NALPA NEWSLETTER
The Official Newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association | Spring 2019 Issue
What’s Coming Share your SAL stories Across the nation, Sons of The American Legion members are supporting veterans at the posts and throughout their communities. Share the great community service your squadron is performing by submitting a story on Legiontown.org. An editor will review it for possible publication in national media.
Celebrate Children & Youth Month Rena Nessler, past department commander of New York, speaks with media about The American Leigon’s “100 Years for God and Country” chronology exhibit at the state fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., on Nov. 10, 2018. Photo by Schelly Stone
Take advantage of the opportunities ahead By Mark Sutton, past NALPA president
M
arch 15 was an important milestone for The American Legion. When you read my article in the winter issue of NALPA about the “endgame,” one of two thoughts may have crossed your mind. “I did everything possible, and it worked out great. I was prepared.” Or, “I wasn’t able to do all I had planned to do, and I missed it.” If you pulled off an American Legion 100-year birthday celebration, great job. Your planning and preparing paid off. If it didn’t go as planned, let me be the first to tell you that it’s OK. It is not the end of the world, and it is not the end of the opportunity to use the 100th anniversary to promote your post, district or department. We are now in the 100th year of the beginning of your organization. There are stories to be told to the community. There are opportunities to promote The American Legion in your newspapers, on radio stations, and to new members. There are your post and department’s first organizational commander, adjutant and executive board, and the decisions they made. You can share stories about the founders of
your post and talk about other firsts that happened that first year in existence. Remember that the initial meeting was in Paris March 15-17, 1919, and the second meeting happened in St. Louis, known as the St. Louis Caucus. Committees were established to write the founding principles of The American Legion. Do you know how many delegates from your department were present in St. Louis? Do you know who attended the caucus? Did you know the minutes are available online in the Digital Archives at www.legion.org? There are stories to be told about what your department did to shape The American Legion at the St. Louis Caucus. Are there records of the first meeting of your post or department? There is time to plan and submit a story to local media about that time and place. In Michigan, our minutes show they met on June 28, 1919, in the Moffat Building in Detroit. One of the first motions made was to call all veterans in the state to assemble in Detroit in July to welcome home the soldiers who were sent to fight the Bolsheviks in Russia, See Take advantage of the opportunities ahead on Page 2
April is Children and Youth Month, which is a great time to share with local media how you are mentoring youth through Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, Legion Baseball and other youth programs. On social media, use hashtag #ChildrenAndYouthMonth.
Spring Meetings National Commander Brett Reistad will address the National Executive Committee during Spring Meetings. See the live video at www. facebook.com/americanlegionhq. On social media, use hashtag #SpringMtgs2019.
Memorial Day How is your post, unit or squadron participating in Memorial Day events in your community? Share on your social media platforms and post a story on Legiontown. org. On social media, use hashtag #MemorialDay.
2 NALPA NEWSLETTER
www.nalpa.org
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
National Convention preparation underway By Stephen Shuga
Now that we have celebrated The American Legion’s centennial birthday, our mission continues to capture, report and write articles that focus on veterans and promote The American Legion’s next 100 years. Any American Legion Family member can join the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA). NALPA membership is $15 annually. The membership year is Sept. 1-Aug. 31. As a NALPA member, you’ll receive a press pass/membership card, NALPA stickers, a quarterly newsletter and plenty of encouragement to make a difference through the power of the pen, computer, video and other various forms of social media. The American Legion’s 101st National Convention is Aug. 23-29 in Indianapolis. Past meeting minutes and agendas will be posted July 26 on the NALPA website, www.legion.org/nalpa, or through your designated area vice presidents and directors. The following are important dates during National Convention for NALPA members: Aug. 25, is the annual Executive Board Meeting at the Indiana Convention Center, Level 2, Room 211 from 9:15-10:30 a.m. Please be on time as we have a lot to cover on the agenda.
