The guide features membership target dates, membership awards for Legionnaires, posts, districts and departments for the 2027 membership year.
The National Membership Awards Program Guide for the 2027 membership year is now online here under Membership. The document features membership target dates, information on national membership awards for posts, districts, departments and individuals, and other important membership information.
National membership target dates:
Sept. 10, 2026 – 50%
Oct. 14, 2026 – 55%
Nov. 12, 2026 – 65%
Dec. 9, 2026 – 75%
Jan. 13, 2027 – 80%
Feb. 10, 2027 – 85%
March 10, 2027 – 90%
April 14, 2027 – 95%
May 12, 2027 – 100%
POST AWARDS
Post All-Time High Award. This certificate is awarded to posts that have enrolled an advance membership for the year about to start equaling or surpassing the post’s previous all-time high membership by Dec. 31 of that year.
Post Honor Ribbon. Honor ribbons are awarded to posts whose membership for the current membership year (as of Dec. 31) achieves an advance membership (for the year about to begin) equal to or greater than the final membership for the year ending. Certification forms must be submitted to the Membership Division by Jan. 31.
Post Membership Retention Award. This award recognizes posts for their ability to renew their previous year’s membership. To qualify, the post must have at least the minimum number of members to maintain their post charter within their designated department and retain at least 90% of their previous year’s membership by the May target date. The accompanying certificate for this award will reflect retention categories of over 90%, 95% and 100%.
DISTRICT AWARDS
District Commander's New Post Achievement Award. District commanders who create new American Legion posts in their respective districts and have the new post’s temporary charter application on file at National Headquarters by the May target date will receive a framed certificate.
District Commander Achievement Award and District Honor Ribbon. All district commanders whose May target date membership exceeds the previous year’s membership by at least the number of posts in that district will be awarded the District Commander Achievement Award framed certificate. In addition, the district will receive a District Honor Ribbon for its district colors.
100% District Commander Pin. Awarded to district commanders who accomplished 100% of their assigned membership goal.
District Commander Race to the Top competition. This competition is divided into five categories based on the membership of the district without regard to geographic locations. District commanders will compete in each of the categories based on final membership year totals, and a top district commander for the national award will be selected from each of the five categories. Post ribbons will also be awarded to each top district commander for all posts in those districts. Second and third place awards will also be presented in each category.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Gold Brigade, Silver Brigade and Bronze Brigade. A Legionnaire who recruits 50 or more new members (excluding any transfers) into The American Legion by the May target date will qualify for the Gold Brigade award. A Legionnaire who recruits 25 to 49 new members (excluding any transfers) into The American Legion by the May target date will qualify for Silver Brigade award. A Legionnaire who recruits 15 to 24 new members (excluding any transfers) into The American Legion by the May target date will qualify for Bronze Brigade award.
Recruiter of the Year. Top new-member recruiter certified by the May target date for department and national recognition will be named National Recruiter of the Year and receive an all-expense paid trip to the national convention where he or she will be recognized on the convention stage.
The American Legion Pioneer Award. Recognizes Legionnaires who help ensure a new post's success.
New Post Development Pin. Recognizes individuals who help start a new American Legion post.
Revitalization Recognition Letter. Recognizes individuals who help revitalize a post or renew delinquent members.
- Dispatch