PUFL membership: Good for you, good for the ALA, and a win-win

Posted On: Monday, 07 February 2022

We’ve covered this topic many times, but it’s so important that we’re reviewing it again. A Paid Up For Life (PUFL) membership to the American Legion Auxiliary benefits you and our organization in many ways.
 
PUFL — or “puffle” as it’s commonly pronounced in The American Legion Family — is a membership opportunity that demonstrates your lifelong commitment to the American Legion Auxiliary, allowing us to serve veterans, military, and their families well into the future. Many of our members consider their support of the ALA mission lasting a lifetime, so it makes sense that they also make a long-term financial commitment when paying their dues. They understand that this model allows the Auxiliary to count on a certain amount of revenue, making it possible to continue the mission and related programs. Instead of projecting one-year dues revenue, the ALA can project long-range revenue that makes critical financial planning a bit easier.    
 
In addition to showing your financial commitment, there are numerous other benefits to being a PUFL member. By paying once, you don’t have to be concerned about remembering to renew your dues each year — one less payment to worry about! A rate change in dues will not affect you either, as the PUFL rate is calculated based on current dues rate — you are never charged additionally! You can feel a sense of pride by committing your dues to the ALA for a lifetime, and you’ll enjoy a lifetime subscription to Auxiliary magazine. 
 
But wait: There’s more! Consider the honor you can bestow on a fellow member or someone looking to join our organization. A PUFL membership makes a great gift any time of year. Families can get involved by purchasing memberships for multiple generations — think birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just because! Recently, a Legionnaire called ALA National Headquarters to purchase a PUFL membership for the unit president at his post in honor of all the hard work she does for our veterans. His goal is to eventually purchase PUFLs for each of the previous unit presidents as well, to thank them for their service to the post and our veterans. This member understands what Legion Family spirit is truly all about.
 
A PUFL membership is good for you and good for the organization you support. It’s a win-win! And don’t forget: Dues renewal time is here. What a perfect opportunity to become a PUFL! You can make that happen today by going to www.ALAforVeterans.org/Joining or by calling the ALA National Headquarters Membership Division at (317) 569-4570.  

Putting prominence on a Paid Up For Life membership

  • Total American Legion Auxiliary PUFLs: 16,832
  • Male spouse PUFLs: 5
  • Number of new PUFL members for 2021 membership year (Sept. 1, 2020 – 12/31/2021): 566
  • Youngest PUFL: 1½ years old
  • Number of PUFLs over 100 years old: 304

ALA Mission
Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.