NALPA NEWSLETTER
The official newsletter of the National American Legion Press Association Fall 2016 Issue
What’s Coming Salute veterans
November is an important month for The American Legion Family as many posts are actively involved with Veterans Day events in their communities. Posts, units and squadrons should coordinate plans to promote Veterans Day activities on their social media pages. For example, a post can create an event on its Facebook page and invite followers to attend.
American Education Week NALPA President David Wallace is sworn in during the 98th National Convention in Cincinnati on Aug. 28, 2016. Photo by Clay Lomneth
Communicating with NALPA members By David F. Wallace
T
he American Legion’s 98th National Convention in Cincinnati last August provided a lot of great memories for me with one in particular that really stood out: I was nominated by Past National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) President Brett Reistad to be the next NALPA president. It is such a great honor to be serving in this position, and I look forward to working alongside NALPA and Legion National Headquarters staff members. There were a lot of great ideas that came out of NALPA’s Executive Committee meeting with discussions ranging from increasing our membership, revitalizing stagnant associations and starting new associations within the departments. And most importantly, improving the overall communication within NALPA and its membership. I want to thank staff from the Legion’s Marketing, Media & Communications Division who held down the fort at our NALPA table during convention. Through their outstanding support, we signed up more than 50 new members to NALPA! That is teamwork going
above and beyond any expectations. And while even thinking about it today, I still get inspired. I am excited to see we added a new social media administrator to our team. Sylvia Chess is a member of Auxiliary Unit 838 in Fort Worth, Texas, and she is taking the bull by its horns and creating our NALPA Twitter page. We now have the top three social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) covered, and our strong social media presence continues to grow on a daily basis within each of those platforms. NALPA has been around since 1922, and for the past 94 years our purpose has been to exchange ideas and promote the development of local newsletters and public relations activities. We strive to communicate the corporate goals of The American Legion Family and recognize achievements through an annual news and media awards program. In this newsletter, we provide the names of the 2016 award winners; hopefully this helps to inspire new participants in next year’s program. As our new board of directors are learning the best ways to communicate with one another, I want to continue moving forward with the See Communicating with NALPA members on Page 2
The American Legion and the National Education Association have dedicated Nov. 14-18 to draw attention to the importance of education while recognizing teachers and students who perform above the norm. Posts are encouraged to write a letter to the editor of the local paper about what members are doing for American Education Week and why it matters.
Pearl Harbor Day
Dec. 7 marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Legion Family members are encouraged to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day by participating in or hosting remembrance ceremonies.
Holiday blood drive
The American Legion’s annual event kicks off Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 31. Learn how to give blood or host a blood drive at www. legion.org/security/blood.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NALPA membership news By Patrick R. Rourk
Greetings to all National American Legion Press Association members! We recently finished a great annual meeting and a fantastic awards luncheon at The American Legion’s national convention in Cincinnati. The winners of the media awards for 2016 are noted on page 4-5. I am bringing this up as a reminder to those who did not enter this year that we have a great contest, and I encourage participation next year. The entry form will be printed in an upcoming newsletter, and I hope you avail yourself and your post of the opportunity to be recognized locally and nationally. There were almost 80 entries this year and every single one of them was a winner in their own right! Membership, membership, membership. I really believe in NALPA and recognize that numbers do speak. Just like our membership committees at the post, county, district, department and national level are always stating, if we don’t ask how do they know we are here and available? We have had great membership in the past from a number of the larger states; something seems amiss that we have lost many of those people. The staunch members we have now are our greatest ambassadors for NALPA. Why not persuade your comrades to join and promote this great group of communicators?
