American Legion and Auxiliary members are interested in legislative measures which come before the United
States Congress and the state legislatures. Through lobbying efforts The American Legion and
American Legion Auxiliary are able to influence legislation of benefit to veterans, the community
and our nation.
National and State Legislative Committee
The national organization of the American Legion Auxiliary has a National legislative
Committee which works closely with the National Legislative Commission of The American Legion.
The American legion Commission has offices in Washington. D.C. and continually promotes the
passage of The American legion sponsored legislation. Departments of the American legion and Auxiliary
also have Legislative Committees which function in a similar manner within the states.
Unit Support in Legislative Work
When measures important to the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary
are before the lawmaking bodies for consideration appeals go out for support on these measures.
At such times the unit members should contact their representatives urging them to take the action desired.
Legislative Policy is Formed
In al matters of legislation the American Legion Auxiliary follows the action of The American Legion, never endorsing any measure until The American legion Has firs endorsed it and never following a policy which does not coincide
exactly with The American legion's stand.
The Department Conventions formulate the legislative program for each Department and also follow the
action of The American Legion Department Convention. They outline the policy to be followed in regard
to measures to come before the legislatures of their stats and also pass resolutions on national
measures to be referred to the national Conventions.
Legislative Work for the Unit
The legislative activities of the Unit may be handled by the Unit President, by a standing Unit committee, or by a special
committee appointed to conduct the work in special emergencies. The legislative matters usually
deal with some other phase of Auxiliary work, such as Veterans Affaires and Rehabilitation -
getting beneficial legislation for veterans; Children and Youth - securing legislation beneficial to
children of veterans and children generally; National Security - securing national security measures;
or Americanism - obtaining the passage of measures to promote better citizenship or to curb the activities
of radicals. The arousing of public sentiment in support of such measures might well be left
to the committee handling the activity under which they fall.
All Unit Legislative Chairmen should subscribe to The Dispatch. The American Legion's publication.
This biweekly newspaper describes current legislative issues and other news pertinent to The American
Legion family. Subscription requests with payment should be sent to The Dispatch, The American
Legion , PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
7-Point Plan to Get Your Representative to Pay Attention
1. Write the member a personal letter and expect a response within thirty days.
Do not usea form letter or postcard.
2. If you haven't heard from your member, call to ask for a meeting
with the staff member in charge of veterans issues.
3. Be concise at the
meeting. Have your facts straight and all
your sources.
4. Request that your
issue/concern be placed on the radar screen
and supported by your member.
5. If the above isn't working, stand outside the member's office or committee door. Introduce yourself when
she/he passes by and tell them about your concern
as simply as possible. Back up your statement with facts.
6. Send a thank you letter for the time and support the member gives to your issue.
7. Hold her/him accountable. Send a note of appreciation if she/he votes
yes. Send a note questioning a no
vote.
Resources
Legislative Alerts and Issues
California Legislative Information
Committee on Veterans Affairs for the US House of Representatives
Committee on Veterans Affairs for the US Senate
Arlington National Cemetery
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf War
Replacing Military records/National Archives
VA Home loan
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
American Legion Dispatch News
Legislative Chairmen on all levels should subscribe or read on-line The Dispatch in order to keep our members abreast
of legislative issues. Whether reporting at a DEC Meeting, publishing information through
Department Bulletins or writing letters to Unit Legislative Chairmen this publication is a great resource.
Consider gift subscriptions to the Dispatch for local libraries,your congressional representatives, VA Medical
Centers, doctor's offices, shut-ins, etc.
Legislative Handbook For The American Legion Family
A publication of the National Legislative Commission of The American Legion
showing the importance of legislation to all of our program, why individual participation is necessary
and knowing how and when to respond
Howto Make a Difference Through Effective Grassroots Lobbying
From the basics to proven techniques that wok this publication has it all!
Learn how to be grassroots S.M.A.R.T.
Telephone Resources
1(202) 225-1772 For information on the status of a bill pending in the Senate or House of Representatives.
1(202) 224-8541 An update of events on the floor of the Senate from a Democratic
perspective.
1(202) 224-8601 An update of events on the floor of the Senate from a Republican
perspective.
1(202) 225-7400 An update of evens on the floor of The House of Representatives from a Democratic perspective
1(202)225-7430 An update of events on the floor of The House of Representatives from a Republican perspective.