Take advantage of the opportunities ahead from Page 1
also known as the “Polar Bears.” In June, I will write a story about the beginning of the Department of Michigan and send out to media outlets. We can write about the meetings and the events, but then there are the individuals who were there. What can we learn about them? When did they serve in the military? Where were they from? What did they do in their American Legion position? Those can be stories that promote who we are as an organization. If the information is available, they could provide several stories throughout the summer to be placed on your social media accounts, in your newsletters, and sent to your local media.
Aug. 25, is the Membership Meeting at the Indiana Convention Center, Level 2, Room 211 at 11 a.m. The meeting is open to all current NALPA members in good standing. We will start promptly. We have plenty on our agenda to cover, along with our annual selection and election/ appointment of officers for the term 2019-2020. A check-in table will verify your credentials before entering. Have your current membership card with you or get one during check-in. Membership fee is $15 and NALPA pins are $5 apiece. Check or cash will be accepted. Aug. 26, is the Awards Luncheon at 11:30 am. We have a tentative location but still working on the menu and cost. Please check the NALPA website and Facebook page starting in May, and the summer issue of NALPA for final details and ticket request forms. You may also contact Executive Director Steve Shuga by email, nalpaed18@gmail.com, for updated information as it becomes available. Please make plans to attend and thank this year’s award winners. Only NALPA members can enter submissions in the designated categories (see page 5) to potentially win for creating and reporting news for our veterans. We are the frontline catalyst for The American Legion membership team.
Take advantage of the story opportunities coming up for the year. They can be short stories or long content pieces. They can be tidbits that show work being done. For example, when Teddy Roosevelt visited the Department of Michigan in August of 1919, the executive committee voted to have ice cream sandwiches, cigars and cigarettes be served. I have learned many things in the course of reading our minutes for the department. What can you learn from your past meeting minutes, if they exist? Each person, event and action that was taken by your post or department is a potential story to be told to your members and your community. Don’t stop celebrating The American Legion’s 100 years. It is not over, and our rich history will continue if you decide to write about it.
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 © 2019 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 Stephen Shuga 3355 Bellingham Drive Orlando, FL 32825-7168 Email: nalpaed18@gmail.com Online: www.legion.org/nalpa Membership information and applications: NALPA c/o Media & Communications P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 Telephone: (317) 630-1298 Email: magazine@legion.org 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 Media & Communications, The American Legion, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis IN 46206 PRESIDENT Michael Hjelmstad EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Shuga VICE PRESIDENTS Robert Stronach, Area 1 Jane McKnight, Area 2 Vickie Cyboron, Area 3 Micheal Patty, Area 4 DIRECTORS Kevin Harrington, Area 1 Edward Lewis, Area 2 Kenneth Pierce, Area 3 Tony DuMosch, Area 4 JUDGE ADVOCATE Charles G. Mills
HISTORIAN Dolly Zitur CHAPLAIN Maudi L. Price FINANCE Terri Clinton SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Kenneth George COUNCIL TO THE PRESIDENT Parvin R. Gibbs, James T. Higuera, David Wallace, Patrick Rourk
www.nalpa.org
NALPA NEWSLETTER
RESOLUTION 1
Usage of all American Legion emblems The American Legion’s National Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 1 during Spring Meetings last year to clarify the rules and regulations governing use of the name and emblem of The American Legion. This resolution was passed to ensure that everyone is in compliance with all of the owned trademark symbols and emblems relating to The American Legion – these include The American Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, Legion Riders, Legion Baseball, etc. The following is a message from National Adjutant Daniel Wheeler, National Judge Advocate Kevin Bartlett and National Treasurer George Buskirk about correct usage and approval of American Legion emblems. To: American Legion Team 100 As we celebrate The American Legion’s 100th anniversary, the three of us wanted to collectively congratulate the entire organization. The numerous accomplishments in this first century of existence by this amazing veterans’ group is something we all can be proud of. We look forward to our next successful 100 years. Now, as we move forward, everyone must continue to be mindful of legal restrictions regarding our emblem’s usage. Whether it is the circle gold emblem, the words “The American Legion,” the American Legion Riders emblems or even “Boys State,” the numerous trademarks are important to The American Legion and are patented. All of The American Legion emblems are owned by the national organization and licensed for use by posts, departments and other organizations that request, in advance for review to National Headquarters, their use. Yet this license always requires pre-approval from the National Adjutant whenever there is any type of financial exchange. All uses may not be approved – for example, adding a different color or changing the emblem’s design. The design of a new logo with the additional use of a current logo may not be legal, either. Additionally, The American Legion does not want any emblem to appear on
