American Legion Auxiliary - East Palo Alto Unit #472


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Glossary
Auxiliary Acronyms :: Printable Glossary

AEF	Auxiliary Emergency Fund :: Notes from the Chairman
ALA	American Legion Auxiliary
Americanism	A major program including all activities tending to perpetuate American ideals and to uphold the principles of American democracy :: Notes from the Chairman
Auxiliary Emergency Fund	A National fund which provides emergency assistance to a member of the American Legion Auxiliary :: Also see Displaced Homemaker :: Notes from the Chairman
CAF	Creative Arts Festival
California Disaster Fund	A Department fund established for the financial support of American Legion Auxiliary members facing the loss of home and related crisis during time of natural disaster. This fund is made possible only by Unit and member donations :: A component of Community Service
Cavalcade of Memories	The American Legion Auxiliary prides itself on its rich history. A Cavalcade can be found at National Headquarters in Indianapolis as a museum filled with memorabilia from past national officers and chairmen. The Department of California has started its own Cavalcade which can be found in the its headquarters in San Francisco :: Notes from the Chairman
CBOC	Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) :: For more information see Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Chaplain	A member who pronounces the invocation and benediction at Auxiliary meetings, conducts the memorial service when needed, and assists with the record keeping of deceased members. She promotes the In Loving Tribute Fund :: She utilizes the Death Notice :: Notes from the Chaplain
Child Welfare Foundation	The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. is a separate corporation established in 1954 to grant funds to nonprofit institutions, organizations, and agencies whose work focuses on children in the United States.
Children & Youth C & Y	A major program of the American Legion Auxiliary with two primary goals: (1) Care and protection of children of veterans; (2) Improve conditions for all children :: Notes from the Chairman
Community Service	A major program of the American Legion Auxiliary which embraces all activities for improvement of conditions of life in the community where the American Legion Auxiliary Unit is located :: Notes from the Chairman
Constitution & Bylaws C & B	The Constitution and Bylaws make provisions for government of the Unit, District, Department and National levels. They include the following: amount of dues, frequency of meetings, what constitutes a quorum, how vacancies in offices are filled, procedure of admittance of applicants for membership method for amending the Constitution and Bylaws, discipline of members, etc. Sets of Model District or Unit Bylaws may be ordered by using the Department Supply Order Form :: Notes from the Chairman
Death Notice	When a Unit loses a member through death, a notice is sent to the District Chaplain and then forwarded by her to the Department Chaplain. The notice assists the Chaplains in preparations for the various memorial services held at all levels :: See Chaplain
DEC	Department Executive Committee. It also refers to the annual mid-year meeting of the executive board and general membership usually held in January or the pre-convention caucus held on the first morning of convention in June.
Department	The state or country level of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Displaced Homemaker	A National fund which provides emergency assistance to a member of the American Legion Auxiliary who is suddenly single through divorce, desertion, widowhood and with no skills to support herself or her family.
District	A grouping of American Legion Auxiliary Units within a prescribed geographical area. Currently, California includes thirty (30) Districts.
Division	A grouping of Departments by geographical area. The Department of California is a part of the Western Division.
DMS	Direct Mail Solicitation
Early Bird	Units are challenged to reach a membership total equaling the previous year's total by no later than November 12.
Education	A major program whose aims include supporting the basic rights of all children to receive an appropriate education :: See Scholarships :: Notes from the Chairman
Eligibility	Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is limited to women who have direct personal connection with service in World War I and II, the Korean or Vietnam Wars, or conflicts in Grenada, Lebanon, Panama or the Persian Gulf War.
Emblem	The official logo of the American Legion Auxiliary. It is protected by a copyright held by the National organization. It may not be used without permission except on stationery items used to do Auxiliary business. To obtain permission for other uses, a letter detailing the proposed use must be sent to Department Office which will forward to National Headquarters for approval by the National Secretary :: More about emblem
Emblem Sales	The National American Legion merchandising operation. There is a catalog published annually with various items relating to the organization. Members may also access Emblem Sales Online
Fidelity Bond	An insurance for all members handling the moneys of the Unit, District, Department and National levels. It is mandatory that all levels purchase this insurance.
Field Service	Volunteer work done in community nursing homes and non-VA facitities. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Finance	Financial matters of the Unit and District are monitored by a treasurer who is fully bonded . At the Department and National levels, there are finance committees which oversee the day to day financial activities :: Notes from the Chairman
Four Chaplains	Four Chaplains Reverend Fox, Rabbi Goode, Reverend Poling and Father Washington passed life's ultimate test. In doing so, they became an enduring example of extraordinary faith, courage and selflessness. More . . .
