This is a message from the National Leadership Committee.
One of the biggest challenges our organization faces is the ability to get along and mentor each other. The complaint heard most often is that past leaders on all levels - unit, district, county, and department - tend to dominate and try to control activities that should be, would be, beneficial to carrying out the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. Are you using your influence as a leader in your unit or department to convince others that your way is the only way? Are you the one making
phone calls trying to sway other members to your way of thinking? Do you constantly criticize the actions of other members? Are you mentoring in the wrong direction? Read the entire blog, Mentoring or Bullying - There is a Difference. Find it at www.legion-aux.org. Amy Lutz Great leaders possess several qualities that set them apart from the rest. Best Diplomats cited the following characteristics of some of the world’s greatest leaders: The ability to look at the bigger picture The willingness to accept failure The ability to take a leap of faith Excellent communication skills Risk taking Courage By embodying these traits, leaders can achieve their goals and leave a lasting impact on the world. Are you that kind of leader?
One of the biggest challenges our organization faces is the ability to get along and mentor each other. The complaint heard most often is that past leaders on all levels - unit, district, county, and department - tend to dominate and try to control activities that should be, would be, beneficial to carrying out the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. Are you using your influence as a leader in your unit or department to convince others that your way is the only way? Are you the one making
phone calls trying to sway other members to your way of thinking? Do you constantly criticize the actions of other members? Are you mentoring in the wrong direction? Read the entire blog, Mentoring or Bullying - There is a Difference. Find it at www.legion-aux.org. Amy Lutz Great leaders possess several qualities that set them apart from the rest. Best Diplomats cited the following characteristics of some of the world’s greatest leaders: The ability to look at the bigger picture The willingness to accept failure The ability to take a leap of faith Excellent communication skills Risk taking Courage By embodying these traits, leaders can achieve their goals and leave a lasting impact on the world. Are you that kind of leader?
Leadership is to better equip members to serve in leadership positions with confidence and skill. You need basic knowledge of programs, parliamentary procedure and your governing documents. Many resources are available on the National Web site such as the ALA Academy, plans for programs and many templates you can use. Members can also sign up for individual programs on Facebook from the web site to see what other departments are doing.
When you volunteer and accept a position in your unit, district or department as an officer, chair or committee member, you have an obligation to fulfill that position. The unit, district or department depend on you to do the job you volunteered for so the ALA can accomplish its mission and have a great year. Do not be afraid to take on a position, it is a great way to learn and there is always someone that has experience with the position or program that can give you some guidance.
Now that the National web site has plans for programs, that is a very good resource to learn how to go about planning your program for the year. You should always include your committee members in your planning. They may have great ideas to share. Always include the Department President and the National Executive Committee person as they need to know what is happening in the Department at all times.
Rita M Barylski
Leadership Committee Member
When you volunteer and accept a position in your unit, district or department as an officer, chair or committee member, you have an obligation to fulfill that position. The unit, district or department depend on you to do the job you volunteered for so the ALA can accomplish its mission and have a great year. Do not be afraid to take on a position, it is a great way to learn and there is always someone that has experience with the position or program that can give you some guidance.
Now that the National web site has plans for programs, that is a very good resource to learn how to go about planning your program for the year. You should always include your committee members in your planning. They may have great ideas to share. Always include the Department President and the National Executive Committee person as they need to know what is happening in the Department at all times.
Rita M Barylski
Leadership Committee Member
LEADERSHIP
2023 2024
A good leader does not know everything.
A good leader knows where to look it up.
A good leader follows the governing documents.
What you can do:
Provide leadership opportunities at your meetings.
Review the various committees with your members.
Invite guest speakers to your unit meetings.
Department committee members are a good choice.
Plan a leadership course for your unit members.
READ! READ! READ! READ! READ!
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 12th Edition
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief 3rd Edition
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Parliamentary Procedure (Fast Track)
By Jim Slaughter, PRP, CPP-T,JD
Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules
By Jim Slaughter, Gout Ragsdale, and Jon Ericson
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Robert’s Rules
By Nancy Syvester, PRP, CPP-T
Available at alaforveterans.org
National Constitution and Bylaws and Standing Rules
American Legion Auxiliary Unit Guide Book
Department Operations Guide
Manual of Ceremonies
Junior Activities Handbook
Basic Parliamentary Procedure
Poppy Program Guide
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) Guide
Sign up on the members portal of alaforveterans.org for many more leadership
opportunities.
