NALPA NEWSLETTER The Official Newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association
Spring 2018 Issue
What’s Coming Children and Youth
Photo by Nik MacMillan
WHO ARE YOU MENTORING? By Mark Sutton, NALPA president
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as anyone ever taken you under their wing and taught you something? Or showed you how to do a job or a project, or made you better at what you were already doing? U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Charles Duncan was the mentor in my life that had, and continues to have, the biggest impact. Duncan was a non-commissioned officer in charge at my first duty station in Beaufort, S.C. Taped to the top of his desk was a sign that read, “Show me the reference.” He challenged me to be better. He taught me how to deal with problems differently. He encouraged me to do more and be more. He listened to me. And he was the first person to correct me when I screwed up. We keep in touch. And when we are together, he still finds ways to mentor me to be better. If we, members of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion and Auxiliary, want to make our organization better then I ask, “Who are you mentoring?” Mentoring does take commitment. It takes patience and a willingness to want the very best for another person, to give selflessly, and to expect nothing in return. Are you a mentor? Are you teaching someone the ins and outs of being an active member of The American Legion? Are you teaching someone how to do your job within the organization? Are you being an encouraging influence and helping a fellow member rise in the ranks at the post,
district or department level? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you are a mentor. If you cannot answer yes, then I encourage you to become a mentor. Find someone within The American Legion who has the desire to learn and help, and teach them the basics. I believe one of the challenges our organization has is a lack of mentoring. Experienced members should be passing on the lessons they have learned. I see longtime members doing things wrong because no one showed them how to do it right. Do you need a mentor? Maybe you are not ready to be a mentor. Or maybe you would like to know more about mentoring but don’t know how to start. Find a mentor. It might take time, and it might take a couple of false starts, but there is someone in your post, district or department who will mentor you. You just need to ask. Be a mentor As NALPA members, we want The American Legion to stay great and the way we do that is for each of us to mentor others. Pass on your knowledge to someone else and ask them to pass it on. I want to encourage each of you to become a mentor to another member, help them make the most out of their time in the organization, even if it means you must hold off on your ambitions to help them succeed theirs. I want everyone I mentor to be better than I am. I want to fan the flame of encouragement with my mentee and smile when the mentee succeeds.
April is Children and Youth Month, which is a great time to share with your community how you are mentoring youth. Work with local media to highlight activities such as Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, Legion Baseball and other youth programs. On social media, use hashtag #ChildrenAndYouthMonth.
Spring Meetings National Commander Denise H. Rohan will address the National Executive Committee during Spring Meetings. Follow along at www.legion. org for the live video. On social media, use hashtag #SpringMtgs2018.
Memorial Day How is your post, unit or squadron participating in Memorial Day events in your community? Share on your social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram, and post a story on Legiontown.org. On social media, use hashtag #MemorialDay.
National Poppy Day May 25 is National Poppy Day when a red poppy is worn to honor the fallen and to show support for all veterans. At www.legion.org/ poppyday there are ways the Legion Family can expand awareness locally and regionally and shop for poppy items. On social media, hashtags #PoppyDay and #LegionFamily.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Membership and media contest update By Patrick R. Rourk
There are times that I have writer’s block – those days when you look at the computer and have not a character on your finger to type. To combat it, I think about a recent American Legion event that I attended and what I learned from it. If you’re having writer’s block, give that idea a try. You may find that it’s a great way to break the logjam quickly! Membership. I want to remind everyone that as long as your dues are paid annually, your card will be professionally made with your name, American Legion, Sons of The American Legion or Auxiliary membership number, city and state on it. If you do not pay your dues annually, then we personally make the card. This year we have had many members come back into the fold, for which I am exceedingly grateful, however, it used up all the blank cards we had reserved for new NALPA members. An emergency order was made and we received a semi-suitable substitute. It would be greatly appreciated if dues are paid on time to ensure we get the highclass press card. I get at least one query per month about our cards and its use from members and potential members, so I’m aware of the value it holds. Media Contest. It’s that time again to prepare submission entries to NALPA’s Media Contest. As a reminder, there’s no
entry fee thanks to sponsorship. The rules and entry form are in this issue and available at www.legion.org/nalpa. You must be a current, paid up member in order to submit an entry. There’s also a free ticket to the awards luncheon for the winners in each category. With 44 categories, we should have at least 44 people enjoying the free lunch. I hope all Media Contest winners will be with us this year as it’s the 100th year of The American Legion national convention. Volunteer opportunity. NALPA’s fiscal officer position is still open. This is not a time-consuming position; you only have to audit the accounts and propose a budget for the following year. To apply, send a cover letter and résumé to NALPA President Mark Sutton, 5377 Durfee Road, Eaton Roads, MI 48827. Or email mark@michiganlegion.org. Washington Conference. I would like to thank Holly Soria from the Media and Communications Division for supervising the NALPA table at the Washington Conference in February. With her assistance, a number of members were able to join and/or renew. And several people purchased a NALPA pin, which saved $3.50 in postage per pin. The Commander’s Call and National Commander Denise H. Rohan’s testimony to Congress were outstanding at the conference. What a great national commander we have.
