Little Miss Poppy award title changes to National Poppy Ambassador

Posted On: Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Great news! With American Legion Auxiliary membership growing and more veteran-affiliated people eligible to join our community of volunteers, the Little Miss Poppy national award has been updated to National Poppy Ambassador, reflecting the membership eligibility change made effective in September 2026. 

With more young members eligible, the National Poppy Ambassador award will have a greater reach to share and spread the ALA’s legacy of Service Not Self and our programs, especially the Poppy Program. 

“Updating the national Little Miss Poppy Award to National Poppy Ambassador further opens up the opportunity for eligible Auxiliary youth to share the poppy story with even more people in our communities across the nation,” said 2026-2027 National Poppy Committee Chair Ann Fournier.

Award requirements and the application process remain the same; only the title has been updated. 

Promotion of the poppy must occur May 1 of the current year to April 30 of the following year. To be considered for the National Poppy Ambassador award, an electronic application with supporting documentation must be submitted by June 1 at 5 p.m. ET. 

To learn and review the National Poppy Ambassador criteria, visit our website. 

Ways American Legion Family youth can be involved:

  • Participate in the National Poppy Day® Virtual 5K
  • Participate and share the Poppy Poster Contest
  • Share and color the Poppy Coloring Book 
  • Handing out poppies on patriotic holidays
  • Wear poppy apparel and accessories throughout the year
  • Make and share poppy-themed arts and crafts
  • Help with making poppies
  • Learn and share the poppy history and significance 
  • Share ALA poppy resources to their communities
To learn and share other poppy participation ideas, request to join the national ALA Poppy Program Facebook group.

For all questions related to the ALA Poppy Program and the National Poppy Ambassador, email Poppy@ALAforVeterans.org.  

ALA Mission
Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.