More than 5,200 Legionnaires were transferred into local posts last year as a result of Legion Family efforts.
In 2019, staff from The American Legion’s Membership Division helped assist with 111 revitalizations across the nation. This resulted in the transfer of 5,292 Direct Membership Solicitation (DMS) program members into local posts, and recruitment of 176 new members.
An example of a successful revitalization was last month in the Department of New Mexico’s 9th and 11th Districts where national staff, department leadership, Legionnaires and Auxiliary members transferred 131 DMS members into local posts.
The revitalization was based out of Post 13 in Albuquerque.
Of those transfers, Auxiliary Unit 13 member Susie Moya had the most with 24. National Vice Commander Robert D. Liebenow presented Moya with his coin in recognition of her efforts.
About 1,100 post cards were sent to 2019 and 2020 DMS members prior to the revitalization. The cards encouraged members to visit American Legion Post 13 to transfer their membership into a local post, speak with a service officer or just to meet fellow Legion Family members. About 26 veterans visited Post 13 to speak with a service officer.
“We have learned over the years that transferring a Legionnaire into a local post greatly increases the chance for renewal,” said Jay Bowen, American Legion Membership and Post Activities Committee chairman from Colorado. “Study after study has proven that our chances to retain all members, old and new increases dramatically when a post is active and gets their membership involved.”
Bowen advises Legionnaires to send transfers or new members post newsletters and information on upcoming activities, such as a post dinner or breakfast. “Get them engaged to participate and take a role in the activity,” he said.
In addition to making phone calls during a revitalization, Legion Family members often go door-to-door to bring back expired members.
Last October, more than 10 Legionnaires from the Department of Indiana’s 11th District were stationed at Post 500 making phone calls and home visits. For those not home, an American Legion “Why You Should Belong” brochure was left behind and a calendar of events for Post 500, as well as a letter about the Department Indiana’s programs and scholarships.
“This revitalization effort is very important for our community and the Legion itself to let people know about our mission and purpose and to get them involved,” said Post 500 Commander Johnette Lawson.
With a new year upon us, and a 2020 membership drive in full force to reach 100 percent membership by May 13, I encourage your post or district to reassert itself into the local community through a revitalization.
American Legion national staff are here to assist your efforts to grow membership.
For more information on how to conduct a post or district revitalization, contact the Internal Affairs and Membership Division at www.legion.org/membership/contactus.
- Dispatch