American Legion virtual post

In order to reinvent membership recruiting, program implementation and innovative volunteerism - and to redefine and communicate The American Legion as a 21st-century veterans service organization - we need to identify the type of technology that will facilitate authentic communication between our members and the public. Implementing online activities and engaging the virtual community, along with a fully integrated Web site, helps establish the prestige of the Legion in the eyes of the newest generation of veterans. This will generate a more involved membership force, re-define our sense of volunteerism and, most of all, enrich our associations as a group of united veterans. Each post and its membership should follow three steps to develop a comprehensive and successful strategy for virtual post development.

First, research and integrate all relevant technologies, including blogging, video streaming, podcasting, Real Simple Syndication, online social networks, e-news letters and various mass media technologies that can reinvent our online presence. Second, seek to redefine grassroots developments to reinforce our traditions of activism and advocacy. Grassroots reinforcement can serve as a virtual rally point, with visible online outreaches and activities addressing identifiable issues. It must incorporate peer-to-peer interactions, mentorship, personal feedbacks, welcome mechanisms to newly acquired members, and virtual interactions to indoctrinate American Legion missions. Third, integrate the technologies with similar grassroots development to ensure the success of the overall goal. While blogging and e-news letters are great ways to communicate with current and prospective members, they can also help a post redefine activity and participation. Online social networks can be integrated with legislative issues and interest groups to further the cohesion among veterans in your community. Second Life can assist post officers, mentor them, and train and identify volunteers for future leadership roles. The key is to understand the advantages of a specific technology and implementing it with the needs of the post.

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