Rules for Yearbook

Outline for a One-year Post Yearbook

A post yearbook is a pictorial history of the post's annual activities. Remember, though, that this is a permanent record that will be seen by others for years to come, so the suggested outline should be followed as closely as possible. It would be advantageous to check any compilation against this outline so as to include as much of the material suggested here as possible.

Part 1- Format

(1) Cover: The size of the yearbook cover must not be smaller than a standard three-ring binder or larger than

12x15 inches, with The American Legion emblem centered (left to right) on the cover with the post's name and number. Each book is not to exceed three inches between the front and back cover.

If two or more binders are submitted, you must indicate on the cover and title page the wording Volume

1," "Volume 2," etc. Acceptable yearbook binders and standard three-ring binders with the American Legion emblem embossed on the cover are available from Emblem Sales.

(2) Name/address of compiler:  The full name and complete mailing address of the yearbook author should appear on the inside front cover on the lower left corner. It will be neatly typed or computer generated and centered on a 3x5 index card.

(3) Title page: This should be the first page facing the reader as the yearbook is opened. It should be centered on the page (left to right, top to bottom) and be in a logical arrangement with double spacing or more and contain as a minimum the following:

Yearbook of

(Name of post) Post No.  (Number of post)

The American Legion

City and State) For 20                - 20         

By (person compiling yearbook)

(4) Introduction:  Every yearbook should have a forward or introduction, setting forth the reasons for the organization, and may include:

• Mention of the national organization's founding with a tie-in of the department and post. (Seewww.legion.org/history or "Capsule History of The American Legion," listed earlier, as a possible beginning, and see your department historian for a capsule history of the department.)
• Selection of the post name. If named for a departed comrade or comrades, include a short biographical sketch of their lives and include available photographs.
• If possible, a brief resume of your community's history, especially the part played by that locality in furnishing men and women during wars and conflicts.
• A photograph of the post and street address, if your post has a post home.
• A biographical background of the current post commander and/or the author of the history with photographs included.
• Acknowledgment of any assistance or contributions used in compiling the history.

(5} Table of Contents:  This is a "must" for any good history, which will list the pages of the chapters and appendices and should be in the front of the history immediately following the introduction. If there is more than one volume, each should contain a complete table of contents.

(6) Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion: Identifying the principal aims of The American Legion, the preamble is a fitting introduction and should follow the table of contents. It should be centered on the page and spaced in a neat and logical arrangement. Multicolored 8Yz x 11prints of the preamble may be purchased through Emblem Sales.

(7) Index: The alphabetical index is a "must" for any good history. This comprehensive index of names, places and events mentioned in your history, with page references, shall be at the end of the history following the appendices. Be sure to include every person and activity in the history. If there is more than one volume, each volume should contain a complete index.

(8) Page Numbering:  Do not forget to number the pages. Be consistent in placing page numbers, either at top or bottom of pages. Numbering will start with the title page.

Order of page numbering: The above pages should appear in order with Arabic or Roman numerals:

Title Page

Introduction

Table of Contents

Preamble

1or i

2 or ii

3 or iii

4 or iv

Part II- Programs and Activities I Readability

The yearbook material for your post programs and activities will follow the preamble and precede the index. The yearbook is to cover one year, from the installation of officers up to and including the installation of the

next year's officers. This timeframe may vary in some departments.

Chapters

Following the preamble, the chapters may be sequenced in this suggested manner:

Chapter 1- Roster of Post Officers:  Photographs of current post officers should be included in the history. If it is not possible to obtain photographs of every officer, make a special effort to include photographs of the commander and the adjutant.

Chapter 2- Roster of Post Chairmen: Include a roster of post chairs with photographs, if available.

Chapter 3- One-Year Post History: This should be a one-year post history.

A record as vitally important as the history itself is a complete and accurate yearbook containing all newspaper clippings, photographs, copies of programs, tickets, badges and other items pertaining to the post and its activities.

All material recorded in the yearbook must be in chronological order with a systematic and logical arrangement. The reader must be able to follow the meaning of the illustrations (news clippings, photographs, etc.) with little difficulty and confusion.

All newspaper clippings must include the name and date of the publication. Individuals in photographs must be identified by full proper names (nicknames in brackets from left to right. Captions should also identify the occasion, dates and source. You may know who is in the photograph and why, but the reader may not.

Be sure all photographs are clear and sharp, as blurry or fuzzy prints will take away from rather than enhance your yearbook. Proper arrangement with captions is a //must" for an eye-catching yearbook. Avoid using pictures with alcohol or cigarettes in them.

Neatness and originality are even more important for the yearbook than the narrative history, since all the

material in the yearbook must be properly identified to make it worthwhile.

If the compiler cannot type or print well, he or she should have an experienced person do the printing or type inserts.