From Communicating on Page 1
great work our immediate past president Priscilla Imbruglia helped establish. Last year we created a new NALPA logo, redesigned our newsletter and launched a new Web page at www.legion.org/nalpa. I believe NALPA members are the leaders in communication for their department, region and district, and most importantly their post. Anyone that has a role as an adjutant, historian or in media and communications should be a NALPA member. We want to be able to share your stories and successes, and learn from obstacles
Our efforts to rebrand NALPA continues unabated as this type of modernizing does not happen overnight. The Legion’s Marketing, Media & Communications Division has devoted an immense amount of time to help us; just look at the changes with the NALPA newsletter. The continuing issue is the fact that all of our work is being done without paid staff – we are all volunteers. So please bear with us as we get the steam engine up to a diesel on our way to the jet and rocket. It will just take a bit of time. While I’m noting that volunteers are our mainstay, we are looking for someone who can help us utilize Pinterest and Instagram as additional communication mediums. So think about volunteering. Lastly, I know some NALPA members have not received word about Dispatch – a National Headquarters monthly print newsletter for post, district and department leaders. It was removed from the auspices of NALPA membership applications and was no longer included as a possible subscription item. If you would like to continue receiving Dispatch, for $15 a year, you can send payment to Marketing, Media & Communications Division, c/o Debra Murrell, at The American Legion, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Mark it specifically for a Dispatch subscription. Renewal notices are not mailed out so you need to monitor your subscription’s expiration date. that you have overcome. This information can be shared through NALPA’s quarterly newsletter, on www. legion.org/nalpa, or on its social media platforms. Are you one of those communicators? If you are, then locate our membership application on page 8 is in this newsletter, or on our Web page, and sign up today. Membership is only $15 a year. If you have any questions about NALPA, or have suggestions for future articles, please email me at david.f.wallace09@gmail.com. I want to hear from you and share your ideas with the NALPA team!
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 © 2016 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.nalpa.org 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 WEB MASTER Michael Moses COUNCIL TO THE PRESIDENT Parvin R. Gibbs, John E. Thompson, James T. Higuera, Brett Reistad, Patrick Rourk
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DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA
Starting a department press association By Ralph A. Schneekloth
I’m currently president of the Minnesota American Legion Press Association and department historian. My interest in NALPA and public relations started when I became involved with both the district and department’s public relations committees. I asked why the Department of Minnesota didn’t have a press association and was told it
was tried once but that it didn’t work out. After further discussion, I was told that if I wanted to get a department press association started that I needed to do the legwork to get it going. Initial steps were to gain support and network, and then consult with mentors. Once the foundation was established, we had a Minnesota American Legion Press Association meeting to elect
officers and to adopt NALPA’s Constitution and Bylaws. We are continuing to promote The American Legion Family on social media, as well as communicate information out to the districts and posts. We are still fairly new, but as we continue to develop the association, obtain more members and gain publicity, the better I believe it will become. I am focusing on paint-
ing the picture that The American Legion Family is a dynamic, vibrant veterans service organization that you will want to join. I’m achieving this by demonstrating actions from the historians perspective, to utilizing public relations to show the work that we do for veterans, national security, Americanism and children and youth.
NALPA CONTEST
Website redesign earns Department of Ohio an award The American Legion Department of Ohio earned first place for the Mary B. Howard Award for best website in the 2016 National American Legion Press Association contest. Jason Graven, the department’s director of marketing and membership, explains the motivation for updating the website. Several years ago the Department of Ohio recognized a glaring need – its website (www.ohiolegion. com) had not foregone any relevant updates for a decade. With postage rising, dues revenue decreasing and paperwork taking more staff time than ever, the department set out to modernize with the intent of addressing these issues. The result was a department website redesign. Aside from the standard membership reports and general information, the department recognized it could utilize new technological advances incorporated into the website’s features. These included an advanced calendar that automatically
generates updates without manual input, a forms page that allows members a one-stop shop to access all forms related to department programs, and a shopping page for Emblem Sales purchases similar to those used on retail sites. The changes also included fillable forms in effort to reduce the need for paper
forms. Once submitted, these emails are sent directly to the director in charge of the information. Members also now have the ability to pay fees and make deposits through a secure system without compromising personal information, which reduces the risk of identity theft or postal service misplacement.
The Department of Ohio is proud of its website that was built and designed by VividPoint Interactive; the website’s use has far exceeded the estimates presented before launch. Department staff, districts and posts have saved countless time and postage, making the cost of the website well worth the investment.
