The ALA Junior Activities program inspires active participation in American Legion Auxiliary members aged 17 and under so they will become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their ALA membership into adulthood. Enrollment in the Auxiliary of many daughters of American Legion members prompted the formation of Junior groups within many units.
Junior members do not form a separate organization but are members of the American Legion Auxiliary, grouped separately so they may be given a program within the scope of their years and understanding. Junior membership is the training ground for active Auxiliary membership. Junior Activities instill in Junior members the ideals of the Auxiliary and present opportunities to teach the ALA’s founding principles of justice, freedom, loyalty, and democracy.
Junior groups function under the guidance of an advisor and committee from the Senior ALA members. Organized as a committee of the unit, Juniors conduct their own meetings and carry out their own activities. The Junior officers shall be known as honorary Junior officers. Their work should be coordinated with the work of the Senior group, and they should have a role in regular unit activities whenever possible so they will feel they are truly a part of the Auxiliary.
Americanism should be a major focus for Juniors and help teach patriotism, citizenship, and loyalty to American ideals and principles.
ALA Junior Patch Program
Junior members are encouraged to take part in the Auxiliary’s Junior Activities Patch Program. Completing required criteria for patches provides Junior members an opportunity to increase their knowledge of the various aspects of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Patches are available on topics such as Americanism, health and fitness, and leadership. Regardless of their location, Juniors can be involved with the program as part of their active Junior group or as an individual member.
ALA Junior Activities Handbook
The ALA Junior Activities Handbook has details for organizing and directing a program for Junior members, as well as information on eligibility, ceremonies for initiations, installations and graduations, contests, meetings, and programs.
The ALA Junior Activities Handbook can be downloaded from www.ALAforVeterans.org. It can also be purchased from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales toll free at 1-888-453- 4466 or online at www.emblem.legion.org.