Legion Programs

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American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details visit www.legion.org

Two outstanding representatives from each of 48 Boys States are called upon to represent their state at American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, DC. It is here that the young leaders, who had excelled at their respective Boys States, are introduced to the structure and function of the federal government.

The first American Legion Boys Nation (then called Boys Forum of National Government) was held in August 1946 at American University in Washington, DC. It was officially adopted as a major youth activity by the 1946 National Convention. Three years later, its name was changed to American Legion Boys Nation.

At American Legion Boys Nation, each delegate represents his Boys State as a Senator. These youthful lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by delegates to the program.

The Boys Nation Senators are instructed on the proper method of handling bills according to the rules of the United States Senate. Actual participation in the political process is highlighted throughout the week to include the organization of party conventions and the nomination and election of a Boys Nation President and Vice President.

The week of government training in the Nation's Capitol combines lectures and forums with visitations to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical spots in and around Washington. During a visit to Capitol Hill, Boys Nation Senators meet with elected officials from their home states.

Boys Nation visits several historic and governmental sites in and around the Washington, DC area. Included are field trips to Arlington National Cemetery, the monuments and memorials on the National Mall, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Capitol and the White House.

Since its beginning in 1946, Boys Nation has seen many of its graduates elected to public offices which include the Presidency of the United States, the United States Congress, as state governors and as state legislators. Many others became inspired to actively work for the campaigns of individuals seeking public office.

ORATORICAL

The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Scouting Program

Support for the Boy Scout movement came at The American Legion's first National Convention in 1919. Today, there are more than 2,500 Boy Scout units sponsored by Legion Posts throughout the country.

Supporting Boy Scout activities is natural for Legionnaires, who bring their service-learned skills and experiences as veterans to bear to help build character and positive traits in "Young America." Few other Post activities generate more goodwill from the community.

The 18th annual Junior Air Rifle 3-Position National Championship is a shoulder-to-shoulder match that will be held at the USA Shooting Range Facilities at the Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO., August 5 - 10, 2008. The National Champions in both categories receive $1000.00 college scholarships generously donated by the Sons of The American Legion.

For information about this event, please contact: Mike Buss (317) 630-1249 e-mail: mbuss@legion.org

Legion College

The American Legion National College enhances knowledge and appreciation of The American Legion as well as the core values and contributions of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Sons of The American Legion and many of their subordinate programs. The National College prepares young Legionnaires to hold leadership positions in Posts, Districts, Counties, Areas and Departments through education, development, and motivation. The curriculum challenges our student leaders to think critically and creatively about issues confronting The American Legion in the 21st Century.

Educational Aids

The American Legion National Committee on Education keeps the Legion abreast of developments and problems in education. The committee recommends appropriate policies and programs that the Legion should adopt and maintains contact with the educational community, exchanging ideas freely with educators, students and other organizations concerned with the well-being of the nation's education system.

Much of the committee's efforts are directed toward veterans returning to school, citizenship development, adult education, financial aid programs and participating in American Education Week.

Endowment Fund

Income from Endowment Fund investments are passed on to the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation and Child Welfare programs of The American Legion National Organization, and channeled through them to state and local programs.

National Emergency Fund

Legion Family Members helping Legion Family Members

Our Preamble to The American Legion Constitution says it best, "…devotion to mutual helpfulness." This phrase is more than just mere words on paper; it’s our pledge of support to our distressed comrades. Since the early 1920’s, The American Legion has been actively involved in meeting the needs of both the community and individual Legion family members in the wake of disaster.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires…The American Legion National Emergency Fund was born out of natural disasters to compassionately heal the wounds of catastrophe and help save their homes. A major disaster could happen to any Legionnaire in any town at anytime and make them homeless.

The National Emergency Fund has provided over $3,000,000 in direct financial assistance to Legion family members and posts. The National Emergency Fund has kept posts from closing and enabled Legion family members to begin to rebuild their homes and their lives.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Eligibility open to Legionnaires, Auxiliary ** and Sons members (up to $1,500) Legion Posts (up to $5,000). (** If Auxiliary membership is less than 5 years continuous. Otherwise, will be forwarded to the National American Legion Auxiliary for consideration.)

2. Not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.)

3. Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application

How To Apply

1. Application must be received within 90 days of disaster.

2. Disaster must be a “declared natural disaster" by Federal, State or local government authorities.

3. Supporting data (photos, repair estimates, etc.) should be included if at all possible or statements (testimony) from post/district/department officers attesting to damages.

4. Only one grant per household.

5. Not designed for insurance compensation, loss of business, outbuildings on your property (barns, tool sheds, silos, etc.), equipment (tractors or other farm vehicles), or any type of automobile.

