The Grove, Okla., American Legion Family was struggling. Doors to the post were open only for monthly meetings and fundraiser dinners, and that was not enough to cover the monthly utilities and expenses. 
 
The post was about to close because of those financial issues. Then Grove American Legion Family leadership got together to figure out what they needed to do and how to revitalize the Family as a whole.  

Bouncing back with new ideas
Unit 178 revitalized itself and is now thriving. So, how did they do it? They changed their focus.
 
“Our secret sauce is working together as a Family,” said Susan Engstrom, ALA Unit 178 president. “The family that works together, grows together.” 
 
Here are a few of those changes: 
• Opened the post for free coffee and donuts Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to noon. 
• Unit members began calling their fellow members who hadn’t attended meetings; more members began showing up and asked what could be done for them and what they could do for the organization to be better and flourish. Members asked for suggestions and feedback. 
• Service officers for the post started helping more veterans with their benefits. This change led to increased membership for the Family as a whole. Members asked the veteran if he/she was a member of The American Legion. If the answer was no, he/she was given an elevator speech on why they should become a member. Once they become a member, their spouses, daughters, sons, and grandchildren could become potential members of the Auxiliary and Sons. If they were into motorcycling, they could be members of The American Legion Riders.
• Gave new members a welcome letter explaining what the Grove American Legion Family does for veterans, active military, youth, and the community. 
• Became active in community events — including nearby town parades and local radio stations, for example — utilizing the spotlights as a membership drive and promoting the Grove American Legion Family. 
• Partnered with organizations like Veterans Alliance that serve the veteran community and youth. Veterans Alliance is a nationwide program that helps house homeless veterans and finds jobs for veterans.

Previous success ideas were continued 
“Americanism stands at the heart of our Auxiliary programs as we teach respect for our country and our nation’s flag,” said Engstrom. “While our Auxiliary promotes many patriotic youth programs, our unit’s favorites are the Americanism Essay Contest and ALA Oklahoma Girls State.”
For 20 years, the Essay Contest has been alive and flourishing in Grove schools. 
 
And for many years, the unit has sent six or more high school juniors to the ALA Oklahoma Girls State program. The lessons they encounter while participating there are brought back and utilized in their communities. 

What you can do 
Is your ALA unit struggling with membership and community outreach?

“Work with your local post and get involved with community events,” Engstrom said. “Let them know you are there to work the mission, service before self, helping our veterans, active military, and their families, and youth.”