Consolidated Post Reports now available

The 2012–2013 Consolidated Post Report (CPR) is now available for use on Mylegion.org. The Mylegion.org version is a great way for posts to track their work. It can be continually updated throughout the reporting period before submission.

The hard copy version will be mailed before the end of February to the departments for those posts not using the online version.

In order to increase participation in filling out CPRs, National Commander Jim E. Koutz has instituted the following challenges and recognition to department leadership:

Plaque at National Convention for 95 percent to 100 percent reporting.
Certificates for those that exceed 75 percent reporting and show an increase in their response rate from 2012.
Publish Department Commander’s picture in The American Legion Dispatch for those in the 100 percent club and 95-99 percent club.

The cutoff date for submission of completed CPRs either in hard copy or by online submission to National Headquarters is July 1. Any questions regarding the program, please contact Internal Affairs Division at 317.630.1376

In other news:

Temporary Financial Assistance: The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance Program (TFA) continues to provide for the basic needs of minor children of eligible veterans through cash grants from Legionnaires and the Endowment Fund Corporation. Since Jan. 1, TFA has provided more than $82,482 to 173 minor children throughout the United States to maintain shelter, utilities, food and clothing. www.legion.org/financialassistance

National Emergency Fund: Since Jan. 1, there have been 317 NEF grants processed for Superstorm Sandy victims, with a total payout of $303,712. All but two grants have gone to American Legion Family members in New York or New Jersey. Due to the difficulty for some Sandy victims to document their claims, the 90-day deadline has been extended for another 60 days. www.legion.org/emergency

Operation Comfort Warriors: OCW received assistance requests from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania this week. OCW purchased two Keurig coffee pots for the CBTU at Rock Island, Ill., and about $3,600 worth of electronics for the WTU at Fort Jackson, S.C. A pool table and ping-pong table has also been ordered, along with archery and bicycling equipment. www.legion.org/ocw

Children & Youth: "Bridging The Gap" is an educational comic book designed for middle school age children and is aimed at the prevention of bullying. http://emblem.legion.org/

Membership and DMS Program: The current 2013 traditional membership total is 1,798,150, which is 90 percent of the 2013 goal. There were 53 departments that met the 85 percent target.

DMS Program: The 2013 Membership Year began on July 1, 2012. This report reflects responses being tracked for the new membership year. The fourth DMS mailing for the 2013 Membership Year was completed on Feb. 1. About 1.6 million pieces were mailed at that time. Responses from that mailing are now being processed.

DMS Acquires: Prospects, 85,419; Expires 52,291; TOTAL: 137,710

2013 Goal: 185,000; percentage of goal: 74.4 percent

Current Renewal Rate for 2012 DMS Members: 45.3 percent

(85,813 of 189,685 new 2012 members)

On-Line Renewal Activity: 2013 Membership Year On-Line Renewals since July 1, 2012: 166,376

Sons of The American Legion: On Feb. 13, SAL achieved 75.2 percent for its sixth membership target goal for the 2013 membership year. Son’s membership currently stands at 265,708 members and 6,665 ahead of this same date last year. At present, 25 detachments achieved the 75 percent membership target goal.

The next SAL membership target date is March 13, which will be the 80 percent membership target goal.