. Grab the free calendar distributed by Emblem Sales, open Microsoft Word and print a calendar template, or download one from the Internet.
Where to begin
When it comes to an effective communications strategy, the first place to start is with a well-organized and detailed calendar. It doesn’t matter if the calendar is digital, on paper, a whiteboard or Post-it. What does matter is how the calendar is used. Why is the calendar so important? Because everything we do has a deadline. Veterans Day is approaching so how are the parade or dinner plans coming? How is the promotion of your posts events for the day coming along? Have you sent out a press release to notify your community? Whether you’re at the post, district or department level, you need to start with a
Step one: Begin with your meetings at the post, district and department level. Find the date and write the description of the event, time and place. Second, list all known planned events, the time and place that are scheduled. Third, list the important holidays your post, district and department recognize for the year. Step two: Take each event written on the calendar and count backward and mark 14 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days and 90 days out. A suggestion is that you use a different color pen to indicate that an event is coming up. Why so many reminders? It depends on what must happen for the event. If you need to invite the mayor to your Veterans Day dinner then you may want to consider sending the invite 90 days before. It will also depend on what your media strategy for
RECRUITING TOOL
each event calls for that you should have written out when planning. Because you are thinking about these events further out with your calendar, it creates a successful promotion. Step three: Using a different color from the other events, write down the dates when your post newsletter article is due, the deadline for submitting stories to your local paper, and the deadlines for everyone you must send a press release to. While these dates are not connected to your events, as you use different colors on your calendar you will see that based on deadlines of newspapers and such, 14 days may have to be moved to 20 days, depending on where dates fall. Hang the calendar on the wall and have three months visible so it can serve as a reminder.
Make friends with the calendar Don’t fear the deadlines, embrace them and never miss another one again. Stay on top of your calendar and you will stay on top of your communications strategy.
EDUCATION
Free copies of Legion magazine delivered monthly to posts
Free online American Legion training program now available
Every American Legion post within the United States will receive three complimentary issues of The American Legion Magazine every month. This started with the October issue. Post members are encouraged to use the free magazine copies as a recruiting tool by
A new mobile-friendly online training program for members of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary is now available free of charge, replacing the former American Legion Extension Institute. “Basic Training” is a five-part lesson housed on The American Legion Education Institute site at www.legion. org/training. The module updates and refreshes the former online training program, makes it free of charge for members of the American Legion Family and has been developed for mobile phones, electronic tablets and desktop computers.
showing potential new members one of the many benefits of Legion membership or by leaving copies at the local VA hospital. If you do not receive your free copies, please contact Jenny Altherr by email at jaltherr@legion.org or by phone at (317) 630-1221.
Topics covered are: ■■ History & Organization ■■ Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation ■■ National Security ■■ Americanism ■■ Children & Youth Each topic area offers ways in which American Legion Family members can advance the organization’s values and services in their local communities. Following a Course Conclusion step in the training program, a 40-question exam is provided. Graduates can download and print a certificate of completion and order a Basic Training Graduate pin from Emblem Sales.
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AWARDS
www.nalpa.org
2017 NALPA Media Contest Winners
George W. Hooten Publication Awards Category 1 - A: Departments Over 40,000 Members 1st
Department of Nebraska
Nebraska Legionnaire
John Thompson
2nd
Department of Ohio
Ohio Legion News
Jason Graven
3rd
SAL Detachment of California
The California SONS’ Adventure
John “Durk” Durkin
Category 1 - B: Departments Under 40,000 Members 1st
Department of Maine
The Maine Legionnaire
Paul A. L’Heureux
2nd
American Legion Auxiliary - Indiana
Hoosier Auxiliary News
Maria Gottlieb
3rd
American Legion Auxiliary - Virginia
ALA Virginia e-newsletter
Staci King
Emerson O. Mann Publication Awards (District, County and Regional) Category 2 - A (Includes all Legion, SAL and Auxiliary ) 1st
Parker County American Legion Post 163
Post 163 Times
Rachael M. Watson
2nd
19th District Alabama Auxiliary
19th District Monthly Newsletter
Jean Cooley- Desmeules
3rd
District 6 Auxiliary of Nebraska
Nebraska American Legion District 6 Auxiliary
Vicki L. Cyboron
Al Weinburg Publication Award (Larger Posts) Category 3 - A (Larger Post - Over 750 members) 1st
Pacific Palisades Post 283
Palisades Post 283 Newsletter
Sue Pascoe
2nd
American Legion Post 176
Post Script
Paul Kaeppel
3rd
Frierson-Nichols Post 8
The Echo
Beverly Barnes
Category 3 - B (Posts - 250 - 750 members) 1st
Lorton Post 162
Expressions Post 162
Marv Rodney
2nd
St. Louis Service Women’s Post 404
The Feminaires
Shirley Janes
R.C. Cann Award (Smaller Posts, Units and Squadrons) Category 4 - A 1st
Cathay Post 384
Cathay Dispatch
Clara Pon
2nd
Merrick Post 1282
The Bugle
Richard M. Ambrosino
3rd
American Legion Post 1244
Greenlawn Bugle
Bob Santo
Mary B. Howard Awards Category 5 A: Department Websites 1st
www.ohiolegion.org
Department of Ohio
Jason Graven
2nd
www.galegion.org
Department of Georgia
Charlie Dowick
3rd
www.kylegion.org
Department of Kentucky
Mike Moses
Category 5 B: All Other Websites 1st
www.al161.org
Harding-Noia American Legion Post 161
Autry James
2nd
www.bcnjal.org
Bergen County American Legion
James Morton
3rd
www.alpost365.org
Alvin Myo Dunn Post 365
Chris Yates
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NALPA NEWSLETTER
2017 NALPA Media Contest Winners William E. Rominger Editorial Awards Category 6 - A: Editor 1st
Mission: Possible - Publication Editor
Department of Ohio
Jason Graven
2nd
ALEI, Learning has no boundries & no age limitations
Cathay Post 384
Clara Pon
3rd
What does Old Glory symbolize to you?
