NALPA NEWSLETTER
The official newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association Summer 2017 Issue
What’s Coming Youth program participants Thousands of American youths will be participating in American Legion Family youth programs this summer, including Boys and Girls Nation and American Legion Baseball. This represents a great opportunity to share photos of them on your social media channels.
Use social media during national convention
IT’S EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO TELL OUR STORY By David F. Wallace
A
s I think about what a whirlwind year this has been serving as your NALPA president, I am amazed at all of the articles that have been created throughout the year – either through our newsletters or those written and shared by The American Legion’s Media and Communications Division about all of the Legion’s social media platforms. Communication by any method is key to showing what our organization does and to aid in signing up new members. If you are having trouble putting together talking points about The American Legion, then share the video “This is The American Legion,” which can be found at www.legion.org/legiontv. The video also can be found on the Legion’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/americanlegionHQ), and it has been shared amongst many of NALPA’s members through social media. As a NALPA member, it is everyone’s responsibility to tell the story of what is going on within their respective communities. And it is my hope that you are enhancing that effort and being the communication leaders within
your department, post and district. There is no such thing as an event too big or too small that doesn’t provide a message behind why it was being done. For example, this year there was a push to promote The American Legion’s inaugural National Poppy Day (May 26) on a national level. In my opinion, and based on the many Facebook postings I read, that goal was accomplished! I even saw many utilizing the correct hashtags to help track the postings. Our national convention in Reno, Nev., will be here before we know it and I am very pleased with all of the work our NALPA leaders have performed. I congratulate all of the soon-to-be announced winners of the annual NALPA awards, and I look forward to shaking your hand while presenting the award. Best of luck to next year’s leadership team and thanks to our Executive Director Patrick Rourk and the entire Media and Communications team for their outstanding work putting together our newsletters and helping create a digital format to add to the progress we have made in improving this wonderful association! I look forward to seeing you in Reno.
For those of you attending this year’s 99th American Legion national convention in Reno, Nev., this is an excellent time to showcase Legion activities to your followers on Facebook and Twitter. Use #ALConvention as part of your social media posts related to convention.
Remembering 9/11 September 11 brings another solemn day. If your post, unit or squadron is participating in a remembrance event, share appropriate photos with your social media followers.
POW/MIA Day On September 15 Americans are asked to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the military men and women who are imprisoned or unaccounted for as a result of their military service. Use #POWMIADay for your posts related to this day of honor.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
News on the awards luncheon By Patrick R. Rourk
As we move into national convention mode, arrangements are being finalized for NALPA’s Executive Meeting on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, Room D7, First Floor, which will be immediately followed by the annual Business Meeting at 11 a.m. in the same room. Luncheon. The awards luncheon will be held at the Atlantis Casino Resort, 3800 S. Virginia St., in one of the Grand Rooms, Second Floor, on Monday, Aug. 21. Look for our sign at the resort for location details. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:10 a.m. Following lunch, a report will be delivered, along with taking of office and the awards portion of the program. For the very first time, winners of each category in the media contest will receive a free lunch, which will be held in conjunction with the awards presentation. We send our thanks to this year’s gracious sponsor of the media contest, the Reno Nevada American Legion Convention Committee, for extending this additional benefit to our contestants who reach the pinnacle of media communications. For the rest of us, reservations for the luncheon on Aug. 21 must be made by Aug. 14 as orders have to be submitted five business days before the weekend, according to the convention staff. Thus, we cannot do mitigation of luncheon tickets at convention.
The price for the luncheon has again been reduced and is $35 per person. With the expected increase of winner attendance, we suggest you make your reservation immediately. I really suspect we will be sold out this year. The luncheon will be a nice buffet with three sliced BBQ beef tips, rotisserie chicken and smoked sausages, a salad and a variety of desserts. So make your reservation now. For more details about the luncheon, visit www.legion.org/documents/legion/ pdf/NALPA_awardslunch.pdf. Meeting days. Due to the number of officers with call-ins for meetings, it has become unreasonable to continue meetings on Saturdays. The earlier survey I conducted with the executive committee resulted in a general consensus that moving the meeting to Friday afternoon was also not a good idea as lots of people are still traveling. Membership. Fellow members, your membership card is a printed product – when you paid your dues last year. Otherwise, if you are a new member or a late renewal (you missed last year or more), your membership card is made with a label. For the first time the 2018 cards will feature your American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion membership number on the card. While we do not tout continuous membership years, this is the reason why you probably want to pay your dues every year.