tobacco, beer and alcohol products because such placement does not help our public image. Most important to remember is that the non-approved use of any American Legion-owned emblem is illegal and will not be tolerated. This advisory does not, of course, preclude posts, counties, districts or departments from normal promotions of American Legion activities, such as events to celebrate the centennial, nor does it mean that respectful commercial uses of the emblem will always be denied. The key questions to ask when emblem use is desired or requested can be found in Resolution 1: Rules and Regulations Governing Use of the Name and Emblem of The American Legion, passed by the National Executive Committee May 9-10, 2018. Those questions are: 1. Is the request of use for commercial purpose, outside normal post event promotion? 2. Does the request involve, in any way, reproduction of the name or trademarked emblems for commercial use by any entity other than the American Legion post? 3. If the emblem, other American Legion-trademarked logos and/or the words “The American Legion” or “American Legion” involve sale of any merchandise, does my post, district or department have prior written permission from the National Adjutant or the National Adjutant’s designated representative, specific to that use? Everyone in The American Legion is excited about the centennial and all the opportunities the organization has to brand itself this year and in the future. Unfortunately, the opportunity also exists for The American Legion’s brand to be misused, exploited and even modified for the benefit of others outside the organization, occasionally for their financial gain. The American Legion has spent a century making itself one of the most trusted brands in U.S. history. Let’s be sure to keep it that way as we enter a second century of service to veterans, servicemembers, families and communities worldwide.
3
MEDIA
Six reasons Google should be a part of your digital media strategy By Mark Sutton, past NALPA president
When American Legion posts, districts or departments plan out a digital media strategy, the first thing to consider is an email address to sign up for digital services. It’s not advised to use your personal email because you might not always be the one handling the media information. You want to keep your personal account separate from The American Legion’s. There are many free email services to choose from such as Yahoo or Outlook, or one from an Internet service provider like Comcast. The following are six reasons why I personally think a Gmail account is great for a digital media strategy. A Gmail account: 1. Is free. 2. Is easy to use. You can create labels to organize emails coming in and process email automatically. 3. Comes with a Google Drive account and up to 15GB of free storage space. With Google Drive you can write press releases and meeting minutes, and produce a newsletter. Google Sheets helps keep finances organized in a spreadsheet. These documents can be created right from your phone, tablet or laptop, and they are always available online. 4. Has tools to start a press release blog for your American Legion post. And it’s free. 5. Comes with an online calendar that you can embed on your post or department website, or share through email. You can make calendars for meetings, special events and holidays that can be shared. 6. Gives you access to Google Sites, a website building program. If your post needs a website, you can make a basic one through Google Sites and share the address with others. If you have a domain name, you can point the name to your website in a few simple steps. Google services can be a great way to get connected in a digital media strategy and stay connected into the future.
4 NALPA NEWSLETTER
www.nalpa.org
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. Complete 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: Stephen Shuga 3355 Bellingham Drive Orlando, FL 32825-7168 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.)
www.nalpa.org
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
5
6 NALPA NEWSLETTER
#
SOCIAL MEDIA
www.nalpa.org
MEDIA
Photo by Fredrick Shacklett
Using NALPA press cards for event access 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:
By Micheal Patty, NALPA and CALPA member
As America greeted New Year’s Day 2019, California American Legion Press Association (CALPA) reporters were hard at work covering the 130th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. California Legionnaires Fredrick Shacklett and Gil Soto obtained press passes and received unrestricted access to the route of the parade, which featured The American Legion’s centennial float in a prominent position. The photographers took images of National Commander
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Full Name First
#VEDay #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay #ArmedForcesDay #PoppyDay #MemorialDay #DDay75 #FlagDay #PauseForThePledge
MI
Last
Home Address
#ChildrenAndYouthMonth #SpringMtgs2019
Brett Reistad, a past NALPA president; Medal of Honor recipients, including Woody Williams, a member of The American Legion; and Joshua Kenneth Cheadle, California’s first Boys Nation president, who was elected in 2018; and others. The parade access illustrates the importance of belonging to a nationally recognized media association. The Tournament of Roses media relations team approved the credentials for Shacklett and Soto because of their memberships and NALPA’s and CALPA’s roles in The American Legion’s media program.
