A common practice in the American Legion Auxiliary is when a parent or grandparent pays the membership dues of a daughter or granddaughter. For example, a mother might sign a newborn daughter up for a Junior membership, or a grandmother might pay for her granddaughter(s) to belong to the ALA and continues to pay each membership year.

If you are someone who does this from year to year for a family member, it can be a nice tradition and even a nice gift, but do you ever share with them WHY you do it — and the importance of continuing their membership if you are no longer able to pay? Maybe they are an active participant in ALA programs and realize the value of their membership, but if not, it’s up to you to tell the stories and impact of membership in the ALA. 

Here are some tips to help make sure your family members continue their Auxiliary membership if you are unable to or no longer want to cover the cost: 

Share your why. Whether you joined to honor a family member’s military service or that of your own, it is important to share the story of how and why you became involved in the ALA. If you can speak from the heart about why you belong, it can possibly relay the importance to them and make them want to share that experience as well. 

Encourage them to get involved. If they are not currently active in the ALA, encourage them to get involved in their community. If they feel valued and involved in the ALA, they will more likely want to continue to be a member. 

Share the impact of collective membership. From our thousands of ALA members, dues add up to make a large impact on the Auxiliary’s mission outreach and advocacy efforts to serve our nation’s 16.5 million veterans. Whether or not one is able to actively participate in ALA service projects or attend meetings, our dues make our mission outreach possible and help ensure the future growth and prosperity of the ALA and its programs.

Share the benefits of membership. The American Legion Auxiliary has members from all walks of life who come together to support veterans, military, and their families. Military service is a sacrifice for the whole family — that’s why ALA members are there to ease the burden. Renewing member dues each year helps support our mission while also building friendships, gaining leadership skills, promoting patriotism, and advocating for those who have fought for our country.

Consider purchasing a PUFL membership. If you do want to continue paying a family member’s dues but don’t want to worry about being unable to pay in the future, consider purchasing a Paid Up For Life membership. 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! 

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.