At the 2026 American Legion National Convention, delegates adopted new membership eligibility language for the American Legion Auxiliary — expanding eligibility and allowing more family members to join the ALA. The Legion has authority over the ALA’s membership eligibility; the language change allows more people into our organization — strengthening our ability to better serve our veterans, military, and their families.  
 
Several questions have come to ALA National Headquarters since the eligibility change took effect in early September. Check out the FAQs:
 
Just heard about the membership eligibility changes. I thought it wasn’t final at Auxiliary meetings because it had to be approved by The American Legion. 
 
As of Wednesday, Sept. 2, The American Legion’s 2026 National Convention delegates adopted additional relationship types eligible to join the ALA. Eligibility now extends to spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and female veterans eligible in their own right. These additions were effective immediately. Eligibility criteria changes for the ALA are determined by The American Legion. 
 
At the 2026 American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Ky., Resolution 19 was approved by more than a two-thirds majority. The resolution expanded the ALA’s eligibility criteria. For example, it changed “grandmother” and “mother” to “grandparents” and “parents,” “sisters” to “siblings,” “daughters” to “children,” and “granddaughters” to “grandchildren.” The change also allows persons such as Gold Star Families who did not directly serve in the armed forces an avenue to join the American Legion Auxiliary and honor their relatives within the original two degrees of consanguinity, as the IRS references under 501(c)(19) tax-exempt status for auxiliaries.  
 
Official new language from the eligibility change: 
 
Section 2. Membership in The American Legion Auxiliary shall be limited to:
 
(1) grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and direct or adopted descendants within two degrees of consanguinity of members of The American Legion; and
 
(2) grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and direct or adopted descendants within two degrees of consanguinity of all servicemembers who served in either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and anytime after Dec. 7, 1941, who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein served on active duty in the armed forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge;
 
(3) grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and direct or adopted descendants within two degrees of consanguinity of all servicemembers who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941, who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during either eligibility period and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and
 
(4) to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
 
I am very disappointed in the gender-neutral language you guys went to. 
 
The new eligibility criteria does not address gender in any capacity. The objective of the new wording was to expand the relationship types eligible to join the ALA and honor our military and veterans. 
 
Does this mean my daughter could join since her grandpa was a veteran and served in the Gulf War?
 
Yes! In fact, granddaughters of veterans have always been eligible to join the ALA.    
 
Prior to 2019, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria listed seven war eras/time periods that the veteran must have served in, in order to be eligible for membership in The American Legion. These war eras were also a requirement for American Legion Auxiliary eligibility.
 
In 2019, The American Legion helped get the LEGION Act passed which declared that the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941. This essentially cut the eligible war eras from seven down to two and opened up the eligibility for membership in both The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
 
The American Legion’s eligibility criteria states that veterans must have served during “wartime.” The timeframe from Nov. 11, 1918, to Dec. 7, 1941, is not considered wartime.
 
Why aren’t great-grandchildren eligible for membership? 
 
The IRS defines a 501(c)(19) veterans service organization auxiliary degrees of relationship. Currently, the IRS limits the relationship to within two degrees, which is why we are unable to expand our relationships further.
 
Is there a way where the veteran does not need to be a member of The American Legion in order for their relative to join the ALA?
 
Female veterans CAN join the ALA without being a member of The American Legion. If someone is eligible under a deceased veteran, they are also eligible to join the ALA without a Legion connection.
 
Does this mean men can join the American Legion Auxiliary now?
 
The ALA ceased being an all-female patriotic service organization in 2019 when The American Legion voted at its 2019 National Convention to change “wife” to “spouse,” opening the doors for male spouses to join the ALA.
 
Does this mean trans women are now able to be Auxiliary members?
 
The ALA welcomes any and all persons who meet the established membership eligibility requirements to apply for membership. Gender identity, including transgender status, is not a factor in determining eligibility. All heartbeats fitting the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply for membership in the ALA. 
 
Are ALA members eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion?
 
Only the eligibility criteria of the American Legion Auxiliary has been changed by The American Legion. Eligibility criteria for the Sons of The American Legion remains the same. Eligibility information for membership in the Sons of The American Legion can be found here: https://www.legion.org/about/american-legion-family/sons-of-the-american-legion  
 
NOTE: The Sons’ and Auxiliary’s eligibility are determined solely by The American Legion. If you have suggestions for updated Sons eligibility, you’ll need to contact the Legion.
 
Don’t see your question answered here? Please email ALA National Headquarters’ Membership Division at membership@ALAforVeterans.org.