Girls State GS	A major program of the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State is practical application of Americanism and good citizenship. The Department of California holds its session in June. The link to the left will take you to the program listing for more information :: Click here to find out about the current session :: Notes from the Chairman
GN	Girls Nation
Historian	A member whose responsibility includes the recording of the activities and accomplishments of her Unit, District, or Department. Historians provide a written history that may be enhanced with photos, citations, etc :: Notes from the Historian
Home Service	Volunteer work (sewing, knitting, cooking, shopping for materials and supplies, etc.) done in one's own home. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
In Loving Tribute Fund	This program will give Units, Districts, and individual members, their families, and friends an opportunity to contribute to our organization on occasions when they wish to share their thinking of you feelings either in joy or sorrow. Handsome cards have been printed which will be sent to the person you designate. The amount of your gift is confidential and your individual gift is tax deductible. A card will be sent to the person you indicate and a receipt will be sent to you promptly by the Department Office :: See Chaplain
Junior	Junior members are defined in the National Constitution as follows: Junior membership shall consist of that group under the age of eighteen years, whose activities shall be supervised by the Senior membership. Upon reaching the age of eighteen years, Junior members shall automatically be admitted into active membership with full privileges. See Junior Activities below.
Junior Activities	Junior members do not form a separate organization, but are members of the American Legion Auxiliary, grouped separately so they may be given a program within the scope of their years and understanding. They function under the guidance of an advisor and committee from the Senior members. They are organized as a committee of the Unit, conduct their own meetings and carry out their own activities. Their work is coordinated with the work of the Senior group and they are given part in regular Unit activities whenever possible :: Notes from the Chairman
Junior Conference	This annual activity takes place over one weekend during which Juniors from throughout the state gather to study and practice leadership skills. They campaign, nominate, and elector Junior Department Officers.
Leadership	This program focuses on providing opportunities for members to learn about and then teach about the various aspects of the American Legion Auxiliary :: Notes from the Chairman
Legislative	Like all good citizens, members of the American Legion Auxiliary are extremely interested in the passage or defeat of legislative measures which come before the National Congress and the State Legislatures. Through the State and National organizations, they are able to give expression to their opinions on these matters which will be heard by the men and women who make the laws. Many good laws have been written on the statute books because of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary support, and undesirable bills have often been defeated :: Notes from the Chairman
Member Data Form	This form is used by the Membership Chairman to transmit changes of address, name, status, etc. to the Department Office.
Membership	Membership is the foundation on which the program of the American Legion Auxiliary is built, and the success or failure of that program depends on how well that foundation is laid :: Notes from the Chairman
Music	From the singing of the National Anthem to the inclusion of Taps at a Memorial Day ceremony, music adds a dimension to all the American Legion Auxiliary functions. Although not a major program, music is encouraged and the Department of California has a Music Chairman :: Notes from the Chairman
National	The highest level of the American Legion Auxiliary is National . Its offices are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
National News	The bimonthly magazine published by National Headquarters and sent to all Senior members.
National Security	A national defense strong enough to guarantee the security of America from any aggressor has always been a concern of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary :: Notes from the Chairman
NEC	National Executive Committeewoman
NVCAF	National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
NVP	National Vice President
Parliamentarian	The appointed officer whose responsibilities include assisting the Chair with the transaction of business. She advises when requested by the President and gives interpretations only. She is seen and not heard :: Notes from the Parliamentarian
Past Presidents Parley	The Past Presidents' Parley objective: The care of the disabled ex-service woman. It promotes the Auxiliary Unit Member of the Year. The Department of California offers a Nursing Scholarship through the Parley. This support is intended for a man or woman who is educationally working toward becoming a nurse :: Notes from the Chairman
PDP	Past Department President
Plans of Work	Each new Auxiliary Year, the National officers and chairmen set goals and initiate Plans of Work. These documents identify the program chairmen, the scope of the program, resources, awards, and the year-end report. Individual plans are available through the program pages on this site, by ordering the complete plan, or by going to the National Web site.
Poppy	In 1921, the American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as the organization's memorial flower and pledged its use to benefit our servicemen and their families. Today, the poppy continues to provide a financial and therapeutic benefit to those hospitalized and disabled veterans who construct them, as well as benefiting thousands of other veterans and their families :: Notes from the Chairman
PNP	Past National President
PPM	Poppy Production Manager - Women who organize and manage the making of poppies in various locations throughout the state. They work with veterans who make the poppies the member offer during Poppy Days in May.
PPP	Past Presidents Parley
PR	Public Relations
Preamble	These words, recited before each American Legion Auxiliary meeting by the members present, represent the essence of the organization.