COMMUNICATION RESOURCES
Download the NALPA Tips and Tricks guide The NALPA Tips and Tricks guide contains information taken from previous NALPA newsletter articles that can be used to help members promote activities at the post, district and department levels. Examples of the short stories in the 13-page guide include how to: ■■ Use your NALPA press card ■■ Localize national press releases ■■ Use LinkedIn and Facebook effectively ■■ Access and promote the Legion’s Vimeo channel ■■ Start a department press association Download the NALPA Tips and Tricks guide at www.legion.org/nalpa/resources.
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 © 2018 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
MEMBERSHIP
NATIONAL POPPY DAY
American Legion announces Veteran Entrepreneur Contest
American Legion Post 269 in Patchogue, N.Y., conducts a meeting through online video conferencing.
Legion members attend post meetings virtually By The American Legion
The ability to attend a monthly American Legion post meeting is not always feasible for members due to conflicting schedules, or health and mobility issues. But Post 269 in Patchogue, N.Y., found a way to include all members in its monthly membership meetings – through online video conferencing. “We have several members who stated that they really wanted to attend our membership meetings, but just cannot do so. By providing an online video conference they are able to participate,” said Post 269 Commander Jonathon Ralph. The post uses www.FreeConferenceCall. com, an audio, web and video conferencing service that’s free to users. Legionnaires create a user ID and password and then install the software on their computer desktop. Ralph created step-by-step instructions on how to access and use the service, and how members can dial in to a post meeting. “One of my (online conferencing) selection requirements was that members did not have to enter any financial information such as credit card numbers. The user account registration for FreeConferenceCall.com only asks for the user to create an ID and password. There’s no request for credit card information,” Ralph said. A few members have taken advantage of the virtual meeting capability since it started last October, however, Ralph hopes once word spreads that more members unable to attend meetings will use it. During post meetings, a computer with a webcam, microphone and speakers is set up on top of a bookcase in the back of the meeting room. Legionnaires who dial in remotely through their computers have the ability to
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communicate with those at the post just like they would if they were there. For example, they can make a motion or second a motion when voting. “We can hear anyone on the video conference who is speaking,” Ralph said. Besides being free, a few other reasons why Ralph chose www.FreeConferenceCall. com was because it’s easy to install and set up; provides security since users must have the meeting ID; and it allows recording and download of video conference sessions. “By providing a video conference, we can combat the perception of an American Legion post as just a bunch of ‘old guys,’” Ralph said. “We can show that we can be innovative and are not afraid of trying different ideas. And the response from the younger veterans is that this is a positive and innovative idea.” For the past three years, University of Akron American Legion Post 808 has used WebEx (www.webex.com) – an online meeting program – to host its post meetings virtually. For Post 808, housed on the university’s campus in Ohio, a virtual meeting is ideal for the post’s membership which includes student veterans, alumni (especially for those who have moved out of town or state) and faculty – all of who juggle class, work and other extracurricular obligations. Post 808’s monthly membership meetings occur on campus at the Musson Veterans Lounge where a computer with a webcam, microphones and the WebEx software installed is set up. There’s a monthly fee with WebEx, and like FreeConferenceCall.com, the software provides a downloadable copy of the meeting after it’s over. This is accessible to anyone who Post 808 gives access.
To honor the fallen and support the living, the American Legion Family is conducting a Veteranpreneur Contest as part of its 2018 National Poppy Day activities. Veterans, servicemembers and their spouses who own a business are invited to submit poppythemed merchandise for consideration in the contest. The winning veteranpreneur will receive up to a $10,000 order for their product, which will be sold in the online poppy shop through American Legion Emblem Sales. Visit www.legion.org/ poppyday for information about the Veteranpreneur Contest and National Poppy Day, May 25. The contest is open now through April 25; entries are due by close of business on April 25. A panel of judges will narrow the field to four finalists. After the finalists have been selected, the general public will vote for their favorite poppy-themed product and the winner will be announced on May 25. Following World War I, the red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to fight for our country. National Poppy Day is an initiative supported by the entire American Legion Family.