Cathay Post 384
Clara Pon
Category 6 - B: Guest Editorial 1st
Honoring World War II veterans
Cathay Post 384
Roger Dong
2nd
Post mentoring
Kentucky Legionnaire
Mike Moses
3rd
Home at last
American Legion Post 1645
Dorolyn Perry
Fort Campbell Unit 233
Jane McKnight
Category 6 - C: External Editorial 1st
American Legion Auxiliary Salutes Military
Robert L. Morrill Award (Department-Level Social Networking) Category 7 - A: Facebook 1st
Department of Ohio
Department of Ohio Facebook Page
Jason Graven
2nd
SAL Detachment of California
Detachment of California Facebook Page
John “Durk” Durkin
3rd
Department of Nebraska
Department of Nebraska Facebook Page
Vicki L. Cyboron
Sons of the American Legion Detachment of NY Radio
Kenneth G. Kraetzer
Department of Ohio Twitter Profile
Jason Graven
Category 7 - A: Radio 1st
SAL Detachment of New York
Category 7 - A: Twitter 1st
Department of Ohio
Category 7 - B: Facebook (All Other Social Network Sites) 1st
Pacific Palisades Post 283
Pacific Palisades Post 283 Facebook Page
Sue Pascoe
2nd
Rochelle Park NJ American Legion Post 170
Rochelle Park NJ American Legion Post 170 Facebook Page
James Morton
3rd
District 29, Department of California
District 29, Department of California Facebook Page
Kenneth George
Category 8 - Visual Media Awards Category 8 - A: Photographs 1st
Cross Bayou American Legion Post 252
Stand Down at C.W. “Bill” Young VA Center
Edward Lewis
2nd
Cross Bayou American legion Post 252
K-9 Partners for Patriots
Edward Lewis
3rd
Cathay Post 384
San Francisco Chinese New Year’s Parade
Nelson Lum
Category 8 - B: Videos/Movies 1st
Lorton Post 162
David Wallace
2nd
Post 71 Lake Wales, FL
Michael L. Spotswood
3rd
Criswell-Robinson Post 71
Kaitlyn Gardenhire
Category 8 - C: Graphic Designs 1st
Department of Utah
Cartoons from THE BUZZ
Robert Salvini
2nd
Rochelle Park American Legion Post 170
Graphic Art posters - Post 170
Sue Pascoe
3rd
Newport Harbor Squadron 291
Graphic Designs - MMA Bout Poster
John “Durk” Durkin
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SOCIAL MEDIA
#
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FAMILY FIRST
Help host the biggest American Legion Veterans Day dinner
Photo by Matt Roth
Hashtags help promote your activities Oftentimes social media users search for hashtags of a particular topic of interest. Hashtags are always one word and begin with the pound or number sign. In upcoming months, there are events that social media managers may want to use when posting information about what their post is doing. Here are some that will be used and/or monitored by the National Headquarters team: #LegionFamilyDinner #VeteransDay
American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan is calling on the Legion Family nationwide to serve up the biggest and best Veterans Day dinner in history by inviting the whole community to join them at the dinner table on Nov. 11. The 2017 Family First! Veterans Day Dinner is an opportunity to share about The American Legion and to raise awareness about the coming 100th anniversary of the
organization. Promotional materials to help posts, units and squadrons serve up a bigger-thanever Family First! Veterans Day dinner Nov. 11 are now available online at www. legion.org/publications under Media & Communications. They are also available at www.legion.org/nalpa/ resources. Resources include: ■■ A suggested timeline for planning the event, tips on
getting local sponsors involved, and a set of message points that can be presented, and localized, at the dinner or to the press. ■■ Sample letters of invitation to local groups to attend and participate in the dinner, a press release, a sample media advisory, a downloadable flyer with fields for posts to provide local information, social media posts (hashtag #LegionFamilyDinner) and a radio PSA. Even after the Veterans Day Dinner, ideas can be taken from the materials as needed to be used in future events, such as a celebration of the Legion’s birthday in March or a Memorial Day gettogether in May. Share photos of your story on the Legion’s website at www.legiontown.org.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Full Name
First
MI
Last
Home Address
#ElectionDay #AmericanEducationWeek #NationalFamilyWeek
City
State
ZIP
#Thanksgiving #PearlHarborDay #Christmas #Hanukkah #HappyNewYear #MLKDay
Legion/Auxiliary/SAL Membership # Department/Post/Detachment I AM A MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING: The American Legion
American Legion Auxiliary
Sons of The American Legion