Members must complete a National Emergency Fund Grant Application. Applications may be obtained by contacting your Department Headquarters or by calling The American Legion National Headquarters at (317) 630-1321. You can also download a grant application by clicking here.

Application is properly completed by applicant then sent to the Department Headquarters for approval.

If everything is in order, department will forward to National. Upon approval at the National level, a check will be sent to the Department Headquarters for delivery to the Legion Family Member or Post in distress.

How You Can Help

We have an obligation to assist those less fortunate members when the need arises, and we do – through our donations to the National Emergency Fund. All contributions made to this fund are deposited in a special account and are used exclusively to meet our member’s most urgent needs. Not one single contribution dollar is used for fundraising, administrative costs or fulfillment.

The money in the fund comes by way of generous donations from Legionnaires, American Legion Auxiliary members and Sons of The American Legion members.

Send your tax-Deductible Contributions To:

The American Legion
National Emergency Fund
P. O. BOX 6141
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

Heroes to Hometowns

"Welcoming home severely injured service members"

"Heroes to Hometowns" is a transition program for severely injured service members returning home from OEF/OIF. "Heroes to Hometowns" establishes a support network and coordinates resources for severely injured service members returning home.

If you are a service member, veteran or family member of a service member or veteran who has been severely injured, please fill out the Heroes to Hometowns request form.

Heroes to Hometowns can provide:

A Welcome Home celebration
Temporary Financial Assistance
Pro-Bono Financial Planning
Housing Assistance
Home and Vehicle Adaptation
Government Claims Assistance
Entertainment options
Family Support

Heroes to Hometowns Assistance Request Form

Heroes to Home Towns Flyer

Children and Youth Resources

The American Legion stands for a strong America. There is no better way to bring this about than to work with the youth of our land in preparing them to meet the tasks they will face in the years to come. Through its many youth activities, The American Legion is playing the leading role in developing future citizens of America.

Child Safety

The American Legion Family has demonstrated a strong concern for the safety of this nation's young people since the early 1920's. By developing child safety programs within each community, help can be provided to our youngest generation affording them to lead happier and safer lives.

The "Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night" Program was developed specifically for local Posts and Units to help eliminate many of the accidents associated yearly with Halloween. The American Legion is the only organization in this country that promotes, sponsors, and takes an active role in a Halloween Safety program for youngsters.

Publication: "Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night" Brochure (Stock #24-012) Designed for children. Facts on "Trick or Treat" safety.

Juvenile Delinquency Prevention

While juveniles account for approximately 35 percent of our population, they account for better than 50 percent of serious crimes as reported by the FBI Uniform Crime Reports.

The American Legion's Americanism programs (link to Youth Activities) promote the ideals of citizenship, teamwork, loyalty, fair play, courage, physical fitness, and mental toughness, needed to give our youth the skills necessary to be a positive influence on others.

We must all work together to provide safe schools and neighborhoods where all young people -- from preschoolers to teenagers -- can learn and grow. We must try to instill a sense of responsibility and civic pride in youth and respect the power of their energies, ideas, and commitment to change communities for the better.

The American Legion recognizes the important role our organization plays in education and prevention activities and has made a public commitment to the goal of protecting America's children.

Our materials, designed to help promote child safety, are provided to communities through our Post network.

"Warning Signs" Brochure (Stock #24-005) Designed for children. Facts about teenage suicide.

"Gateway Drugs" Brochure (Stock #24-006) Designed to help children make responsible decisions. Basic facts on alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.

For more information, contact the Americanism, Children and Youth division at acy@legion.org

Family Emphasis
The family is the cornerstone of American society. But today, modern society places demands on the family that did not exist in years past -- demands that can chip away at family strength and unity. For many years, the National Commission on Children & Youth has, by mandate, advocated the passage of federal legislation designating the week of Thanksgiving as National Family Week.

In today's fast-paced society, time is at a premium. It is important to remember, both children and adults prefer full attention some of the time to partial attention most of the time. Knowing family members want to spend time with you makes a big difference. Let your children know you want to spend time with them. Then find some creative ways to make it happen.

Publication: "National Family Week" (Stock #24-009) Emphasizes the importance of family togetherness during the week of Thanksgiving.

For more information, contact the Americanism, Children and Youth division at acy@legion.org

Though created by The American Legion in 1954, the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. is a separate 501 (c) 3 corporation. Our foremost philanthropic priority is to provide other nonprofit organizations with a means to educate the public about the needs of children across this nation.

