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Volunteer

 

If you’ve ever spent time as a volunteer, you probably know you receive far more from that experience than from any paycheck. Why is that? Maybe it’s the freedom we exercise in choosing when and where to volunteer. Maybe it’s because, as recent studies report, people who volunteer have greater life satisfaction, lower rates of depression and actually live longer. Or perhaps it’s simply the truth of, “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” coming into play. Regardless of the reason, what we do know is that for more than 90 years our members have volunteered millions of hours annually. To put that in perspective: just one million hours is equivalent to 114 years. And our multi-million hours are for America’s finest. Volunteering is good for those receiving your service -- and good for you! We’re here with opportunities for you! 





American Legion Auxiliary announces participation in Operation Honor Cards

Volunteering is at the heart of the American Legion Auxiliary. Operation Honor Cards (OHC), a program inspired by first lady Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative, provides an opportunity for ALA members to have their volunteer hours “dedicated” to the military community and recognized by the American people. OHC aims to encourage Americans to perform service in honor of military servicemembers, veterans and their families by collecting pledges of community service from any individual or organization wishing to make such a pledge, and then maintaining a running tally of the community service hours fulfilled. The Auxiliary has chosen to participate in OHC through a resolution adopted at the 2011 National Convention to support the Joining Forces initiative. OHC is also a great way to link efforts with 2011-2012 National President Kris Nelson’s theme of “Honor Their Service.”  

 

Downloads

Operation Honor Cards FAQs sheet (pdf)
How to Participate in Operation Honor Card (pdf)
Honor Card Template (pdf)

 

American Legion Auxiliary
Call to Service Corps VISTA Project 
This project took volunteering for the Auxilliary to a new level. Poverty and homelessness – these are two national scourges which disproportionately affect veterans and their families. In the summer of 2009, the American Legion Auxiliary launched its Call to Service Corps VISTA Project, a first step toward finding solutions to remedy these problems. The Auxiliary was assigned 17 AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members through the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency.  Learn More...

 

Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Program
This level of volunteering requires training and is coordinated through Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. The American Legion Family proudly supports VAVS and encourages its members to raise their volunteer commitment to this level.

Contact the VAVS Program Manager at the VA Facility near you


 


Volunteers Share the Value
I know the pain of war – of watching husband, sons, etc. deployed. I have a wonderful husband and family and I want to do good for others, if I can. I have been blessed and it is nice to pass on good to others. The Veteran is the number one!

-Mary, Department of Tennessee

People want to make a difference. If we let them know the good things we are doing, they will WANT to be a part of our family. Build it and they will come!

-Tammy, Department of Iowa
Quick Facts
-OEF/OIF wounded warriors receive world-class treatment at VA Polytrauma Centers nationwide
-Auxiliary members volunteered 1.9 million hours for veterans last year
-Junior members who volunteer more than 100 hours can apply for the James H. Parke Scholarship