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AWARDS
National American Legion Press Association Annual Awards Program Rules for Basis of Judging: 1. Newspapers will be judged on: Content (Legion, Auxiliary, SAL) local, county, district, state and national news, as appropriate; clear, concise and balanced writing; make-up; design and appearance; use of photos and illustrations. 2. Editorials will be judged on: Headline and lead arousal of interest; clear, concise and imaginative writing; research and grasp of subject; timely and appropriate objectives suitable to public. 3. Websites will be judged on: Department or Local information, site design, links, appropriateness of information and attractiveness. 4. Social Media Sites will be judged on: Appearance and presentation; content, readability and engagement; purposes and goals. 5. Visual Media: entries will be evaluated based on originality, clarity, be in perspective, quality, purpose, veterans connection, interest and skill.
Entry Instructions: 1. Must be current member of the National American Legion Press Association. 2. Comlpete the facing page entry form. A photocopy of the page is acceptable to preserve the wholeness of your NALPA newsletter. 3. For categories I., II., III. and IV., submit three (3) papers, one each of three separate issues. 4. For category V. and VII., submit the electronic address (URL) for your website or social media site. If you submit more than one URL, you must do a separate entry for each submission. 5. For category VI., submit only one (1) editorial. Send entire paper or tear-sheet containing the editorial and date of issue. 6. For category VIII, submit up to three (3) photos that have been published on same subject or event; or CD/ DVD or link to access video; or 3 copies of printed, digital art (do not send original paintings/drawings, etc.) in their published vehicle.
Entries must be postmarked no later than May 1, of the current year, and mailed to: Send entry form/cover sheet and entry for all entries to: Patrick R. Rourk 3 Morton St. Norwood, NY 13668-1100 You must mark the lower left corner of your mailing envelope: “NALPA CONTEST” and indicate the entry category for judging. (e. g., Printed Media - III. - B, or Web Media - V. - A, or Social Media – VII - C, etc.)
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NALPA NEWSLETTER Entry Criteria
Category and level
TAL
ALA
SAL
Other*
I. Department George W. Hooten Award For Department-wide publications A. 40,000+ members.
A
B
C
D
B. Under 40,000 members.
A
B
C
D
II. District, County, Regional Emerson O. Mann Award For District-wide, County-wide or Region-wide Publications. - District, county or regional publications
A
B
C
D
III. Larger Posts Al Weinburg Award For all publications produced at the post level. A. Posts over 750 members.
A
B
C
B. Posts with 250 - 749 members.
A
B
C
Entry Criteria TAL
ALA
SAL
Other*
A. Original effort of publication editor.
A
B
C
D
B. Guest editorial (bylined or author identified).
A
B
C
D
C. External Editorial nominated by NALPA Member
A
B
C
A. Department-level social networking sites
A
B
C
D
B. All other social network sites
A
B
C
D
VI. Editorials William E. Rominger Award A & B: Must have appeared originally in an American Legion Family publication within the Award year. C. Any medium outside The American Legion Family Media
VII. Social Media Robert L. Morrill Award (Encompasses Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, etc.)
IV. Smaller Posts, Units, Squadrons R. C. Cann Award For all publications produced at the post, unit, squadron level. - Posts up to 250 members.
Category and level
VIII. Visual Media - All levels and parts of the Legion Family Photos, Videos, Movies & Graphic Illustrations (includes paintings, drawings and designs that have been published)
A
B
C
A. Photographs
A
B
C
D
A. Department websites.
A
B
C
D
B. Videos/Movies
A
B
C
D
B. All other websites.
A
B
C
D
C. Graphic Designs - all types
A
B
C
D
V. Websites Mary B. Howard Award Award For all websites created to support The American Legion Family.
Your notes if any (Judges will not see this form!):
* Item for other American Legion related publications - such as NALPA Newsletter, etc.
Instructions - Under Entry Criteria above circle the family type then below circle the medium within which you wish this entry to be judged.
PRINTED
SOCIAL MEDIA
WEBSITE
PHOTO/VIDEO/GRAPHIC
Please fill out the form below by typing or printing legibly 1. Number and name of post, district, unit, squadron, organization, etc.
