It’s everyone’s responsibility to tell our story

As I think about what a whirlwind year this has been serving as your NALPA president, I am amazed at all of the articles that have been created throughout the year – either through our newsletters or those written and shared by The American Legion’s Media and Communications Division about all of the Legion’s social media platforms.

Communication by any method is key to showing what our organization does and to aid in signing up new members. If you are having trouble putting together talking points about The American Legion, then share the video “This is The American Legion,” which can be found at www.legion.org/legiontv. The video also can be found on the Legion’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/americanlegionHQ), and it has been shared amongst many of NALPA’s members through social media. 

As a NALPA member, it is everyone’s responsibility to tell the story of what is going on within their respective communities. And it is my hope that you are enhancing that effort and being the communication leaders within your department, post and district. There is no such thing as an event too big or too small that doesn’t provide a message behind why it was being done.

For example, this year there was a push to promote The American Legion’s inaugural National Poppy Day (May 26) on a national level. In my opinion, and based on the many Facebook postings I read, that goal was accomplished! I even saw many utilizing the correct hashtags to help track the postings.

Our national convention in Reno, Nev., will be here before we know it and I am very pleased with all of the work our NALPA leaders have performed. I congratulate all of the soon-to-be announced winners of the annual NALPA awards, and I look forward to shaking your hand while presenting the award.

Best of luck to next year’s leadership team and thanks to our Executive Director Patrick Rourk and the entire Media and Communications team for their outstanding work putting together our newsletters and helping create a digital format to add to the progress we have made in improving this wonderful association!

I look forward to seeing you in Reno.