American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Texas
Leadership
Plans of Work
2007 - 2008

Mission Statement: The Leadership Committee strives to develop and prepare knowledgeable and capable leaders to carry on the growth and success of the American Legion Auxiliary. We promote activities and resources to educate, motivate, and mentor members of all ages, on all levels and phases of the Auxiliary programs.

Leadership Committee:

Division I - Sandra Winchester
    swinch@centurytel.net

Division II - Kim Palasota
    kimpalasota@suddenlink.net

Division III - Sharon Rogers
    de-msrogers@sbcglobal.net

Division IV Gelinda Clark, Chairman
    gelindac@gmail.com

Leadership Goals:

1. Educate Members: Units must educate their entire membership on every level to ensure the leadership of this organization continues to be the very best now and in the future. A working knowledge of Auxiliary programs and materials builds confidence and encourages participation. Each member is urged to take the initiative and learn as much as possible about our programs. The Unit will strive, on every level, to educate members on auxiliary programs and duties of officers.

2. Motivate Members: In order to motivate our members Units must make it interesting and enjoyable to learn the programs and be potential leaders. Units must keep in mind that our membership is comprised of volunteers and must let them know they are appreciated and their value cannot be gauged. Unit participation will be increased as the members grow in knowledge of the programs and duties of the officers and chairmen

3. Encourage Mentor Programs: A mentor is an advisor or friend that is willing to offer guidance to another individual. It is a most effective way to encourage members to hold leadership positions. When a member is assigned a compatible partner; the individual, the mentor and the organization gain. Mentor programs should be developed and encourage at all levels of the Unit.

4. Develop New Activities and Resources: In order for the Leadership to be effective Units must explore and put into place new activities and new resources. It is vital that Units teach and train members in order to have strong leaders. Units must develop and implement leadership programs and activities to attract and educate Junior members, as they are our future leaders.

5. Leadership Awards:: There will be five Leadership Awards as follows; an award to an Unit in each of the four divisions that submits an outstanding narrative not to exceed 1500 words with the best Leadership program and an Excellence Award presented to the Unit that is the best narrative from the chosen division awards.

6. Resources for Leadership: Resources available from The American Legion Emblem Sales, P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, In 46206-1050 or call toll free 1-888-453-4466 for information on ordering and possible price changes. Order online at http://emblem.legion.org.

Additional Resources:

Books:

Leadership in the Spotlight, National Association of Parliamentarians

Overview of Leadership in Organizations, Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

On Becoming a Leader, Warren Bennis

Smart Moves for People in Charge, Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman

The 5 Secrets to Becoming a Leader, Alan Nelson and Stan Toler

The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make, Hans Finzel

Learning to Lead, Robert Heller

Web Sites:

http://www.parliamentarians.org - (National Association of Parliamentarians, many resources)

www.mySkillsProfile.com - (Test your leadership competencies online)

www.leadershipnow.com - (Attitude, motivation, initiative, service)

www.effectivemeetings.com - (Hands-0n advice for more effective meetings)

www.legion-aux.org - (American Legion Auxiliary Web site)

www.legion.org - (American Legion Web site)

www.emblem.legion.org - (The American Legion Emblem sales)


Leadership Annual Report Form


Leadership POW Print Version