Vote for Be the One to appear at SXSW
Dear American Legion Family members and friends,
The American Legion has an incredible opportunity to bring our Be the One initiative to a significant new audience to increase awareness and forge solutions.
We have submitted a proposal to South by Southwest, a popular event known as SXSW that began in 1987, that merges tech companies, entertainers, educators and other professionals. SXSW, which is attended by 300,000 people annually, is held in March in Austin, Texas. It features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and networking opportunities.
SXSW prides itself on not just entertainment, but providing a forum where unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. To achieve our goal of Be the One — to reduce veteran suicide — we’ll need the support, wisdom and influence of the greater community.
That’s where SXSW comes in. And getting into SXSW is where you come in.
Going on right now is a Community Voting period that lasts until Aug. 20. Don’t delay, help support Be the One by participating in the Community Voting now. First, create an account here and then you may proceed to voting at this page. (If you run into any issues, here’s an explainer with more information, including the two-step process to create an account to vote.)
SXSW will select its lineup of sessions, based on Community Voting (30%), feedback from PanelPicker evaluators (40%) and SXSW staff (40%). The selected lineup will be announced this fall.
The American Legion is committed to reducing veteran suicide. The SXSW presents an opportunity to leverage our mission with others who can expand our focus, thereby saving the lives of more veterans. That’s why it’s critical for you to express your support by participating in the Community Voting — please vote here by Aug. 20.
Thank you for what you do every day on behalf of our nation’s veterans, servicemembers, their families and the communities in which they live.
National Commander
Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola