Children and Youth Chairman
Julie Schnitzler
Email: jschnitzler@gips.org
Phone: (308) 440-9218
| Children and Youth Key Resources |
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| National Children and Youth Page |
| Military Child’s Table Setting Ceremony |
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ALA Coloring Books – Poppy, Halloween, and America the Beautiful |
Children and Youth
Purpose: The purpose of the Children & Youth Committee is to work collaboratively with The American Legion to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans. Standing Rules 6, Core National Standing Committees
Key Program Statements
- The Children & Youth program emphasizes protecting, caring for, and supporting children and youth, particularly those of veterans’ and military families.
- To recognize and reward the positive actions of our children and youth, the American Legion Auxiliary has two special national awards bestowed to youth nominated by units: the Youth Hero Award and the Good Deed Award.
- Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KDH2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents, whether deployed to a war zone, having a short tour or on an extended temporary duty assignment.
- The American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth program strives to support and promote the Children & Youth program of The American Legion.
National Program Awards
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Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Children & Youth Program (per division)
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Department Award: Best Department Children & Youth Program (per division)
National ALA Youth Hero/Good Deed Awards
Created in 2002 by the National Children & Youth Committee, these awards are presented throughout the year to recognize the heroism and leadership in community service of youths high-school age or younger.
Thousands of Youth Hero and Good Deed awards have been presented to deserving youth since its inception.
Nominations are made by members and their local ALA units. If you know of a deserving youth, submit a nomination.
Award Criteria
Youth Hero Award
Youth Hero Award winners receive a medal and a certificate.
- Demonstrates a physical act of valor.
- Serves as an inspirational role model for the organization and the community.
- American Legion Family membership is not a criterion for consideration.
- Examples include:
- Performing the Heimlich maneuver.
- Rescue from fire or water peril.
- Performing CPR.
- Providing assistance in a medical situation.
Good Deed Award
- Project demonstrates leadership in community service by planning, organizing, and executing a service project.
- Project must be initiated by the youth being nominated.
- American Legion Family membership is not a criterion for consideration.
- Examples include:
- Planning, organizing, and preparing a Veteran’s Day dinner.
- Arranging for donations to a charity instead of birthday presents.
- Organizing an event to fill backpacks for homeless veterans and arranging for their distribution.