Most American Legion Auxiliary members know there are a few different levels in the ALA — unit: local; department: state; and national is national. But what about the district level?
An important bridge between units and departments
“The districts in Indiana support the department leaders and their goals by disseminating their needs and progress to our units, and supporting our units to achieve their unit goals and the goals of the department,” said Melissa Clawson, Indiana District 11 president.
ALA districts, also referred to as counties or councils in some states, represent units, and the district has a voice to ensure our organization exists for another century, Clawson added. Active members at the district level attend department conferences, annual department conventions, and ALA National Convention to make certain all changes to the Constitution & Bylaws are fair and equitable for units, departments, and the national organization.
Leadership positions at the district level are the same as positions at national, department, and unit levels.
It’s important for the ALA to have districts, Clawson said.
“Without the district level, there would be a lot more work for the department leaders to do,” she said. “Or there would be less support for our units that do amazing grassroots work for our veterans, military, and their families on top of supporting department goals.”
There are many benefits to having a district level as part of the overall structure of the ALA organization.
“The biggest benefit is to department leaders,” Clawson said.
The ALA’s district level is often a steppingstone for members interested in pursuing department- and national-level positions.
“As similar as things are from level to level, they are that much different,” Clawson said. “With so much to learn — from running a meeting to conflict resolution to learning parliamentary procedure and many, many other skills needed — getting your ‘feet wet’ is very much a requirement if you want to be a successful leader on the next level. Learning the ALA way is also its own map to navigate, but having the ALA Academy sure does help.”
Clawson offers advice for what all members can do to support the district level, which, in turn, helps all levels of the Auxiliary.
“Attend district meetings,” she encouraged. “For some reason, there is this myth that if the district is involved, the unit is ‘in trouble.’ Nothing could be further from the truth, and if more unit members attended our district meetings, they would see our purpose as a district is to support our department and our units however we can.”
How we’re structured: Levels of the American Legion Auxiliary
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
