ALA members of Hawaii eUnit 56 meet for their monthly meeting via Zoom, discussing the logistics of their next service project. 
 
“We started an eUnit so we can meet from all different sides of the island when it’s convenient,” said Brister Thomas, department president. “People moving away are also able to stay linked with us through online meetings.”
 
An eUnit, or electronic unit, allows members to conduct meetings via teleconferencing or online platforms, according to the ALA Unit Guide Book. There is no difference in how an eUnit is chartered or operated except for how they choose to meet. 
 
Being an eUnit does not necessarily mean everything is done online — Unit 56 members still meet in person for service projects. 
 
Many of the approximately 30 unit members are spouses of active-duty or retired servicemembers. There are also members from four different countries and several different states. Members of eUnits can reside in any city, state, or country, as long as they meet the Auxiliary’s membership eligibility requirements and follow the rules and regulations. 
 
Because the military doesn’t always stay in the same place, an eUnit is a great way to stay connected with friends. 
 
There are great benefits to being part of an eUnit, Thomas said. 
 
“It provides maximum opportunities for planning purposes to allow our in-person time to serve our community purposefully,” she said. 
 
Thomas has heard a common misnomer about eUnits — that members would lose the socialization, human touch aspect — but she said that’s simply not the case. 
 
“When we get together in person, it is for a specific reason — so it brings more purpose to us,” she said. 
 
eUnits can be very flexible when it comes to ALA program activities and projects. Mission-oriented projects of the unit can be fulfilled individually or as a group. Although members may be separated geographically, there are many ways to complete a project as a unit: virtually, in person, or a combination of both.
 
eUnit 56 still has regular monthly meetings all year virtually, but instead of the drive time to and from meetings and a meal that might go along with it, that time is now used for their in-person service projects, such as planting a garden at a VA home, volunteering at a facility for resident overnight care, or helping the Hawai’i ALA Girls State program. Since 2016, the unit has raised about $20,000 annually so no girl must pay for their ALA Girls State experience. 
 
For departments that may be struggling with membership, eUnits are a great recruitment tool.
 
“If you are a department in need of growth, this is the way of the future,” she said. “You can get the college kids when they are young, engage with young families — adapt to today’s world. This is one easy way to meet.” 
 
For those who may be slightly unsure about virtual meetings, Thomas said if you have an email, you can do this. 
 
“During COVID, I set everyone up with cameras and wrote out a list to know what to do,” she said. “It’s an easy, simple process if you’ve done it once.” 
 
The unit started off using Skype and has since migrated to Zoom. 
 
Thomas said she doesn’t feel like there are any drawbacks for members who join an eUnit.
 
“If you are thinking of doing an eUnit, try it,” she said. “It’s not going to hurt you, but it can certainly help you.” 
 
How to start an eUnit in your area
When a new unit is being chartered, the following documents should be submitted to your American Legion Auxiliary department headquarters office: 
   • Unit officer list and other forms required by the department 
   • Charter application    
   • Membership applications 
   • Membership dues     
   • Unit data form
   • Charter fee                
For more information, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org/about/units.