Understanding Leadership in The American Legion
Develop an understanding of The American Legion's history, training programs, leadership responsibilities, and available resources. Explore the organization's profound impact since its founding in 1919 by Congress and its significant role in serving patriotic veterans and youth. Discover the essence of leadership and the essential knowledge and experience needed to lead effectively within The American Legion.
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Post Leadership (Basic) Post Leadership Post Leadership Basic
Post Leadership (Basic) GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Develop an understanding of history of The American Legion Develop awareness of the training program for all members Define leadership Outline the responsibilities of Post Leaders Outline available resources 2
Post Leadership (Basic) WHO IS THE AMERICAN LEGION? 3
Post Leadership (Basic) WHO IS THE AMERICAN LEGION? Chartered & Incorporated by Congress in 1919 Patriotic Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Nation s Largest War-time VSO Founded on the Four Pillars VDAY Veterans Affairs; National Defense; Americanism; Children and Youth Today we are 2 million strong in 14,000 posts in 55 Departments (50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines) 4
Post Leadership (Basic) WANT TO KNOW MORE? Basic Training The American Legion basic training was created specifically so that members, volunteers, and staff could be better educated about our organization, its goals and services. Online training course using video, text, and video. Available online for Free at legion.org/ALEI Possibility to conduct in groups at District, County, or Post training events 5
Post Leadership (Basic) WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? The action of leading a group of people or an organization. A process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. A person who has the ability to get other people to do what they don't want to do, and like it. Harry Truman The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he/she wants to do it. Dwight Eisenhower 6
Post Leadership (Basic) LEADERSHIP OVERVIEW Knowledge of Organization Knowledge of foundational documents at all levels (Constitution and ByLaws) Knowledge of Organizational Policies and Procedures Knowledge is Organizational Programs Know benefits of belonging to Organization Have experience with Organization, having worked as committee chair, program director, etc.. Have attended organizational workshops & training Know where to get answers to questions Able to effectively direct, plan, organize, coordinate, & communicate w/officers and members 7
Post Leadership (Basic) LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES Be knowledgeable and seek self-improvement. Impart your knowledge to others with training and mentoring. Set the vision, direction, and objectives for the organization. Set realistic goals and priorities to achieve those objectives. Seek responsibility and be accountable for your actions. Set the example. Plan well to conduct effective, productive meetings. Make sound and timely decisions. Keep your organization informed, as appropriate. Fully engage your organization, and listen to your members. 8
Post Leadership (Basic) POST COMMANDER (LEADER OF THE POST) Essential for Success Power is Limited by Constitution and Bylaws (C&BL) Not the King No Disciplinary Power 9
Post Leadership (Basic) 1ST TYPE OF POST COMMANDER Does everything or keeps everything to themselves The only one willing to serve Member that has run the Post from their barstool (barstool leader) Also runs the bar, or is only concerned about what happens in lounge They or their Spouse is an employee; or other conflict of interest Can t get anyone interested in helping Anyone know someone like this? 10
Post Leadership (Basic) 2ND TYPE OF POST COMMANDER Experienced Leader Knows how to conduct meetings Uses an agenda Supervises his officers and committee chairs Trains his replacement Participates in community and civic functions Ensures legion programs are implemented Anyone know someone like this? 11
Post Leadership (Basic) APPLY DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES Post Members Rule Post Members Present Ideas Members Elect Leaders Checks and Balances Members are equals Impartiality and Fairness Equal Justice Majority Rules Spirit of Openness 12
Post Leadership (Basic) ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POST COMMANDER Supervise Officers Ensure Post compliance with laws, rules, and policies Appoint Committees Control Agenda and Conduct Meetings 13
Post Leadership (Basic) ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POST COMMANDER Supervise Officers Know the duties of each Officer Serve as a mentor and hold accountable See packet for a brief description of Duties Duties are suggested, but must be clearly defined 14
Post Leadership (Basic) ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POST COMMANDER Ensure Post compliance with laws, rules, and policies Steps to investigating and improving health of Post (Officer Guide pgs 22-27) Post Analysis Responsibility Audit Steps to Better Post Business Plan 15
Post Leadership (Basic) ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POST COMMANDER Appoint and Supervise Committees Importance of Committees and their role in Post Operations Importance of Programs All Posts no matter the size must have programs Programs=Membership; Membership x Programs Committees and Programs report at every Post meeting 16
