American Legion

Dept. of NH Leadership Committee

Strong National Security-Taking Care of Veterans-Mentoring Youth-

Promoting Patriotism and Honor

 

 

The Department Leadership Committee has met several times since convention and we are undertaking an aggressive schedule for training our current and future leaders throughout the state. The first seminar was held on 22Sept. We have an improved curriculum with several dedicated facilitators and the critiques and feedback are proving we are on the right track. Several issues from the 18 attendees have arisen and we are tracking their input closely. The names of individuals offering this input is being held in confidence but results will be made available in a report to be presented to Department Executive Committee and contacts on the National level. The Committee hopes these levels of leadership take advice and potential changes as seriously as the members that are trying to make this Department better for the future of all our members.

 

Discussion includes that we must have courage to make changes in programs and our image to better serve our constituencies which include veterans, their families and our communities at large. The 3 top issues of concern thus far in order of relevance to the first group of seminar students are;

1) American Legion info to public, what we are all about, links for public access.

2) Internal education of members concerning, for example, flag etiquette and leadership. I will add communication from top levels down to the Post level blue cap members.

3) POW/MIA specific programs education to the general public.

Undue and overwhelming PDC and experienced member influence and them not allowing new members into certain levels of leadership, along with size of the DEC, are also areas of concern for certain members. We suggest vigilance to overcome this issue. 

 

One small logistical error occurred in that the answers to the Extension Courses offered to students were not included in the literature at the first seminar. This caused this   Leadership Committee Chairman some embarrassment but hopefully, the Department Commander and Department Adjutant will rectify this situation and we can hand out all literature as promised at the upcoming seminars when the students attend.

 

The next Leadership Seminar will be 27Oct in Milford. Contact me or the Department Adjutant if you wish to attend any of these important venues. The Leadership Committee will meet again following the next seminar to discuss how things are moving forward and potential improvements. We are using the very excellent updated 4-Pillars Vision as our theme to these training sessions and securing a future for this great organization is indeed a collective goal for this Leadership Committee. I thank all of my committee colleagues and the Post’s hosting these important events and certainly the members that attend. My American Legion colleagues have my respect and eternal gratitude for making me one of their most avid students.

 

Submitted For God and Country,

 

 

William J Cowie

Chairman Leadership Committee

American Legion Department of NH