Recruiting Tips
- Always be ready with a 2-3 minute ‘elevator pitch’ on the importance and benefits of Legion membership.
- Former American Legion Membership & Post Activities Committee Chairman Randy Goodman of Georgia shares his best practices for membership recruitment and retention. View Q&A
- Download the Legion app. You’ll be ready to sign up members on the spot.
- If your department has invested in door hangers, get some and modify with your post information. You’re now ready to reach out to potential members even if you’re not face-to-face.
- Keep a few membership applications handy.
- Have a supply of ‘Why You Should Belong’, ‘Troop Support’ pamphlets, and ‘This Is The American Legion’ for informational/recruitment events.
- Work your post’s Expired Members listings that can be found under the Find Members in my Area section on www.mylegion.org.
- Build and maintain a relationship with military installations. Refer to the publication Access Granted for details on how.
- Build and maintain a relationship with the person in charge of veteran admissions and/or veteran student organizations that may be on college campuses.
- Network with first responders, civic and community organizations, as well as other veteran service organizations to expand your pool of potential members.
- Ensure that your post is building its brand
- Send a localized version of the post’s CPR to the media outlets in your area, and that this same information is published in the post’s newsletter
- Make sure your post is actively participating in at least one program, and that it is done WELL
- Make sure your post is an asset to the community; inform them of your post’s programs, participation in parades, service activities, etc.
- Be seen in your Legion apparel
- Don’t narrow your focus to veterans in only one or two war eras. Any veteran may be eligible, but you won’t know if you don’t ask!
- Don’t let all of your hard work go to waste - RETAIN THE MEMBERS YOU HAVE