The National Regional Information Conference in Boston gave Legion Family members understanding of the mission and programs of the organization and how to get involved.
The American Legion held its second National Regional Information Conference in Boston on Feb.1, where Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members received training on the organization's mission, operations and programs. The training was held in conjunction with the Auxiliary's Mission Training at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor hotel.
The daylong National Regional Information Conference featured sessions on legal, Be the One suicide prevention, youth programs, running an effective meeting, post operations and membership retention. The first training was held last November in Denver. Those in attendance at the Boston conference ranged from post members to department leadership as the conference is designed for any Legionnaire and Sons member to learn valuable training and connect with Legion Family members to share ideas and best practices.
As a new post officer, John Ryan found the training informative and helpful.
“I've been a passive member of the Legion for quite a few years,” said Ryan, the junior vice commander for Post 2 in Bristol, Conn. “I rarely attended meetings or events and just paid my annual dues. This year I decided to actively participate in my post. I attended this meeting in the hopes of deepening my knowledge of how a post functions and to learn more about the Legion overall. I was proud to see others from across the northeast wearing their caps and garb. I attended alone but immediately felt comfortable with my comrades. I joined a few Legionnaires at the table and conversations were easy. The breakfast and lunch were outstanding, and I was proud to represent the veteran community. Each presentation was new learning for me, so I found it valuable. I particularly appreciated each presenters experience and equally appreciated the contributions of other members who shared.
“In preparation for the meetings, I read as much as I could on procedures and policy, and searched websites of posts across the country. But I found that by attending, interacting, listening and asking questions, I significantly increased my understanding of how to successfully contribute to the organization and community. I feel more confident, and I believe that will translate into a plus for the post. I strongly believe it is important for members of all experience levels to attend. Those with minimal knowledge will learn, and those with more knowledge will learn and contribute to those of us who hear your stories and advice. I certainly will attend the next one.”
Thirty-four members from the Department of New Jersey American Legion, Auxiliary, Junior Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion attended the training.
“Many of us went back to New Jersey and sang the praises of this experience,” said Department of New Jersey Executive Committeeman Anthony L. “Tony” Gladden, who attended the combined training with his wife Charline, Auxiliary department president, and five of their grandchildren. “I for one am hopeful The American Legion will continue this as I will surely attend and encourage others to join me. As a 2021 National American Legion College graduate, I understand the importance of ensuring information about our programs is exposed to our members, especially at the post level. I feel that this informational conference will benefit our grassroot level members to gain a better understanding of how important our American Legion programs are for veterans, families and the community.”
Other attendees shared:
“The training was given by top quality trainers and was presented in an upper level fashion. Really enjoyed the day, and learned a lot!,” said Scott Conner, senior vice commander for the Department of Massachusetts. “As a department officer involved in training and membership, it gave more insight to why we do what we do, and the need to pass it on to the districts and posts. The best (training), except National American Legion College, that I have been to.”
“It was all very helpful to hear how other posts do things, especially with running meetings and post operations. Secondarily, I valued the opportunity to network with other Legion members.”
“Every time I listen to the national judge advocate, I pick up more information pertaining to the Constitution and Bylaws interpretation that were not clear prior.”
“I learned a lot on the legal aspect of the training and the running of a proper meeting.”
A National Regional Information Conference is being planned for the fall. Stay informed on date and time at legion.org/training.
- Training