Alton Green Memorial Post 194

01 - American Legion National Constitution and By-Laws

The American Legion National Constitution and By-Laws.  The Constitution of an contains the fundamental principles which govern our operation.  The Bylaws establish the specific rules of guidance by which the Post is to function. The constitution will serve to:

• Clarify our purpose

• Delineate basic structure

• Provide the cornerstone for building an effective group

• Allow members and potential members to have a better understanding of what the organization is all about and how it functions. 

The Constitution covers the fundamental principles but does not prescribe specific procedures for operating your organization.  Bylaws set forth in detail the procedures we must follow to conduct business in an orderly manner.  They provide further definition to the Articles of the Constitution and can be changed more easily as the needs of the organization change.

02 - 2014 Officer's Guide and Manual of Ceremonies

The Officer’s Guide is intended as the principal handbook issued by National Headquarters to help American Legion officers fulfill their responsibilities. This handbook combines in one volume a guide to post offices, operations and procedures; the Manual of Ceremonies, in which ceremonies prescribed by the National Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Committee are described; and an appendix including The American Legion Constitution, eligibility requirements, parliamentary procedures, a suggested post constitution and by-laws, and more.

03 - 2014 Post Adjutant's Manual

The Post Adjutant’s Manual is a blueprint to assist Adjutants in handling the business affairs of the post and to provide efficient and effective service to its members. It is a work in progress and will never be complete as long as officers and members in local posts offer suggestions and recommendations. By following the information contained in this manual, Adjutants will be better equipped to achieve the objectives of this great organization, which has served America’s veterans since 1919.  This information is also beneficial to members of the Post in helping them to understand conducting business for the Post.

04 - Post Operations Manual

This Post Operations Manual is divided into three sections. These sections should be used in conjunction with each other, since they are all part of good management.

• The first section concerns itself with the planning of the physical structure of the facilities needed to accommodate an active, growing American Legion Post.  

• The second section concerns itself with the social part of an American Legion Post-the lounge.  There are sections on government, duties of a manager, labor costs, beverage control, food service and other points of lounge operation.  

• The third section serves as a guide to the utilization of proven principles of financial accounting.  This accounting serves the purpose of informing the members, officers, trustees, house committee and managers of the Post the results of the Post home operation and financial condition.

05 - 5th District Sgt-At-Arms Guide

This SAA guide was published by The American Legion 5th District; however, the principles and guidelines generally apply to all Posts. This is a good resource for incoming Sergeant-at-Arms.

06 - Post Membership Team Training Guide

In the past, the National Headquarters of The American Legion has conducted Membership Workshops, Conferences, Seminars and the like at National, Regional, Department and local levels.  We constantly strive to keep the Membership Team of The American Legion up-to-date with the many recruiting and retention tools and methods that are available, such as the materials contained in this guide. Legionnaires tell us one of the main problems is getting the word out to the membership workers in a timely, motivated, informational and workable manner. It is with this in mind we have developed the Post Membership Training Guide consisting of a four part-training manual:

• Part I - Membership -- Self-Evaluation & Equating a Post‟s Performance

• Part II - Membership Retention & Renewals

• Part III - Special Programs & Recommendations

• Part IV - Successful Membership

• (Sample letters, programs, diagrams, and techniques now used by other Departments, Posts and Districts)

As programs change, the guide will be revised. New guides will be distributed at the annual National Membership Workshop. (This Guide can also be downloaded from the Legion web site at www.legion.org). Information contained in this guide could be used as training tools for Department, District and Post membership workshops and conferences. The Post Membership Training Guide is suitable for all levels of Membership Teams.

07 - Cap Etiquette

The following is from the American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana...

08 - Protocol and Planning Guide

Although this planning guide was published by the Depart of Wisconsin, the principles and guidelines generally apply to all Posts.  This is a good resource when planning American Legion Functions.