Protocol	The American Legion Auxiliary is rich with ceremonies and protocols.
Public Relations	The best approach to letting the community know about the work accomplished by the American Legion Auxiliary is through public relations which includes newspapers, radio, television, the internet, magazines and word of mouth :: Notes from the Chairman
Resolutions	There are two types of resolutions used by the American Legion Auxiliary: Courtesy and business. Courtesy resolutions are used to thank those who contribute to a meeting or function. Business resolutions are made up of two parts: the preamble, which states the issue; and the resolve, which presents the solution :: Notes from the Chairman
SAL	Sons of The American Legion
Scholarships	The Department of California and the National organization offer various scholarships for children of veterans and/or veterans. In many cases, local Units also provide scholarship opportunities for students in their communities :: See Education
Sergeant-at-Arms/Marshal	This team of two members presents the colors (flags/banners), escorts distinguished guests, monitors the entrance to the meeting room, and assists the presiding officer with details of the meeting.
SOY	Spirit of Youth
Spirit of Youth	This foundation was established by the American Legion Auxiliary as a nonprofit perpetual trust. Tax deductible contributions from individuals, organizations, and estates are the basis of this permanent endowment fund for youth. The trust is expended for programs that benefit the youth of our nation and to enrich those programs that already exist. Two such programs are the Americanism Youth Conference conducted each spring for the Auxiliary by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge , Pennsylvania and the four-year Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior members :: See Americanism
TAL	The American Legion
Temporary Financial Assistance TFA-C&Y TFA-VA&R	There are two types of temporary financial assistance in the Department of California: Children & Youth TFA and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation TFA. The C&Y TFA is intended for children of veterans and is available to families facing extreme circumstances due to the loss of employment or illness. The assistance is given to help maintain adequate food and housing for children. This program is administered through the Children and Youth program :: Go to form The VA&R TFA is intended for veterans facing financial difficulties due to poor health and/or loss of employment. This help is arranged by wither the local Unit or the Hospital Representative
TFA	Temporary Financial Assistance
Transmittal	This form is used for transmitting membership information from the Unit to the Department Office.
TS2	Troop Support Services
UD&R	Unit Development and Revitalization
Unit	The basic organization of the American Legion Auxiliary is the local Unit. Units carry into action the Department and National programs. The primary purpose of an Auxiliary Unit is to aid The American Legion Post to which it is attached in accomplishing The American Legion projects in the community.
Unit Data Form	This form is used by the Department and National levels to record the amount of dues for each Unit. It also indicates to what address members will send their dues in the coming year. If the address changes during the year, the Unit must file the change with the Department Office . Since this information is used on the renewal notices, Units should make changes at least one month prior to each renewal notice mailing (July, November, January). The original form is due to the Department Office before the last week in February. It is usually mailed to the Units in December.
Unit Development and Revitalization	The primary concern is to revitalize Units that are having difficulties retaining membership or remaining active in the community. The team works with The American Legion Posts that are interested in establishing an Auxiliary Unit.
Unit Handbook	The Unit Handbook is a publication of the National American Legion Auxiliary. The handbook is a comprehensive source of information on the American Legion Auxiliary and its programs; Unit operations and procedures; membership eligibility; and prescribed ceremonies :: Emblem Sales
Unit Mailing	Once each month (August-June) a mailing is sent bulk rate to each Unit in the Department of California. In the mailing are bulletins from the Department Officers and Chairmen, forms from Department Office, and other timely information. The person who receives the Unit mailing is to make sure that the members of the Unit receive the information in a timely manner so that the work of the American Legion Auxiliary can be carried out. The Unit Mailing usually is sent from the Department Office on the second Thursday of each month and should arrive at the Units by the last week of each month. The Unit must inform the Department Office if a packet is not received so that a duplicate can be mailed.
VA&R	Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
VAVS	Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services
Veteran	A veteran is a man or woman who has served in the Armed Forces. The American Legion is made up of those who served during World Wars I and II, the Korean or Vietnam War, or conflicts in Grenada, Lebanon, Panama or the Persian Gulf War. Currently, membership eligibility is open.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation	Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation means the complete restoration of the veteran and his or her family to normal function and adjustment - physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally - for the fullest possible life. The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation work of the American Legion Auxiliary includes bringing physical comfort and mental cheer to veterans in hospitals, aiding the disabled and handicapped to earn money for the support of themselves and their families, and helping them to reestablish themselves in life after their disabilities have been arrested and cured :: Notes from the Chairman
WAVE Clinic	Wellness and Vocational Enrichment Clinic in San Diego area. This is also one of the Poppy Production locations.