2. Full address of this organization in item #1.
3. Frequency, circulation number and name of publication or Web address for websites.
4. Name, address, email and telephone number of publication editor; or of entrant if other than editor.
5. Place photocopy of current NALPA membership card here
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#
SOCIAL MEDIA
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:
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Display the Legion’s 100 years of service An expansive list of The American Legion’s accomplishments and contributions to America over the past near-century is available in the form of a banner that can be used by posts at Centennial events to help tell the Legion’s story. Some of these contributions include: ■■ 685,000 members join in the first eight months, 1919; ■■ Raises $5 million in 1924 to aid disabled veterans and orphans; ■■ Fights to create veterans administrations, 1930 ■■ Harry Truman is first Legionnaire to be president A PDF of the “100 Years of Service” banner can be downloaded at www.legion. org/centennial, in the Media Kits section. From there, posts
Through the Special Orders area, the banner can be customized with the post’s information, or anything else the post wants on it. Find out more about Special Orders at emblem. legion.org/special_orders. asp.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Full Name First
MI
Last
Home Address
#ChildrenAndYouthMonth #SpringMtgs2018
have two options. They can contact their department adjutant about getting authorization for use of The American Legion emblem, then go through a vendor near them that makes retractable banners. Or, contact American Legion Emblem Sales.
City
State
ZIP
#VEDay #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay #ArmedForcesDay #PoppyDay #MemorialDay #DDay74 #FlagDay #PauseForThePledge
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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NALPA NEWSLETTER
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DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATIONS
Colorado American Legion Press Association is born
NALPA President Mark Sutton speaks to members of the Colorado American Legion Press Association. By Tony DuMosch, COALPA president
I knew Department of Colorado Commander Terri Clinton desired changes on how we shape the public’s image of The American Legion. So before attending my first National Convention last August in Reno, Nev., I joined the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) to assist me in my new position as Public Relations Committee chairman for the department. While at convention, I attended the NALPA meeting. During the meeting, I learned that several depart-
ments had their own American Legion Press Associations. The idea of a press association prompted me to stand up and introduce myself. The enthusiasm and passion that NALPA members had for what they do was contagious, and it drew me in. NALPA President Mark Sutton assured me that if there was anything I needed, I was to call him. After returning to Colorado, Department Adjutant Pat Smith and I held a meeting at Lakewood Post 178 with department chairmen from the marketing, social media, photography and community
service committees. Also in attendance was Commander Clinton and Post 178 Commander Dave Clinger. I wasn’t sure how or where this meeting would go, but after nearly two hours our direction was obvious and the Colorado American Legion Press Association (COALPA) started to take shape. In the months that followed, we created the COALPA bylaws, logo, membership application form, press card, lapel pin, and even an annual American Legion dues assessment that includes membership into NALPA.
Commander Clinton encouraged us to have COALPA ready for mid-year conference in January. On Jan. 25, in Arvada, Colo., COALPA made its debut. Legion Family members gathered, including Mark Sutton. The excitement in the room was building. People were chatting about NALPA and COALPA, and I could feel the energy radiating in the room. I had everyone introduce themselves while Mark shared that it is on us to help improve the image of The American Legion. And it’s up to COALPA to help educate posts and districts on how they can utilize their media resources more effectively. We voted in our officers and Executive Committee members and in the end, 28 members signed up. Each new member received a welcome packet that included a copy of COALPA’s bylaws, a press pass with a protective sleeve and lanyard, a lapel pin and listings of television, radio, newspaper and media press outlets in Colorado. COALPA is here to help improve the image of The American Legion.
MINNEAPOLIS
Minneapolis is the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. No other American city has a chain of lakes, the mighty Mississippi, and 18 miles of walking, biking and cross country ski trails within the city limits, all steps from the most vibrant arts and music scene outside NYC. Minneapolis is proud to host The American Legion’s 100th National Convention August 24 - 30, 2018!
minneapolis.org
The American Legion
NEWSLETTER
MEDIA TOOLS
Downloadable PSAs, videos on Vimeo channel The American Legion’s Vimeo channel has several public service announcements (PSAs) on Legion programs, such as Boys Nation, the Legion Riders and ones featuring National Commander Denise H. Rohan. There are also PSAs on membership recruitment, preparing for the Legion’s 100th anniversary and hosting job fairs. These PSAs can be distributed to local media, shared at community events, or loaded onto mobile devices to use while recruiting potential new members. Download these tools at www.vimeo.com/americanlegion
P.O. BOX 1055 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46206
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE AMERICAN LEGION