City
State
ZIP
Email 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 National Media & Communications PO Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 PLEASE ENTER Membership Year: 20________
www.nalpa.org
NALPA NEWSLETTER
7
HISTORY
NALPA gains new momentum with new century By Laura Edwards
The National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) counted more than 1,100 members, and more than 1,000 publications, in 1974-1975. Membership dues were $5. Then-NALPA President Samuel Picker credited the membership gain to the introduction of “an extensive printed educational program on how to write and publish a news bulletin.” Longtime secretary-treasurer Jack R.C. Cann had died in 1974, leaving the organization without one of its most vital links to its first half-century, but new days lay ahead. In a 1983 American Legion Magazine piece, NALPA – looking for “a few good men and women” – touted its openness “to all editors, staffers, public relations and publicity officers, and those interested in promoting the Legion’s image. Membership is open to Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and Sons of The American Legion.” In 1998 – NALPA’s 75th anniversary – another magazine piece mentioned its 1,800 active members, and the motives
that still drive the organization today: “encouraging idea exchanges promoting local communications, advancing training through information dissemination, enhancing professional development, promoting the Legion’s goals and acting as a voice of the association membership, accomplishing these missions while maintaining the highest professional standards.” George Hooten, then-executive director, was quoted as saying, “We like to think of NALPA as the image makers of The American Legion ... We have found that posts with post bulletins have a more active membership, and a membership that is greater in numbers. When people get that bulletin in their hands, they know what is going on in the organization and they share it with other potential members … Post bulletins also assist older veterans who can’t get out much. This might be the only communication they have with the post. They, like everyone else, deserve to be informed about what is going on.” Electronic media was nearly in its infancy in 1998, but NALPA brought it in
as it matured, and encouraged “the widest use … for communications” in the 2011 Public Relations Guide. Also in 2011, NALPA was profiled in the Dispatch. Executive Director Mike Duggan, who had held that position since 2007, the article said: “When he began leading NALPA, it had about 1,200 members, of which about 800 were active. It fell to about 600 active members, but the number is ‘coming up a little bit now,’ he says, to 700 and climbing. “Duggan’s pitch is that NALPA’s members are the ‘communicators’ of the Legion, and adds, ‘The whole organization depends on communication ... if you communicate, you generally have success.’” Today, NALPA’s membership stands at 775. Not just electronic, but social, media are emphasized, as well as print media; as an example of bridging, the quarterly NALPA newsletter is in both print and digital forms. As The American Legion enters its second century of service, embracing the present – and future – to accomplish its mission, NALPA is sure to do the same.
INDIANAPOLIS A city known for fast cars and blockbuster events has also gained acclaim for a flourishing culinary and brewing scene, thriving cultural institutions, cool neighborhoods, and so much more. We invite you to enjoy our legendary hospitality. Indianapolis is proud to host the American Legion’s 101st National Convention August 23 – 29, 2019!
VisitIndy.com
The American Legion
NEWSLETTER
100TH ANNIVERSARY
P.O. BOX 1055 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46206
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE AMERICAN LEGION
American Legion releases centennial documentary The first two episodes of The American Legion’s new centennial documentary, “To Strengthen a Nation,” have been released. “To Strengthen a Nation” has professional actors, who are also Legionnaires, crisscrossing the country to discover how The American Legion was formed, grew, and serves community, state and nation today. Episodes will be posted monthly or bimonthly between now and the 101st National Convention in Indianapolis in late August. View “To Strengthen a Nation: Prelude” and “Episode 1: Formation of The American Legion,” by visiting www.legion.org/legiontv.