Membership: The American Legion's foundation

During The American Legion's annual Spring Meetings in Indianapolis last week, National Membership & Post Activities Committee Chairman Ken Orrock stressed that membership needs to be at the forefront.

"Membership is the lifeblood of this organization,” said Orrock to members of the National Executive Committee.

The American Legion’s 100 percent membership target date is approaching (May 11), and four departments met the 95 percent target date last month – Georgia, Idaho, Mexico and the Philippines.

“I believe that these members, that these veterans in need, are more than figures on a chart and more than dollar signs when it comes to the bottom line of operating our organization,” Orrock said. “They are the foundation in which a hundred years of history was built and upon which this organization stands. As Past National Commander Dave Rehbein has often said, 'They are the foundation upon which rests the four pillars of The American Legion.'

“Membership has to continue to be our foundation. We can’t just be hearing great ideas on what to do with membership. We must, each of us individually, become doers and do the hard work that is membership in this organization.”

National Commander Dale Barnett’s awareness walks have been a pathway to deliver the Legion’s message and create a culture of membership growth. He has participated in 30 Walk for Veterans events and “each have been an opportunity to tell our story of who we are and what we do,” Barnett said to the NEC. “Literally and figuratively, the Legion family walks for those who marched for us every day.”

In addition to raising Legion visibility, several of the awareness walks have raised money for Barnett’s fundraiser - the National Emergency Fund – to help posts and members recover from natural disasters. Barnett set a goal of raising $1 million for NEF.

"The American Legion family comes together in times of crisis. We need to offer that lifeline of support to at least help with lodging and other costs until further resources are available," Barnett said. "I am always struck by the generosity demonstrated by posts, units and squadrons as I visit your departments. I know I can count on that to continue."