Post Leadership (Basic) ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POST COMMANDER Control Agenda and Conduct Meetings Conduct of a meeting (Officers Guide & Roberts Rules) Agenda and preparation essential to a good meeting Introduction of Guests (introduce in order installed Post, County, Dept, National and from lower to higher position as listed in C&BL) Handling of Motions (table of motions Roberts Rules) Amendments Debate and Voting on Motions Nominations and Elections 17
Post Leadership (Basic) RESOURCES Publications from National (legion.org) Constitution and ByLaws Officers Guide Publications from Department Constitution and ByLaws Rules of the DEC Roberts Rules of Order Post Constitution and ByLaws Department Meeting and Suspense Calendar Veteran Services Resources (OneStop employment centers; Dept Service Office) 18
Post Leadership (Basic) SPECIAL TOPICS Relationship between Post and SAL program (subordinate program) Relationship between Post and Riders program (subordinate program) Relationship between Post and Auxiliary Unit (Separate/Affiliated Organization) Post has no control over Auxiliary Unit s governance Discipline of Post members seek assistance and guidance from a qualified/experienced Judge Advocate Must follow Department C&BL and Rules of DEC 19
Post Leadership (Basic) Questions?? 20
Post Leadership (Basic) WHO CAN BE A POST OFFICER? A member in good standing Been duly elected by the general membership in accordance with (IAW) Constitution & By-laws (C&BL s) Some can be appointed by the post commander with post membership s approval IAW C&BL S Formally installed by a department representative Should be a graduate of the legion basic training (ALEI) course 21
Post Leadership (Basic) RECOMMENDED POST OFFICERS Post Commander Post Adjutant First Vice Commander Second Vice Commander Finance Officer/Treasurer Web/Hub Master Service Officer Chaplain Sergeant-at-Arms Historian Judge Advocate Standing Committees 22
Post Leadership (Basic) EXAMPLES OF STANDING COMMITTEES Americanism Children and Youth VA&R National Security Membership and Post Activities Public Relations Legislative Finance Economic/Fundraising Welcoming Memorial Team Training 23
Post Leadership (Basic) POST COMMANDER Power limited by Constitution and Bylaws Presides at all Post meetings Controls meeting agendas General supervision of Post Officers Appoint Committees Performs other duties as directed by the Post Coordinates with Auxiliary, Sons and Riders Communicates with community leaders 24
Post Leadership (Basic) ADJUTANT Post Administrator Handles all Post correspondence Responsible for maintaining all Post Records Maintains membership records Publishes official orders, announcements and instructions Assists other officers and committees 25
Post Leadership (Basic) 1ST VICE COMMANDER Be fully involved in and responsible for all aspects of post membership Chairman of the post membership committee Knowledgeable of commander s duties Makes a membership report at all meetings Performs other duties as needed 26
Post Leadership (Basic) 2ND VICE COMMANDER Responsible for patriotic observances Development of post activities Entertainment Performs other duties as needed 27
Post Leadership (Basic) FINANCE OFFICER/TREASURER In charge of all finances Chair of Post finance committee Maintains budget and approved by membership Deposits all funds and maintains financial records Makes disbursement of funds as approved Countersigns all checks written from Post accounts (SAL and Rider also) Provides written monthly reports to Exec committee and membership Initiates necessary IRS and other reports as required Performs other duties as needed 28
Post Leadership (Basic) SERVICE OFFICER Brings attention to Post membership their rights and benefits granted to them by law Must know how to utilize the expert services available through Legion channels Must know hot to utilize the expert services of agencies in the surrounding community 29
Post Leadership (Basic) CHAPLAIN Moral leader of the Post Assists with observances of patriotic occasions, funeral services and dedication ceremonies Should visit sick in the hospital and at nursing homes Leader of 4 chaplains services, memorial day services, and other somber events 30
Post Leadership (Basic) JUDGE ADVOCATE Advisor in conduct of Post business Retains professional counsel when required Chairman of Post Constitution and Bylaws committee In charge of annual audit of the Post Responsible for the orderly conduct of disciplinary procedures 31
Post Leadership (Basic) SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Preserves order al all times during meetings Responsible for the proper room set up for Post meetings Custodian of the Post colors In charge of Post color guard Responsible for assuring members observe proper etiquette during Post meetings 32
Post Leadership (Basic) HISTORIAN Should work closely with all Post officers to compile and preserve records of the Post An annual Post narrative history and yearbook should be prepared, and filed with the Post records Attends Post functions and document events with written notes and photographs 33
Post Leadership (Basic) WEBMASTER Maintains Post website Works with Post officers to keep website current Works with Department and District to obtain current news, planned events, etc. Works closely with the Post public relations chair Keeps membership informed via the website 34
Post Leadership (Basic) POST OFFICER RESOURCES Officers guide and manual of ceremonies Post Adjutants guide National Constitution and Bylaws Department Constitution and Bylaws Post Constitution and Bylaws 35