THIS IS FOR: New Membership: $15
Renew Membership: $15
NALPA Pin $5 in person $7.50 by mail
TOTAL:________________ Make Check Payable To: NALPA MAIL TO: The NALPA membership year is from September 1 through August 31
NALPA The American Legion C/O Debra Murrell, National Media & Communications PO Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 PLEASE ENTER Membership Year: 20________
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MERCHANDISE
NALPA shirts available for purchase NALPA embroidered shirts are now available in blue and white for men in sizes small to 4XL, and women in sizes medium to XL. The shirts are tapered at the waist and run small. Cost of the shirt is $30 plus shipping of $11.90. The shirts are purchased as ordered so it takes about three weeks to receive one by mail. To order, send name, address, color, size and check made payable to: NALPA (c/o Pat Rourk), 3 Morton St., Norwood, N.Y. 13668-1100. American Legion Emblem Sales has the NALPA logo and can have it embroidered on any apparel they carry. To place a special order, call toll free at (866) 632-7131 or email specialorders@ legion.org. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern.
JOIN THE TEAM
Openings for NALPA leadership positions Executive Director The NALPA executive director provides the day-today supervision and operation of the association. The incumbent must be fluent and comfortable in both oral and written presentations, knowledgeable with current digital communication tools, and have the ability to adapt to changes in technology to keep current with more efficient ways of communication and management of the association. General duties include: ■■ Serves as the liaison between NALPA and staff of The American Legion National Headquarters Media and Communication Division and Convention Division to ensure coordination and understanding remain fluid. ■■ Manages the membership database and issuance of
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membership cards. Implements sound fiscal policy and management of accounts. Supervises the annual Media Contest, which includes the receiving of all entries, making arrangements for judging, and developing and arranging for award construction and delivery to national convention site. Coordinates with Legion Convention Division staff and convention catering personnel for the annual awards luncheon, as well as space for the Executive Committee and annual general meetings. Operates an office at the national convention either within American Legion National Headquarters staff offices or the exhibit hall if a NALPA booth is provided.
Attends other national meetings as requested to represent NALPA and to help recruit new members. Other duties may be assigned as needed. This is a non-competitive and noncompensated, 100 percent volunteer position. Additional requirements include being a current member in good standing within the American Legion Family and NALPA. ■■
Fiscal Officer General duties of the NALPA fiscal officer include: ■■ Uses bank statements and debit/credit logs to provide oversight of the budget, profit and loss statements for the annual general meeting and the Executive Committee. ■■ Completes an analysis of expenditures in comparison to the approved budget
(report); evaluates the past fiscal year for the fiscal health of the association (report); and provides a proposed budget to the Executive Committee. This is a non-competitive and non-compensated, 100 percent volunteer position. Experience or educational background in bookkeeping, accounting or finance is preferred. Additional requirements including being a current member in good standing within the American Legion Family and NALPA. To apply, send a cover letter and resume by Dec. 31 to: NALPA President Mark Sutton, 5377 Durfee Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Or email mark@michiganlegion.org or call (248) 3905481.
The American Legion
NEWSLETTER
MEDIA TOOLS
Legion PSAs, videos on Vimeo channel The American Legion has several public service annoucements and promotional videos, such as ones on membership and the four pillars, that you can distribute to local media, share at community events, or load onto your mobile device to use while recruiting potential new members. These tools are accessible for download and sharing via social media on the Legion’s Vimeo channel at https://vimeo.com/americanlegion.
P.O. BOX 1055 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46206
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE AMERICAN LEGION