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AWARDS
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2016 NALPA Media Contest Winners
George W. Hooten Publication Awards Category 1 - A: Departments Over 40,000 1st
Department of Nebraska
Nebraska Legionnaire
John Thompson
2nd
Department of Michigan
Michigan Legionnaire
Mark Sutton
3rd
Department of New York
New York Legionnaire
Robert Stronach
Category 1 - B: Departments Under 40,000 1st
American Legion Auxiliary - Indiana
Hoosier Auxiliary News
Maria Gottlieb
2nd
Department of Colorado
The Internet Observer
Darrell Myers
3rd
Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York
The Liberty
Gabe Cinquegrana
Emerson O. Mann Publication Awards (District, County and Regional) Category 2 - A: Includes all Legion, SAL and Auxiliary 1st
Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary
Third District Newsletter
Karla Otterness
Al Weinburg Publication Awards (Larger Posts) Category 3 - A: Posts Over 400 Members 1st
Charles F. Thomas IV Post 117
The Thomas Times
Beverly Durham
2nd
Lancaster Post 34
The Post Patriot
Bill Schultz & Alison Lovell
3rd
Paradise Post 79
Paradise Parade
Edward R. White
Category 3 - B: Posts 200 - 400 Members 1st
Pacific Palisades Post 283
Palisades Post 283 Newsletter
Sue Pascoe
2nd
St. Louis Service Women’s Post 404
The Feminaires
Shirley Janes
3rd
Lester Keate Post 90
Lester Keate Post 90 Gazette
Ski Ingram
Jack R. Cann Publication Awards (Smaller Posts, Units and Squadrons) Category 4 - A: Posts under 200 Members 1st
Lt. John Farnkopf Post 401
Post 401 News
Gary Cooper
2nd
Cathay Post 384
Cathay Dispatch
Clara Pon
3rd
The American Legion Post 96
American Legion Surprise Post 96
George Van de Langeryt
Mary B. Howard Awards Category 5 A: Department Websites 1st
American Legion Department of Ohio
www.ohiolegion.org
Webmaster: Jason Graven
2nd
American Legion Department of Michigan
www.michiganlegion.org
Webmaster: Mark Sutton
3rd
American Legion Department of New York
www.nylegion.org
Webmaster: Robert Stronach
Category 5 B: All Other Websites 1st
Charles F. Thomas IV American Legion Post 117
www.al117.com
Webmaster: Timothy Durham
2nd
Newport Harbor SAL Squadron 291
www.sal291.org
Webmaster: John “Durk” Durkin
3rd
Malverne American Legion Post 44
www.alpost170.us
Webmaster: James Morton
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NALPA NEWSLETTER
2016 NALPA Media Contest Winners William E. Rominger Editorial Awards Category 6 - A: Editor 1st
Al Zdon
Department of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minn.
2nd
Darrell Myers
Department of Colorado
Denver
3rd
Ski Ingram
Department of Utah
St. George, Utah
Category 6 - B: Guest Editorial 1st
Walter Kaiser
Paradise Post 79
New Port Richey, Fla.
2nd
Paul Hassing
Department of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minn.
3rd
Nelson Lum
Cathay Post 384
San Fransisco
Category 6 - C: External Editorial 1st
M. Paul Beetham
Laveen Cavalry Post 134
Phoenix
Robert Morrill Social Media Awards Category 7 - A: Department-Level Social Media Sites 1st
Department of Colorado
Department of California Facebook Page
Darrell G. Myer & C. Pat Smith
2nd
California Press Association
California Press Association Facebook Page
John “Durk” Durkin
3rd
Department of Nebraska
Department of Nebraska Facebook Page
Vicki L. Cyboron
Category 7 - B: All Other Social Network Sites 1st
Woodlands Post 305
Woodslands Post 305 Facebook Page
Kimberly Biggerstaff
2nd
Detachment of California SAL
Detachment of California Facebook Page
John “Durk” Durkin
3rd
Department of Kentucky ALA
Auxiliary Fort Campbell Unit 233 Facebook Page
Jane M. McKnight
Category 8 - Visual Media Awards Category 8 - A: Photographs 1st
Department of Colorado
Denver
Darrell Myers
2nd
Department of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minn.
Al Zdon
3rd
Fort Campbell Unit 233
Oak Grove, Ky.
Jane M. McKnight
Category 8 - B: Videos/Movies 1st
Department of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minn.
Randy Tesdahl
2nd
Newport Harbor Post 291
New Port Beach, Calif.
Kenneth George
3rd
Department of Colorado
Denver
Darrell G. Myer & C. Pat Smith
Category 8 - C: Graphic Design 1st
SAL Squadron 170
Rochelle Park, N.J.
