ALA. PDP. DEC. NEC. PUFL. 
 
American Legion Auxiliary acronyms — the common, the weird, the most unusual. The Auxiliary at all levels of the organization often uses acronyms in discussion and in writing. Some are well-known to many members while others may be more unique to a location in the country or even to an individual unit. 
 
Some acronyms even have more than one definition. For example, “National.” That could refer to convention, National Headquarters, the national organization, and more. 
 
Same with DEC: It could mean District Executive Committee, Division Executive Committee, or Department Executive Committee. 
 

Acronyms are a part of the ALA — we understand that — but it’s important to remember that not all members speak the ALA language for a variety of reasons. They might be new to the organization, they are a potential member checking out an event, or they just simply haven’t been in the Auxiliary long enough to have heard or know what all the possible acronyms used actually stand for. 
 
Especially in writing: Be sure to always spell out on first reference (i.e., American Legion Auxiliary vs. ALA). This goes for meetings or presentations as well. Use the full name a few times —Auxiliary Emergency Fund — before switching to AEF. 
 
Using the full name is especially crucial for any written documents sent to the media, as well as any interviews you might be a part of. Acronyms will not help in this situation and will just confuse the person. Get your point across about your event or unit — but use the full words for maximum understanding. 
 
What about this one — GS? Girls State should not be shortened to GS. And, written like this, it’s missing something critical: ALA in front of it. We want our communities to know who puts this amazing program on, so adding the “ALA” in front of every Girls State reference reiterates and reminds while keeping our branding of the program strong. 
 
Acronyms have their place, but when used all the time, they can leave members and nonmembers in the dark about what is being discussed when the full name is never used in conversation or in writing. 
 
Think back to when you first became a member. You were likely hearing and reading acronyms that you had no idea what they meant. In that spirit, be mindful of others and how they might feel — probably lost. 
 
One idea to help your fellow members understand the acronyms your unit uses is to put together a cheat sheet for new members so they can feel part of the meeting, part of the event, and part of your unit. 
 
Acronyms can be fun and helpful to use to save space in a written document or to talk faster in a meeting, but just remember to be mindful of use when it comes to these shortened words. Your audience matters and wants to understand correctly what is being communicated so they can keep focusing on our mission of serving veterans, military, and their families. 
 
 
Here is a sampling of acronyms commonly used in the American Legion Auxiliary. Can you guess the meanings?
ALA
NVCAF
TAL
C&Y
VA&R
C&B
NEC
DEC
DLNC
SAL
DG
AEF
PR
MIA
NHQ
NP
PDC
PNC
PDP
PNP
POW
PUFL
VAVS
VSO
 
Tell us how you did! Email PR@ALAforVeterans.org.