THE TIME HAS ARRIVED!

THE TIME HAS ARRIVED!

By: Steve Striggow, Department Membership Director

Since July we have been putting out an important message. That message is to be in the final push mode from the start, rather than waiting until it is too late. That time is almost upon us. All the easy renewals have been received and now the hard part really begins. As I write this, there are 20 posts at 100%. The incentives for 100% posts come to an end on December 31^st.  Please remember for the Commander to receive the blazer for 100 % membership, the Post Adjutant must submit verification to Department with the size required.

The Early Bird Drawing will take place at the Winter Meeting in Flint.

            In the last Legionnaire, I asked how well you knew your membership. I hope this caused you to take a look and ask some questions. There really are no excuses for the posts lagging behind. With all the help available with a phone call or email, we can all succeed. There have been instances of posts holding membership for extended periods, even after being asked to send it in as soon as you receive it. If Department does not have it, it does not count.

            The three Directors have been traveling around their areas of responsibility offering assistance and guidance. Only by everyone working together can we achieve our 100% membership goal. DMS Coordinator Holt has been sending out the DMS slips and Project Stay Active slips on a weekly basis. He has held several classes on MyLegion.org and quite frankly, the attendance at these training classes has been very disappointing. This program is being improved regularly and the Adjutants need to know about all the tools available to them. Director Money has covered a good many miles to make sure they are receiving all the help they need at the post and district level. The Zone Commanders have been doing an excellent job getting the word out. The remainder of the TEAM (all Legionnaires) has been doing a good job.

            I encourage you to visit the national website (legion.org) to take advantage of the national incentives. Remember, the National Family Award is available to posts. All members of the Legion Family Working together can be a powerful tool. We can make our 100% goal.

I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.