There’s a right way and a wrong way 
 
The American Legion Auxiliary has several great initiatives that focus on our country’s youth — Give 10 to Education, Veterans in Community Schools, and ALA Girls State — to name a few.
 
It’s important to contact schools in the correct way. For example, you won’t be able to get your foot in the door if you just show up at the school with brochures. We suggest first emailing the general address listed for each school on your local school district’s website. After contacting your local school, you should ask if you can be put in touch with teachers, counselors, etc., and what the process is. The school office will tell you what to do next. Follow these tips to explain and offer ALA programs to schools in the right way: 
 
Give 10 to Education
The American Legion Auxiliary’s Give 10 to Education program collects donations of school supplies in multiples of 10 — think 10 pencils, 10 notebooks, 10 glue sticks, 10 rulers, etc.
Here are a few ways to learn which supplies to collect:
• School supply needs differ according to school and grade. Check with local schools to see what they can use. 
• Enlist the help of your fellow ALA members who are teachers.
• Reach out to your school contacts you use for ALA Girls State recruitment.
• Visit school websites for supply lists.
• Access the Give 10 to Education Suggested Donation Items and Tracking Sheet, available for download on the national ALA Education Committee webpage at www.ALAforVeterans.org. 
 
Veterans in Community Schools
Make connections with teachers who would be interested in a Veterans in Community Schools presentation. You’ll want to get on their schedule early so both you and the teacher can prepare. Download How to Organize a Veterans in Community Schools Activity from the Education Committee page in the MyAuxiliary member portal. 
• Propose an activity plan.
• Identify veterans for speaking roles.
• Prepare the veteran(s) and audience. 
• Implement the activity plan.
• Follow up with veterans(s) and school(s). 
 
ALA Girls State
Approach all schools and any applicable organizations in your area about the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. This includes students who are homeschooled, charter schools, magnet schools, military schools, parochial schools, etc. — not just public schools. When approaching schools, be sure to: 
• Be familiar with your ALA Girls State program, including dates, application process, and the unit chair’s contact information.
• Encourage the student(s) sponsored last year to promote the program in their government class and to friends (if applicable). 
• Contact guidance counselors (as they are usually the ones to handle scholarship opportunities) no later than four months prior to the deadline for submitting delegate and alternate applications. 
• When speaking on the phone, give a brief overview of the program, and ask to meet in person, virtually, or mail them additional information.
• If funding is available from your unit, contact the school(s) to run an ad for ALA Girls State in the school paper or newsletter. 
• Follow any processes already in place by your department.