Public Relations Chairman

Meri Hietbrink

Email: mhietbrink@gmail.com
Phone: (402) 239-3171

Public Relations Key Resources
National Public Relations Page
Public Relations Toolkit
Templates and Recruitment Tools
American Legion Emblem Sales
ALA Branding Guide

Public Relations

Purpose: The purpose of the Public Relations Committee is to establish and maintain a positive public image of the organization by encouraging ALA members to be visible in their communities through branding and informing the public about the mission of the organization. Standing Rules #6, National Committees – Member/Organizational Support 

Key Program Statements:

  • Spread the word about the American Legion Auxiliary: A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families.
  • Encourage ALA members to be visible in their communities through valuable, distinct branding.
  • Share the latest news from ALA volunteer national leadership and ALA National Headquarters.

National Program Awards

  • Unit Award: ALA Mission Focused Social Media Account

 

  • Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Public Relations Program (per division)

  • Department Award: Best Department Public Relations Program (per division)

 

Unit Publicity Book Contest

Calling all units to put together a scrap book of all the amazing events they host during the year.

Click the below link to view the rules for the Publicity Book Contest!

2025 Unit Publicity Book Outline

Click the below link to view the score sheet that will be used to judge submissions!

2025 Publicity Book Score Sheet

Public Relations Ideas:

  • Wear ALA branded items (Clothing, Accessories, Etc.) – These can be great conversation starters!
  • Maintain a social media account(s) for departments, divisions, and units – Personal or Unit social media can be a powerful tool to share information and increase event turnout. Consistent content posting is needed for this to be useful.
  • Build Relations with local media – Publish articles in newspapers or even have your own local newsletter available for members to share.
  • Host charitable events, supply drives, card parties, etc. to get members involved and invite the community to participate.
  • Give speeches and presentations on relevant topics such as flag etiquette, veterans day presentations, meaning of the poppy, etc.

Many resources such as the Branding Guide and the PR Toolkit are available for you on the national website.