Membership target dates and award deadline updates
American Legion departments, districts and posts have felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in many ways, such as with program and event cancellations.
The outbreak has also impacted membership efforts.
The stay-at-home order that’s been in place for many Legionnaires across the United States has slowed down the opportunity for recruiting and obtaining renewals. This in turn impacts membership target dates.
To help departments meet these deadlines, the April and May membership target dates were extended.
- 95 percent target date was moved to May 13
- 100 percent target date is now June 17
Adjustments also have been made to qualifying dates for membership awards, as well as their corresponding submission due dates. The following awards, with page numbers, are located in the National Membership Awards Points Manual found online at www.legion.org/publications.
- Department Commander of the Year (page 7): Qualifying date is now June 17; no submissions from departments are necessary.
- Department Recruiter of the Year (pages 7, 17): Qualifying date is now June 17; submission dates from departments to national is now June 19.
- National Recruiter of the Year (pages 7, 17): Qualifying date is now June 17; submission dates from departments to national is now June 19.
- District Commander’s New Post Achievement Award (pages 8, 18): Qualifying date is now June 17; submission date from departments to national is now June 19.
- District Commander’s Achievement Award and Honor Ribbon (pages 8, 19): Qualifying date is now June 17; submission date from departments to national is now June 19.
- Gold Brigade Award and Silver Brigade Award (pages 8, 20-23): Qualifying date is now June 17; submission date from departments to national is now June 19.
- Reconnect Certification (page 29): Points for submissions will be granted up until June 30. Departments are encouraged to continue reconnect efforts year round.
There are a few membership awards normally presented on stage during The American Legion’s annual national convention – 100 percent department membership and culture of growth awards; Race to the Top; and National Recruiter of the Year. The winners of these awards will still receive their award items even though the 102nd National Convention in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 28 – Sept. 3, has been canceled due to public-health concerns, ongoing restrictions and uncertainties related to the global COVID-19 pandemic.