Children and Youth Program
The purpose of the Children and Youth program is to work with The American Legion Family to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans.
Activities and Initiatives
The Children and Youth program has two awards to recognize positive and noteworthy actions of those under 18 years of age. They are the Good Deed Award and the Youth Hero Award. The Good Deed Award recognizes a youth who takes a leadership role in
planning and execution of a project to benefit an individual or their community, .The Youth Hero Award recognizes a youth who demonstrates a physical act of valor. These awards are bestowed throughout the year; nomination submissions should be ongoing.
Membership or eligibility for membership is not a criterion for consideration. More detailed information is available at https://member.legion-aux.org/youth-hero-good-deed-awards and the links on that webpage.
Another initiative of the program is The American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation (CWF) whose priority is to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth. The ALA Children and Youth Committee is duty-bound to promote and support the CWF. Detailed information can be found at www.cwf-inc.org
The Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KDH2) is another initiative of the Children and Youth program. Detailed information is available at https://member.legion-
aux.org/member/committees/children-and-youth/recognize-kids-of-active-military
Incorporate the Military Child’s Table Setting Ceremony at events involving children. The ceremony script is available at https://www.legion-aux.org/cmsdesk/ALA/media/PDF/Programs/Military_Children_table_setting_ceremony.pdf
April is the Month of the Military Child. Units should consider contacting their local government officials to request a Proclamation to that effect. Promote activities throughout the month to recognize military children. Promote activities to recognize April 15th as Purple Up! Day for Military Children.
The Children and Youth program has a special project year. Check the national website for details.
Other
Download the ALA Youth Programs brochure available at https://www.legion-aux.org/CMSDesk/ALA/media/PDF/Brochures/Youth_Programs_Brochure-lp.pdf
Join the ALA Children and Youth Facebook group and check the National ALA website frequently for updates.
Excerpted from the ALA Unit Guide (2024, pp. 71-72), https://www.legion-aux.org/Member/Committees/Children-and-Youth/Get-Involved-Children-Youth and links provided above.
Updated July 2025
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMMITTEE
CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAM
Downloads:
Children & Youth One Page Quick Reference Guide
CWF Banner-Order-Form-2025-2026
Child-Well-being-Foundation-Brochure
Month of the Military Child Proclamation – Word
Month of the Military Child Proclamation- PDF