Take the ALA Academy courses online.
LEADERSHIP
2023-2024
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
UNIT AWARD:
Most outstanding Unit leadership program (narrative).
Please contact me for the official form.
All entries must be to me by May 1, 2024
Leadership Chairman
Alcyne Welton
36 Dewey Avenue
Milford,CT 06460
Phone: 203-804-4213
E-mail: [email protected]
2023 2024
A good leader does not know everything.
A good leader knows where to look it up.
A good leader follows the governing documents.
What you can do:
Provide leadership opportunities at your meetings.
Review the various committees with your members.
Invite guest speakers to your unit meetings.
Department committee members are a good choice.
Plan a leadership course for your unit members.
READ! READ! READ! READ! READ!
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 12th Edition
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief 3rd Edition
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Parliamentary Procedure (Fast Track)
By Jim Slaughter, PRP, CPP-T,JD
Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules
By Jim Slaughter, Gout Ragsdale, and Jon Ericson
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Robert’s Rules
By Nancy Syvester, PRP, CPP-T
Available at alaforveterans.org
National Constitution and Bylaws and Standing Rules
American Legion Auxiliary Unit Guide Book
Department Operations Guide
Manual of Ceremonies
Junior Activities Handbook
Basic Parliamentary Procedure
Poppy Program Guide
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) Guide
Sign up on the members portal of alaforveterans.org for many more leadership
opportunities.
Take the ALA Academy courses online.
LEADERSHIP
2023-2024
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
UNIT AWARD:
Most outstanding Unit leadership program (narrative).
Please contact me for the official form.
All entries must be to me by May 1, 2024
Leadership Chairman
Alcyne Welton
36 Dewey Avenue
Milford,CT 06460
Phone: 203-804-4213
E-mail: [email protected]
leadership_course_request_form__1_.pdf | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
File Type: |
Leadership skills apply to all officers, not just the President. Here are a few more Leadership tips to
use during a meeting and preparing the minutes. Common mistakes: Saying, “Are there any
omissions, additions or corrections to the minutes?” Remember that an omission or addition is a
correction. Ask only for corrections to the minutes. Page 183 ALA Handbook In the minutes the
names of seconder not required. Page 181 ALA Handbook “The Secretary should place corrections
on the margin of the minutes, with a red pen.” The minutes are never re-written after they are
presented to the assembly and approved. Page 181 ALA Handbook says, “Those in favor of the
motion please say “Aye,” those opposed say “No.”’ Do not say “Those in favor ‘indicate’ or ‘signify,’
etc. ‘Aye’ should not be used as indicating opposition. ‘No’ should be used in voicing opposition. Page
179 ALA Handbook Say, “The motion is carried;” not” the ayes have it.” Say, “The motion is lost;” not,
“Those opposed have it.” Page 180 ALA Handbook - minutes should be signed by the secretary and
can also be signed, if the assembly wishes, by the president. The words RESPECTFULLY
SUBMITTED, although occasionally used, represent an older practice that is not essential in signing
the minutes. Page 471 Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th Edition
use during a meeting and preparing the minutes. Common mistakes: Saying, “Are there any
omissions, additions or corrections to the minutes?” Remember that an omission or addition is a
correction. Ask only for corrections to the minutes. Page 183 ALA Handbook In the minutes the
names of seconder not required. Page 181 ALA Handbook “The Secretary should place corrections
on the margin of the minutes, with a red pen.” The minutes are never re-written after they are
presented to the assembly and approved. Page 181 ALA Handbook says, “Those in favor of the
motion please say “Aye,” those opposed say “No.”’ Do not say “Those in favor ‘indicate’ or ‘signify,’
etc. ‘Aye’ should not be used as indicating opposition. ‘No’ should be used in voicing opposition. Page
179 ALA Handbook Say, “The motion is carried;” not” the ayes have it.” Say, “The motion is lost;” not,
“Those opposed have it.” Page 180 ALA Handbook - minutes should be signed by the secretary and
can also be signed, if the assembly wishes, by the president. The words RESPECTFULLY
SUBMITTED, although occasionally used, represent an older practice that is not essential in signing
the minutes. Page 471 Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th Edition
Leadership tips from “Let’s Be Proper”, by Helen Lee Gilbert, Past National President, American
Legion Auxiliary, Department of Connecticut.
