How to organize a Buddy Check

American Legion Resolution No. 18 calls for Buddy Checks to be conducted twice a year – Legion birthday (March 15-17) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11) – but posts are encouraged to conduct them at any time throughout the year. Buddy Checks serve as a way to reach out to members and former members who may need financial assistance, transportation or service officer help.

Get started on organizing a Buddy Check by following these seven steps:

1. Gather up a team if possible to call or personally visit members and former members of The American Legion. If each member in a team of 10 calls just 10 Legionnaires or former Legionnaires, 100 veterans can be reached in one sitting.
2. Visit MyLegion.org for a list of members and former members.
3. Divide up the call list among your team members.
4. Start calling – either from a quiet place inside the post or from your home – to see how the members and former members are doing, ask if they need anything and invite them to an upcoming event or activity such as The American Legion’s birthday or Veterans Day.
5. Thank the member or former member in the beginning and at the end of your call.
6. Have your post’s payment procedure at your fingertips if the member or former member wishes to renew, the address to send a check or offer to stop by in person to pick it up (another opportunity to connect).
7. Leave contact information if no one answers the phone. The veteran may return your call later one with need for assistance.

Share your Buddy Check results on legiontown.org.

legion.org/membership/buddycheck