Visit the Child Welfare Foundation web site at:
http://www.cwf-inc.org/

The American Legion's established partnership with Children's Miracle Network (CMN), seeks to enhance its efforts to provide quality health services to children. CMN is associated with 170 hospitals that treat children with all types of afflictions; rendering treatment based on need and not just the ability to pay. One hundred percent of all contributions go directly to children's hospitals to provide healthcare for children, whose parents can't afford to pay, help to purchase up-to-date equipment, conduct life-saving research, and implement outreach programs.

Fund Raising Guidebook (stock No. 24-027) Designed to provide general suggestions on conducting fund-raising projects for the CMN.

Children's Miracle Network and The American Legion have created a Fund Raising Guidebook to assist local Posts and individuals in raising money for their local participating hospitals. The Guidebook contains answers to important questions including what you should do, how to do it, and why. The guidebook provides your local organizations with contacts in your community to help you get started. It even includes a multitude of fund raising ideas that you can draw from. There are many recognition and incentive awards available, including a trip to Walt Disney World for the annual CMN Champions television broadcast.

Temporary Financial Assistance

You can make a donation to the Temporary Financial Assistance program by sending your check or money order, made out to:

Temporary Financial Assistance
PO Box 361626
Indianapolis, IN 46235-5331

In the 1920s The American Legion began a national program of Temporary Financial Assistance to keep the children of deceased or disabled veterans at home rather than in institutions. This cash aid is still available for cases not covered by subsequent state and federal programs for the needy. In 1999, the TFA program provided more than $302,983 to 466 families, benefiting almost 960 children.

Through TFA, a local Post can call upon the National Organization for cash assistance to help maintain the basic needs of veterans' children. The TFA fund has been used to assist families in meeting the costs of shelter, food, utilities and health expense items when the parents are unable to do so, thereby keeping the child, or children, in a more stable home environment.

TFA Case Studies

Not being able to work due to an operation on his shoulder, a 20% disabled veteran and his two minor children were in financial difficulty. The mother of the children had abandoned the family, providing no support. While the family was receiving Food Stamps and assistance with their rent, they had fallen behind on the electric bill and there was a good chance it would be cut-off. While a Service Officer was working to upgrade the veteran's disability claim, the Temporary Financial Assistance program stepped in and paid the electric bill, assuring the children would have a safe and warm home in which to live.

A Persian Gulf War veteran, with two minor children and a seventeen-year member of the Air Force National Guard, was discharged due to a disability he received while on active duty. When he was granted 50% disability VA benefits, he was informed he would have to repay thousands of dollars received as severance pay upon his discharge, reducing his monthly benefit to a paltry $182 a month. This amount, however, coupled with the minimum wages received by his wife put the family $6 over the income limit to receive Food Stamps. In addition, the family had fallen behind in their rent. The Temporary Financial Assistance program provided rent money sufficient to ward off eviction as a Service Officer worked to increase the disability claim with the VA and assisted the veteran in filing for Social Security benefits.

Sometimes the Temporary Financial Assistance program simply provides dollars to help the parents with the general health and welfare of the children. Such was the case when a Coast Guard veteran was discharged with a very serious skin disease developed from exposure to chemicals used in his military trained maintenance position as an airplane mechanic. He was hired by civilian companies, because of his military training, but was again exposed to chemicals similar to those that caused the original problem. As a result, it was finally determined he would have to be retrained through the VA Vocational Rehabilitation program. The veteran's wife was a substitute teacher and the income from this work was sporadic, at best, and the family was falling behind financially. Assistance was provided to give this family a hand up until the veteran was enrolled in the Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Both veterans, this couple of one minor child, were injured in an automobile accident. The veteran father lost his job as a result of his injuries. The veteran mother returned to work, but was then injured by one of her patients and placed on Workman's Compensation. As the family worked to overcome these difficulties, they fell behind on the electric bill and the company was threatening to cut-off their service. The Temporary Financial Assistance program paid the bill and the family was able to get through a tough time without placing the child in jeopardy.

A veteran's wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the early medical expenses were complicating the family's ability to maintain the basic needs of their two minor children. Efforts were underway in the community to assist the family locally and applications for social services were being prepared. All of which would take some time to fall into place. In the meantime, the Temporary Financial Assistance program made the mortgage payments to prevent the family from losing their home.

One week after the birth of his fourth child, this unemployed Persian Gulf veteran, suffering from Persian Gulf Syndrome, was notified by his landlord that his family would have to move due to a real estate deal. With his wife not able to return to work and receiving only subsistence allowance from his union, the family was unable to come up with the finances for the first and last month's rent and security deposit necessary to move his family. The Temporary Financial Assistance program provided the needed funds to get the family settled in a new home. With the help of a Service Officer, his service-connected disability claim was appealed.