Ladies Auxiliary
Patriotism is a personal commitment for American Legion Auxiliary members. We place great importance on community involvement and responsible citizenship.
The Auxiliary has conceived and implemented hundreds of programs for veterans, their families, young people and the community at large. Many programs have been expanded and now are commonly accepted institutions within the community and nation. So deeply ingrained are such programs that the subtle guiding hand of the Auxiliary is often not recognized.
Few people realize that:
The Auxiliary and the Legion are often centers for community and civic activities in mid-America, and provide a focal point for citizens' involvement.
The Auxiliary raises more than $18 million every year and reinvests those funds in VA medical centers and community programs.
Thousands of hours are devoted to crime prevention programs, instructing children, the elderly and the general public on safety, crime prevention and protection within the community.
Auxiliary volunteers are the backbone of assistance in the 171 VA Medical Centers.
They not only provide diversion and entertainment for patients, but assist the hospital staff in physical and psychological therapy, clerical and many other duties that would otherwise cost American taxpayers millions of dollars.
The Auxiliary deals with issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, missing and abused children, teen suicide and teen pregnancy. Its services touch the lives of all Americans directly or indirectly. More than 20 nationwide programs receive support and financial aid from the American Legion Auxiliary.
The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is:
To support the American Legion programs for veterans, young people, and community
To provide for today's needs while being advocates for a brighter future
To advance the understanding of patriotism and responsibility of citizenship
To promote individual integrity and family values
To ensure as volunteers, that Auxiliary members continue to be the leaders in all that is good in this nation today, tomorrow and for generations to come through serving others first and not self.
Girls State
Girls State is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Since the inception of the Girls State program in 1937, nearly one million young people have had the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works. High school girls, who have completed their junior year, spend an intensive week of study, working together as self-governing citizens at Auxiliary sponsored Girls State programs in every state, with the exception of Hawaii. They learn how to participate in the functioning of their state's government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens. Two girls are selected from each Girls State program (with the exception of Hawaii and Louisiana) to attend Girls Nation, a national government training program. Girls Nation "senators" meet for a week in Washington, D.C., where they run for political office, campaign for the passage of legislation and possibly meet with state Representatives and Senators. Capping off the week of Girls Nation is a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.