Prepare for convention
The American Legion is returning to Minneapolis, the city that hosted its first national convention. The 100th National Convention, Aug. 24-30, will kick off The American Legion’s 15-month centennial celebration, which will conclude November 2019.
Workshops, training sessions, donation and volunteer opportunities, and more will occur during this year’s convention. Prepare now by making time to be a part of the following opportunities offered to American Legion Family members.
Women-Owned Small Business Conference. The American Legion is collaborating with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University, Foresight CFO and the U.S. Small Business Administration to host a one-day course for aspiring women veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. The Women-Owned Small Business Conference will be held Friday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Symphony Ballroom II and III, Second Floor, at the Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue South. The conference is free, but registration is required. Register at www.legion.org/register.
Subject matter expert training. The training will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturday, Aug. 25, and Monday, Aug. 27, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall C, First Floor. Topics of discussion include the Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Program; traits of great posts; how to extend the volunteer network; retention and recruitment; processing membership through MyLegion.org; and available health and wellness care through the VA. Download the agenda at www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/smetraining_convention.pdf.
Digital Media Training Workshop. The workshop will focus on promoting your post through public relations, website management, social media best practices and e-newsletter marketing. The Digital Media Training Workshop will be held Monday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. It will be held in Room 102, Sections E & F, Level One in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Register for the media workshop at www.legion.org/register.
Training for incoming district commanders. Every year more than 750 Legionnaires across the nation are elected to serve as a district commander. The American Legion’s Membership Division is hosting a training course for 2018-2019 incoming district commanders. The Incoming District Commanders Training is Monday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m. in the Marquette IV - VII, Second Floor, at the Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue South. Topics include post analysis, district revitalization, MyLegion.org overview, Centennial Celebration, and the strategic plan for membership growth at the district and post levels.
Blood drive. During last year’s convention in Reno, Nev., 57 Legion Family members donated blood. This resulted in the collection of 47 units and the saving of 122 lives. A blood drive will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall (Hall C, Level 1) of the Minneapolis Convention Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but attendees can also schedule an appointment by calling (800) 733-2767, or by going to www.redcrossblood.org and entering “American Legion.”
Legion Family night. On Saturday, Aug. 25, at 6:10 p.m. watch National Commander Denise H. Rohan throw out the first pitch at Target Field during the Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland A’s baseball game. Discounted tickets are available only on a first-come, first-served basis – field box seats for $36 or home plate view seats for $23.
Order tickets by calling (800) 338-9467; hit 0 to speak to an attendant and reference this special American Legion promotion.
Other convention news. Additional events, including convention agenda, parade information, tour opportunities and more, can be found at www.legion.org/convention. And download The American Legion’s National Convention app at www.legion.org/mobileapps/nationalconvention to stay updated on events and story, photo and video coverage right from your smartphone.