As a membership organization, American Legion Auxiliary members make a difference every day for our veterans, military, and their families.  

Our membership numbers change from year to year for various reasons, and that can impact the outreach we are able to do.

The American Legion Auxiliary has seen in recent years that small-town rural environments are struggling, leadership capacity is dwindling, membership is aging and churning, and infrastructure is weakening.

These reasons related to our membership have led to an ALA national focus on helping reinvigorate our organization through membership — from the ground up.

Since September, 2024-2025 National President Trish Ward has visited ALA departments (states) during her term to empower departments to build organizational excellence. During the visits, she has focused on how to build leadership capacity and shared knowledge on how to stop the trend of units surrendering their charters.

To help motivate and guide departments, Ward established the Department Merit Medallion Award. There are five established areas of focus:

• Department attained 85% department membership by March 15, 2025.
• Department submitted its impact report by July 1, 2025.
• Department leadership conducted and completed an annual review of the department Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules.
• Financial policies and process (990 compliance, audit standards).
• Financial donation obligations (ALA Foundation Veteran Projects Fund, Auxiliary Emergency Fund).

Download the Department Merit Medallion Award checklist here, and click here to complete the award application. Submission deadline is July 15. Award winners will receive a commemorative medal (see photo) and on-stage recognition at the ALA’s National Convention in Tampa, Fla., in August.