NALPA NEWSLETTER The Official Newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association
Fall 2018 Issue
What’s Coming Veterans Day Engage your local community early and often by placing announcements in your local media on the events your post is participating in or hosting. On the day of the event and afterward, share what’s happening on your social media and web pages.
Blood donor drive
NALPA President Michael Hjelmstad, center, takes the oath of office with new Executive Director Stephen Shuga, left, and Finance Officer Terri Clinton at the organization's annual meeting in August. Photo by Jared Morgan
DO THINGS, AND TELL STORIES By Michael Hjelmstad, NALPA president
I
t’s an honor to lead the National American Legion Press Association as president, and I am excited to work with this year’s dynamic new team. The 2018-2019 year is distinctive because it is the centennial celebration of The American Legion, and we are an integral part of telling the story of the Legion Family. Not just the story of our history but that The American Legion is in position to support veterans for the next 100 years. I’m happy with the direction NALPA has been going over the past few years, and I look forward to building on the success of the previous presidents. NALPA has helped to build back the relevance of The American Legion, but in some ways we still have an image problem. We can improve and clarify our image by telling more stories about the great things The American Legion is doing, and I want NALPA to lead the way in sharing information by engaging the community. How are you engaging your community? It is now easier than ever to put information out to a massive audience like the membership of The
American Legion, potential new members and the general public. In The American Legion there are several communities to engage. Within our internal community it’s important to share information among ourselves about what is working well, what is coming up and what we should be doing. Examples include sharing the date and time for the next district meeting; how posts can prepare for department meetings and convention; and significant dates that should be celebrated or recognized. Keeping our members informed and interested is a big part of retention. Another important community to engage is potential new members. Our image is best promoted by communicating the significant things The American Legion is doing at every level now and in the past to support veterans, as well as our future areas of growth. As a NALPA member, I encourage you to highlight things that are being done. New members bring new ideas, a fresh perspective, and they want to be a part of something. I don’t want to break the hearts of See Do things, and tell stories on Page 2
Thanksgiving kicks off the annual Blood Donor Drive, this year from Nov. 22-24. Share how your post is participating on social media.
Holiday happenings Many posts sponsor toy drives, welcome local servicemembers or reservists into their buildings or do other charity work around the holidays. Let us know how your post is making sprits bright this holiday season by submitting a story at www.legiontown.org.
American Education Week This is an opportunity to honor a patriotic teacher, or a veteran who is now an educator. Honoring them with a certificate and promoting it via social media will go a long way in your community.