Billy Pfaff
2nd
Pacific Palisades Post 283
Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Sue Pascoe
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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: #VeteransDay #ElectionDay #AmericanEducationWeek #NationalFamilyWeek #Thanksgiving #PearlHarborDay #Christmas #Hanukkah #HappyNewYear #ALWS2017 #MLKDay
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Greetings from NALPA Facebook By Jane M. McKnight
Welcome to a new and exciting year of media. I first would like to congratulate the new National American Legion Press Association President David Wallace, and his team of vice presidents and directors. The NALPA Facebook page currently has 712 likes and all members of The American Legion Family are invited to follow us, as well as be a part of your respective department’s press associations Facebook page. Legion Family members are involved in public relations on a daily basis through partici-
pation in activities of our organization. We promote brand awareness when we wear Legion Family apparel, sport Legion bumper stickers, decals and license plates on our vehicles, and much more. As a Legion Family member, you play an intricate part of promoting what we do and why we do it – for veter-
ans, servicemembers, their families and “God and country.” Please get involved with your Legion post, Auxiliary unit or Sons of The American Legion squadron’s media recourses. And if you are active on Facebook, please like the NALPA page and share your great works.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Link yourself to LinkedIn By David F. Wallace
Another new membership year is upon us and like many of you within The American Legion Family, I am wearing multiple hats. Serving as the National American Legion Press Association’s new president is an honor, but I also have the fortune of being NALPA’s LinkedIn administrator. Our NALPA LinkedIn page is up and running, and I hope to see new followers! Many of you may be thinking, “Why should I join another social media site? I am already on Facebook and Twitter.” The simple response is that it is necessary to change alongside the technology that we
TOOLS
New PSAs available Membership and service officer PSAs featuring American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt are available for promotional use on the NALPA resource page at www.legion.org/nalpa/resources.
currently have in communicating with one another. LinkedIn is the “professional” version of Facebook, and it’s a great way to network with veterans who may be interested in joining our great organization. I have had some success with membership through LinkedIn. LinkedIn is more than a site for those looking for their next career opportunity. It takes you away from the socially interactive/ here’s a photo of my family atmosphere into an atmosphere where you can create conversations about important issues, such as veterans legislation, or create group discussions in a more professional environment. If you haven’t already done so, join LinkedIn, follow NALPA and start connecting.
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SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL HJELMSTAD
‘Exciting time to be a member of NALPA’ Michael Hjelmstad served 16 years in the U.S. Marine Corps where he performed various jobs in radio communications, print journalism and broadcast. His last deployment was to Iraq in 2008. Hjelmstad is a nine-year member of American Legion Hollywood Post 43 and currently serves as the National American Legion Press Association’s Area 4 vice president. David Wallace: What positions have you held at The American Legion post, district and department levels? Hjelmstad: I’m currently the second vice commander of Hollywood Post 43, the first vice commander of District 24, the Los Angeles County Council Historian, and a technical adviser on the Department of California’s Media and Communications Commission. And I’m on the National Media & Communications council. Wallace: What do you like most about being a NALPA member and what inspires you to continue serving? Hjelmstad: It’s an exciting time to be a member of NALPA, and I’m enthusiastic about the direction it’s going. What I like most are the people. I’m lucky in Area 4 to
have Connie Jo Popham as director who is motivated and willing to teach me what she knows about being an effective leader of NALPA. This is just one example of living the devotion of mutual helpfulness that we recite in (The American Legion) preamble. Wallace: Tell me something unique about your post. Hjelmstad: Hollywood Post 43 is unique in so many ways that I can’t possibly start to name them all. The historic building is one thing that really sets us apart, and we are so proud of it. We are in the
process of a major upgrade to our theater space that will make it a state-of-the-art digital cinema by this time next year. Wallace: What words of advice do you have for the younger generation of Legion members? Hjelmstad: Be a part of the legacy and share the vision! Yes, I believe the recruiting posters. This organization has such an amazing history to be proud of, but the relevance is not in the past. If younger veterans are utilizing the GI Bill they should be aware that
it was The American Legion that not only got the bill originally passed through Congress, but we also spearheaded the effort to modernize, improve and develop it into the amazing benefit that it is today. We are also very active in protecting veterans rights and helping them transition from the military to civilian life when that time comes. I say to the younger generation to get involved; there are so many ways at all levels. The Legion Family is yours, so find your place in it.
YES, IT’S TRUE.
In 2017, we’ll be seeing you! Reno Tahoe USA is your proud host for next year’s American Legion National Convention, August 18-24, 2017. And because seeing is believing, you better believe we’ll be showing you a good time. Get a glimpse of what’s to come at VisitRenoTahoe.com.
The American Legion
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NEWSLETTER
U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE AMERICAN LEGION
NALPA MEMBERSHIP
Join NALPA Today! As a National American Legion Press Association member you will have access to National Headquarters communication resources and members-only content. You will be connected to a time-honored and respected communications team that values and rewards those who spread the word about The American Legion in communities around the world.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Full Name
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MI
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Home Address
City
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ZIP
Email Legion/Auxiliary/SAL Membership # Department/Post/Detachment I AM A MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING: The American Legion
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THIS IS FOR: New Membership: $15
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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________