The purpose of the Community Service program is to contribute to making our communities better places to live through participation in and support of local service projects. Partner with other organizations who support similar initiatives for the betterment of the community. There are endless ways that ALA members can make a difference in their communities.

Activities to consider:

• Donate to a food bank, contribute to a clothing drive, participate in walk/run to support a charity, or provide support for shelters for women and children.
• Support local youth organizations.
• Participate in a blood drive, or first aid or CPR training.
• Assist with community events sponsored by like-minded organizations.
• Participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Information about ways to participate is available at https://www.legion-aux.org/member/committees/community-service/how-to-participate-in-a-Martin-luther-king-jr-day
• Participate in the 9/11 National Day of Service. Information about ways toparticipate is available at https://www.legion-aux.org/member/committees/community-service/how-to-participate-in-the-national-day-of-service
• Promote American Legion Family Day, the last Saturday in April or whenever held at your Post home.
• Promote the Be the One initiative in the community to reduce stigma related to seeking help for mental health issues.
• Participate in National Night Out in August.

Community Service activities provide ideal opportunities to project a positive image of the ALA to the public, particularly on the local level. Always collaborate with the unit’s Public Relations chair to make the most of every occasion that demonstrates ALA members contributing to the betterment of their communities.

Reminders
Wear branded clothing/insignia when serving the community. Have your elevator speech ready to share about the ALA mission.

Other
Join the ALA Community Service Facebook group and check the National ALA website frequently for updates.

Excerpted from the ALA Unit Guide (2024, pp.72-73), https://www.legion- aux.org/Member/Committees/Community-Service/Get-Involved-Community-Service

Updated July 2025
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