NALPA NEWSLETTER
The official newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association Summer 2017 Issue
Whatâs 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
ITâS EVERYONEâS 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 â either through our newsletters or those written and shared by The American Legionâs Media and Communications Division about all of the Legionâs 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 âThis is The American Legion,â which can be found at www.legion.org/legiontv. The video also can be found on the Legionâs YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/americanlegionHQ), and it has been shared amongst many of NALPAâs members through social media. As a NALPA member, it is everyoneâs 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 doesnât provide a message behind why it was being done. For example, this year there was a push to promote The American Legionâs 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 yearâs 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 yearâs 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.