Points for Members:
1. All members whose current membership dues are paid are members in good standing
and are entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership, including those of aspiring to and
holding office, and voting in the American Legion Auxiliary.
2. Rise and address the Chair if you want to discuss the motion under consideration or to
offer another motion.
3. Wait to be recognized by the presiding officer before beginning to talk after addressing
the Chair.
4. Say, “I move to...” or “I move that...”
5. Make a motion in an affirmative form, NEVER IN THE NEGATIVE
6. Always address your remarks to the Chair, never to another member.
7. Speak of another member by some expression other than her name, such as, “the
member on my left...,” or “the member who moved...”
8. Remain silent if you are ready to vote and the presiding officer says, “Are you ready for
the question?”
9. Assist the presiding officer promptly by giving your name. (In small groups she may
know everyone, so this may not be necessary.)
10. Use the correct terminology. To approved means to RATIFY; to accept means to
RECEIVE; to adopt is to take AFFIRMATIVE ACTION on motions
11. State facts rather than what you think or believe.
12. Understand the types of votes:
a. MAJORITY: the number greater than half the votes cast.
b. PLURALITY: issue or person receiving most votes, may be less than a majority, as in
an election with three or more candidates.
c. TWO/THIRDS VOTE: To determine a 2⁄3 vote quickly, double the negative votes cast,
and if it is equal to or less than the affirmative votes cast, a 2⁄3 vote has been attained.
13. Members should speak up while a motion is pending, not after the vote has been taken
or after the meeting is over.
14. Remain seated when motion to adjourn is offered and until the Chair declares the
meeting adjourned.
15. Committees:
a. Members of committees have no authority except that which is granted by the Bylaws or
vote of the assembly.
b. Unless otherwise provided, the member first named to a committee or the one receiving
the largest number of votes is the chairman of the committee.
c. Members of committees should not conduct business of the committee without a
quorum present. A majority of committee members constitutes a quorum unless the
assembly orders otherwise.
d. Motions and resolutions originating in committees need no seconding. They already
have been seconded by committee action.
16. SHOW LOYALTY to the elected officers, whether they are your personal choice or not.
17. Remember that all rules of parliamentary procedure are in harmony with good sense,
courtesy and fairness.
Legion Auxiliary, Department of Connecticut.
Points for Members:
1. All members whose current membership dues are paid are members in good standing
and are entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership, including those of aspiring to and
holding office, and voting in the American Legion Auxiliary.
2. Rise and address the Chair if you want to discuss the motion under consideration or to
offer another motion.
3. Wait to be recognized by the presiding officer before beginning to talk after addressing
the Chair.
4. Say, “I move to...” or “I move that...”
5. Make a motion in an affirmative form, NEVER IN THE NEGATIVE
6. Always address your remarks to the Chair, never to another member.
7. Speak of another member by some expression other than her name, such as, “the
member on my left...,” or “the member who moved...”
8. Remain silent if you are ready to vote and the presiding officer says, “Are you ready for
the question?”
9. Assist the presiding officer promptly by giving your name. (In small groups she may
know everyone, so this may not be necessary.)
10. Use the correct terminology. To approved means to RATIFY; to accept means to
RECEIVE; to adopt is to take AFFIRMATIVE ACTION on motions
11. State facts rather than what you think or believe.
12. Understand the types of votes:
a. MAJORITY: the number greater than half the votes cast.
b. PLURALITY: issue or person receiving most votes, may be less than a majority, as in
an election with three or more candidates.
c. TWO/THIRDS VOTE: To determine a 2⁄3 vote quickly, double the negative votes cast,
and if it is equal to or less than the affirmative votes cast, a 2⁄3 vote has been attained.
13. Members should speak up while a motion is pending, not after the vote has been taken
or after the meeting is over.
14. Remain seated when motion to adjourn is offered and until the Chair declares the
meeting adjourned.
15. Committees:
a. Members of committees have no authority except that which is granted by the Bylaws or
vote of the assembly.
b. Unless otherwise provided, the member first named to a committee or the one receiving
the largest number of votes is the chairman of the committee.
c. Members of committees should not conduct business of the committee without a
quorum present. A majority of committee members constitutes a quorum unless the
assembly orders otherwise.
d. Motions and resolutions originating in committees need no seconding. They already
have been seconded by committee action.
16. SHOW LOYALTY to the elected officers, whether they are your personal choice or not.
17. Remember that all rules of parliamentary procedure are in harmony with good sense,
courtesy and fairness.