Legislative Annual Reporting Guidelines

Department chairs’ annual reports reflect the cumulative summary of units’ mission service in the department. Each department Legislative Committee chair is required to submit via email a narrative report to the division Legislative Committee chair, plus copy the national Legislative Committee chair by May 15.

The annual report is separate from the submission for national award consideration and impact number reporting. However, department reports may be taken into consideration for national awards.

Photos (in a high-resolution format) that show unit mission Legislative Committee activities accompany these reports.

Note: Individual members and units should follow their department’s guidelines and deadlines.

Department Chairs’ Annual Reporting Guidelines:
Department chairs’ reports share the positive impact of our mission! They help us tell the world who we are, what we do, and why we matter. Just three simple steps are needed to add your part to our national success story:

1. Department reports are limited to 1,000 words.
2. Provide details/examples about the activity. Be sure to include specific information such as unit name and number.
3. Submit your department chair report to your division and national chair with photos by email by May 15. Find contact information here.
4. Photos should be in a high-resolution format (at least 300 DPI) or sent using the high-resolution option on your smartphone. When emailing the photo, select “actual size” for attaching to the email.
   • When possible, include photos of actual events
   • The request for photos is important for our national chairs to highlight members serving our mission.

Committee-Specific Reporting Guidelines:

As part of your narrative report, please include answers to the following questions:

• How did units and the department promote the legislative agenda of The American Legion? What training did units and the department use to inform members of legislative priorities and the Grassroots Action Center on The American Legion’s legislative website?
• What course of action did members, units, and the department use to advocate for The American Legion’s legislative agenda?
• What legislative activities (town hall meetings, legislative receptions) did members attend and host in their communities, units, and the department? What suggestions did members have to improve those activities?
• What avenues did members use to develop relationships with elected officials? Did members serve on the Legislative Council?
• Please describe how members connected with their local, state, and national officials and their successes. How many members received a response from their officials and in what format?
• These should be tied directly to the Program Engagement Plan (where applicable) or the Key Program Statements.