Dawn Gilbert, Chairman
Hello Auxiliary members, November is around the corner, and we will be going to the polls to elect a new governor for the State of Michigan. While we are non-partisan, meaning that in our work as American Legion Auxiliary members we do not favor any candidate or party over another, we encourage our members to exercise their right to vote as citizens. That said, we received a special message in July from our current Central Division Legislative Chair, Kristen Hensley. That message reads as follows:
“We are still in a ‘stand-down’ that was requested over a month ago, a request from the American Legion Legislative Team, asking the Auxiliary not to share American Legion Legislative Agenda items on social media, including those with the official backing of National TAL containing the American Legion logos and Emblems. It was confirmed late last week that this request is still in effect.” “It is not the intention of the American Legion Auxiliary to deny anyone’s First Amendment rights; however, caution is necessary to ensure your comments and/or postings are not taken as the ‘official stance’ of the American Legion Auxiliary nor any of the other Legion Family entities. Some very heated opinions, threats and drama are unfolding around some of the agenda items, and it is important that the Auxiliary stay out of the online fray.” “We are requesting that if you choose to share your opinions, support, or commentary on your social media regarding any American Legion Legislative agenda items, please make it VERY clear that you are speaking as an individual American citizen only and not on behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary nor any organization that you may be affiliated with. With this caveat, please be mindful of the things that you are posting and commenting on, especially if your profile is tied to the ALA (such as listing your ALA position as a ‘workplace’), it is imperative to comply with the social media policies outlined in the National American Legion Auxiliary Policies, available for review on the National Website.”
Please help us stay out of the drama and follow the request we received. Work the Legislative program by subscribing to the American Legion Legislative Action system to stay informed. You can find it on the American Legion website at www.legion.org/legislative. You can also subscribe to the Weekly Legislative Update for detailed reports of current legislative activities of the Legion. Visit: www.legion.org/newsletters. Remember to keep copies of your communications and share them with your District chairman for reporting purposes.