HONOR & REMEMBRANCE
Help The American Legion reach 1,000 memorial entries The American Legion’s Veterans Memorial Identification Project – www. legion.org/memorials – was released last November and already has reached 700 entries. The goal is to have 1,000 entries by the start of the 99th National Convention in Reno, Nev., in August. Entries have come from 45 U.S. states and six foreign countries. The project encourages American Legion Family members to locate, document, photograph and upload
information about veterans memorials and monuments in their local areas. The page is designed to easily upload photos and information via smartphones, even while at the site. This makes it easier to do multiple submissions at one time, as Legion Family and associated community groups comb an area for sites. Entries will be made public soon after review. Be sure to look up the memorials already listed in your state before you start.
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 David F. Wallace EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Patrick R. Rourk VICE PRESIDENTS Kevin Harrington, Area 1 Jane McKnight, Area 2 Mark Sutton, Area 3 Michael Hjelmstad, Area 4 DIRECTORS Robert G. Stronach, Area 1 James Chaney, Area 2 Diana L. Sirovina, Area 3 Connie Jo Popham, Area 4 JUDGE ADVOCATE Charles G. Mills
HISTORIAN Dolly Zitur CHAPLAIN Maudi L. Price FINANCE Joseph Porempski SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Roger S. Dong COUNCIL TO THE PRESIDENT Parvin R. Gibbs, John E. Thompson, James T. Higuera, Brett Reistad, Patrick Rourk
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NALPA NEWSLETTER
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NALPA RESOURCES
How to use your NALPA press card By Dr. John Ellis, Ed.D, California American Legion Press Association president
The California American Legion Press Association (CALPA) press card saw the light of day when it gravitated from the dark recesses of a members wallet to an all-new custom lanyard. These stylish and bright red, white and blue lanyards with a hard plastic case were designed to highlight our status as a CALPA representative whenever and wherever the occasion might arise. The key is to wear your press card as a representative of The American Legion at
organizational events, as well as at public events. It takes the place of your pocket name plate as it displays your name, organizational affiliation and home state. For example, I had the opportunity to interview country music star Trace Adkins about his support for military personnel for a story published in The California Legionnaire. When I contacted the PR office at the venue he was to perform at and presented my request for an interview with Adkins, I had to submit an email about my request. In that email I shared about CALPA and The
American Legion, among other things. And when I had the opportunity to interview Adkins, I wore my Legion cap and CALPA press card. You have a great opportunity through your NALPA membership to represent The
American Legion – not only in your local community but through your own post, district and beyond. And any time you can help the Legion obtain greater visibility, it’s an opportunity to promote the organization.
RECOGNITION
Legion magazine vendor receives lifetime achievement award Jim Elliott, the founder and president of the James G. Elliott Co., received a lifetime achievement award from Association Media and Publishing (AM&P) at its 37th annual Excel Awards Gala on June 26. The Elliott Co. is The American Legion’s vendor for advertising sales. Elliott received the Mitch Mohanna Lifetime Achievement Award from Mike Winkleman, AM&P board director, who cited Elliott’s leadership of his company, which began in 1984 and now represents 13 clients accounting for 65 brands. “After this sort of career, it would be expected that Jim’s knowledge about and understanding of this industry would be
encyclopedic,” Winkleman said. “What’s not expected is his willingness to share that knowledge, to impart that wisdom, not only with his clients but with the industry as a whole. And this has made him, as Mitch Mohanna was, a paragon of this industry and truly deserving of this honor.” Among his other affiliations, Elliott is a member of the Boy Scouts Magazine advisory group. Last year, Mohanna was posthumously honored with the first award bearing his name. During his acceptance speech, Elliott praised Mohanna, his former friend and competitor.
“It’s been a privilege to be in this business,” said Elliott, a former AM&P board member. “I started in consumer magazines but I really enjoy the association world. And there is a ‘why’ to it. The ‘why’ is this is a real community here that consumer magazines only wish they had. I’ll give you an example: My father was a World War II Marine. One day he saw my name in The American Legion Magazine. I didn’t know he even read the magazine. I asked him how he saw my name in the magazine because I only appear in the masthead. He said that he’s read every word in the magazine for the last 20 years. “That’s real involvement. That’s real community.”
