New York conducting Twitter town hall

The American Legion Department of New York is trying to reach veterans in its state on all fronts – including social media.

On March 1, the department will conduct its first-ever Twitter town hall. Its Twitter account, @NY_Legion, will field questions about membership in The American Legion from 5-6 p.m. ET; those wishing to ask questions should use the hashtag #asknylegion to do so.

David Doyle, a member of the Detachment of New York Sons of The American Legion and a consultant to the department, said his firm – Gramercy Communications – was commissioned by the department to do market research on how to reach new and younger members and potential members. The firm did dozens of phone and in-person interviews with dozens of unaffiliated veterans and active-duty military personnel.

“From these conversations we gathered data that was crystal clear – younger veterans expect a large social media footprint with robust and meaningful activity.” Doyle said. “We are trying to educate and inform a new generation of heroes about the benefits of The American Legion.

“Through a Twitter town hall we can engage and interact on a platform where younger veterans are clearly spending time, so it was a natural fit based on what our research told us.”

Department of New York Membership Chairman Gary Schacher will moderate the town hall and will answer questions on Legion membership eligibility, how to join, why to join, and about the organization's multiple programs and benefits.