Department of Oregon hosts a Be the One initiative at a Portland Trailblazers game on Nov. 15, 2022. Legionnaires handed out packets that included Be the One bracelets and information about veteran suicide prevention.

New Be the One resources available

American Legion posts, districts and departments are planning various activities to promote the organization’s “Be the One” initiative to reduce the rate of veteran suicide.

Events are being planned for mid-winter conferences, around American Legion Birthday in March and other times in the first months of 2023. National Headquarters is interested in hearing about, promoting and supporting Be the One activities. Let us know your plans by sending an email to magazine@legion.org or sharing a story on the Legiontown website.

There are many resources available for American Legion Family members to use in support of Be the One. Among those that can be found at the web page:

• A set of brochures available for download: One brochure is a PDF that can be used to educate agencies with mental health services, community partners, local government leaders and others about Be the One. The other brochure is a Word document that can be downloaded and customized for posts to use at suicide awareness events. The entire back page of the trifold is intentionally left blank (other than directions, which can be deleted) so that posts can fill it with local resources.

• Branding materials: A variety of approved American Legion Be the One promotional materials that posts can use to promote the initiative.

• Banner stand: This is a print-ready file to send to a local or online vendor for a two-foot by six-foot banner that is vinyl or fabric pop-up display

• Posters: These can be downloaded and printed individually or as the front and back of a sign board for an event.

• Wallet cards: Business-card sized printables with Be The One branding and QR codes. Can be used as single-sided cards, combined for double-sided cards, or added to the back side of a personal business card.

• Video links: Vimeo playlist includes videos that can be downloaded and played while offline. They can be shared on social media, posted to the web and played at post events.

• A QR Code: This can be used to direct others to the web page to find information and resources related to the campaign.