Section 1 a “Blueprint” for the 21st Century Purpose
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First Post MeetingNow we come to that very important first Post meeting. You know that every member present is going to be judging you in comparison with previous Commanders. At the first meeting, the pattern and the tone are probably going to be set for the entire year. If changes are going to be made, this is the time to start them. The new broom is expected to stir up a little dust. Fortunately, you can lean on the experience of thousands of Commanders of the past. The basic framework for any Post meeting is all spelled out in the Manual of Ceremonies. By following the prescribed ritual and order of business, even a person who has never before presided over a meeting can do an adequate job. As a new Commander, you might feel a little self-conscious about running a formal meeting, particularly in a Post that has gotten away from the Manual of Ceremonies. But you shouldn’t. The American Legion is an impressive organization, and its meetings should be suitably formal and impressive. No time is saved by omitting parts of the ritual. Meetings, of course, can and should vary. There can, and should, be an outside speaker on appropriate occasion. But by following the prescribed ritual and order of business, you should be able to complete your agenda in no more than one hour. Agenda “Agenda” is the magic word. While the Manual of Ceremonies provides the framework or the skeleton for a meeting, the Commander’s agenda is what puts meat on the bones. Item “c” under “Order of Business” in the Manual of Ceremonies reads simply: “Committee Reports.” Your personal agenda for the first and each succeeding meeting should list the exact committee scheduled to report. But before a chairperson’s name goes on the agenda, the Commander—at least the foresighted Commander—is going to contact each chair and make sure that person is ready to report. This contact gives you an easy way to check on whether the chair is doing the job. If not, a little encouragement, a few suggestions, or perhaps even some prodding might be in order. ProtocolAlthough “protocol” is a term used primarily in setting the rules of etiquette, which govern diplomatic functions, there is a certain amount of protocol, which applies to American Legion meetings and social functions, especially those to which dignitaries have been invited. Protocol for those events is the responsibility of the Post Commander who should be aware of certain guidelines, which begin, with the planning of the event. If the Department Commander is to be invited, this matter should be cleared promptly with Department headquarters. In preliminary planning, it is advisable to have an alternate date in the event the Department Commander is already committed for the original date. Accompany the invitation with some basic facts about the engagement: Time, place, whether or not it is a dinner occasion, significance of the event, etc. Will it be a joint Legion-Auxiliary function? Will there be non-Legionnaire dignitaries present? Remember, this is your “home” and those you’ve invited deserve all the courtesies and considerations to be accorded such distinguished guests. If the event is a dinner, those who will be seated at the head table should have been notified of this fact before they arrive. They should be escorted to their places to avoid confusion. The main speaker is seated just to the right of the podium. Place cards identifying those at the head table should be used. Introductions begin after the meal. The presiding officer stands at the center of the head table and makes the introductions, beginning at the extreme left, continuing to the center of the table, and then starting at the extreme right and continuing to the center. The main speaker, the guest of honor, is the last person introduced. American Legion officers are introduced in the order by which they were installed into office: Sergeant-at-Arms, Service Officer, Historian, Judge Advocate, Chaplain, Treasurer (Finance Officer), Adjutant, Vice Commanders, and Commander. As with all rules, there are some exceptions. If it is a function of both The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, the Auxiliary officers, dignitaries, etc., are introduced first. A National Executive Committeeman or Alternate NECman should be introduced immediately before the Department Commander.
Welcome CommitteeThe first meeting is also a good time to start a welcoming committee—in case there has not been one in the past. Two or three members should be asked to take on the job of welcoming new members, guests, or even older members who are not well acquainted, making them feel at home, and introducing them. The sergeant-at-arms can often help on this assignment. An active welcoming committee is a part of the Post’s public relations job. The American Legion Extension InstituteThe EXTENSION INSTITUTE is back! It was developed to provide every member of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion an opportunity to learn and discover the rich history, programs, policies, developments, positions and future goals of our organization. This concise and comprehensive set of books returns to the original format of the Extension Institute, which was a course of study with chapter review tests and final examination upon the completion of the materials. It consists of a set of four reference/study books, with the fifth book being an introduction to the course, including a list of national officers and the national headquarters staff. The primary purpose of this handy reference set, adapted for daily use, is an educated, informed and knowledgeable membership. Men and women who are “in the know” have the understanding that keeps our organization strong and growing. An educated and informed member spells success. If you are interested in knowing more about The American Legion, order your Extension Institute today. You can order a single set for your own use, or you can order multiple sets at reduced costs to use for study groups, giveaways, fund-raisers, membership incentives, etc. Contact your Post adjutant for special order forms. |