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AWARDS
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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
Newport Harbor Post 291
Newport Harbor Post 291 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
#
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: #ShootingSports #BoysNation2017
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COMMUNICATION
American Legion style guide available for download can Legion posts are full of veterans who respect our nation’s flag. Limit capitalization to the first word of a sentence, proper nouns (people, groups, places, etc.), and titles preceding names. Not sure when to capitalize the “t” in The American Legion? Only when referring to the main organization or Sons of The American Legion. When the name is followed by another word or words, go with a lowercase “t”: the American Legion Family, the American Legion Riders, the American Legion Baseball program. Do not capitalize post except when referring to a specific, numbered American Legion post. For example, write the Chattanooga post, American Legion Post 95 in Chattanooga or Post 95. When
By Matt Grills, managing editor of The American Legion Magazine
In all its media channels – print, Web and social media – clarity and consistency are key to successfully communicating The American Legion’s message. The American Legion Style Guide, available for download at www.legion.org/publications, offers valuable tips on writing copy that’s clean and clear. Here are a few examples from the style guide: Avoid alphabet soup by using capitalization only where it’s necessary and appropriate. When too many words are emphasized, none stand out. Don’t write, American Legion Posts are full of Veterans who respect our Nation’s Flag. Do write, Ameri-
referring to posts in a general sense, write American Legion posts or Legion posts. The style guide also has a list of frequently used terms, including: ■■ servicemember (It’s one word, not two.) ■■ half-mast (ships and naval stations ashore) and half-staff (elsewhere ashore) ■■ Korean War. (Do not use Korean conflict.) ■■ Medal of Honor (Do not use Congressional Medal of Honor. Use Medal of Honor recipient, not winner.) ■■ taps (Lowercase without quotation marks for the bugle call sounded at “lights out” and military funerals.) ■■ U.S. flag or flag (Do not use the Flag.)
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Full Name
First
MI
Last
Home Address
#PurpleHeartDay #ALWS2017 #VJDAY
City
State
ZIP
#LegacyRun2017 #ALConvention #PatriotDay #POWMIADay #GoldStarMothersDay
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 $5.00 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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SPOTLIGHT: MARK SUTTON
‘I believe NALPA is ready to step up’ Mark Sutton of Eaton Rapids, Mich., is NALPA’s Region 3 vice president and leading candidate for 20172018 NALPA president. Sutton has been a member of The American Legion for 11 years and began his Legion career with Post 32 in Livonia, Mich. Although he has not held any leadership positions within his post, he did spend his time volunteering with the department’s legislative team to advance veteran legislation, and six years ago he was hired as the Department of Michigan’s public relations director. David Wallace: What inspired you to get involved with NALPA and how long have you been a member? Mark Sutton: I have been a NALPA member for six years and joined shortly after becoming the public relations director. I feel that NALPA is a good organization to help public relations officers in sharing ideas. Wallace: Does your department have a press association and if so is there anything it does differently than NALPA? Sutton: The Department of Michigan has the Michigan American Legion Press
Association. The group gives away awards, and we meet at each of the department’s conferences, meetings and conventions. Wallace: What is your favorite article that you have written for The American Legion? Sutton: A few years ago I wrote about the veteran service grants that Michigan veteran service organizations receive from the state and how the work being done by the officers impacts the state. People and members were not aware that the $3-plus million dollars in grants given results in over $200 million or more each year in money back to the state of Michigan. Wallace: What you would like to see in your year as the leading candidate for NALPA president? Sutton: I do not think I am alone when I say I don’t join groups just for a card. It is like people saying that they don’t join the Legion because they don’t drink, they are missing everything else the Legion offers through one of their 22 different programs. NALPA is more than just a card – we are a group of likeminded individuals who
want to know more about advancing the principles and ideals of The American Legion in our communities. The members are mostly volunteers and many do not have a background in public relations. They are not sure on what steps to take to get started. NALPA can show them how. That direction is where I would like to see NALPA move to. When someone asks what benefits come with a membership in NALPA, I want to be able to say that NALPA has the
tools, training and resources to help you do the best job you can. During the year I would like to see NALPA offer courses of instruction, via video or manuals – from a basic course, intermediate course, to an advanced course. It is a large order to fill, but I think it is time and I believe NALPA is ready to step up. I look forward to the challenge, if elected, and working with our partners in Media and Communications to bring NALPA members priceless benefits.
2017 NALPA Awards Luncheon Ticket Request Name
State
Number of tickets
x $35
Email or Phone number Check Number Make checks out to NALPA. Mail the completed reservation slip and check to:
NALPA (c/o Pat Rourk) 3 Morton St. Norwood, NY 13668-1100
The American Legion
NEWSLETTER
MEDIA TOOLS
Show how The American Legion continues to serve A new video, “This is The American Legion,” shows potential members what The American Legion is about and how the organization has continued to serve veterans, their families and communities for nearly 100 years. Departments, districts and posts are encouraged to show this video during American Legion promotional and recruiting efforts. The video is available on the Legion’s website at: www.legion.org/legiontv
P.O. BOX 1055 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46206
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE AMERICAN LEGION