Guest blog post by 2023-2024 ALA National President Lisa Williamson 
 
The end of the year is a time to celebrate, and do we have some celebrating to do!
 
In mid-December, the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters Membership Division announced that our 2023 total membership officially exceeded the 2022 year-end membership. In case you didn’t know, this is the first time the ALA has seen membership grow since 2002. Twenty-plus years is a long time, but it is here…and we’ll take it! 
 
This is exciting news for all of our members going into 2024!
 
This means what we’re doing is working. Keep recruiting and retaining members. It’s no secret that more members equals more mission work that can be done for our veterans, military, and their families.
 
Let’s keep our foot off the pedal, and let’s make it our collective goal to make the 2024 total membership exceed 2023’s!  I know we can do it — together!
 
It has been an honor serving as national president as we near the halfway mark of this ALA administrative year. I’ve been traveling around the country and meeting so many of our grassroots members who are working the mission day in and day out. You are all so inspiring! I can’t wait to meet more ALA members in 2024.
 
I want to give you all extra appreciation for your efforts focusing on veteran suicide awareness. Please, continue to ASK veterans in your life how they are doing, LISTEN when a veteran needs to talk, and REACHout when a veteran is struggling. Together, we can Be the One to save one. Keep sharing with our veterans that they can call 988 and press 1 for mental health assistance. Counselors are available 24/7. The end of the year, beginning of a new one, and dark nights of winter can be difficult for people struggling with their mental health. Please continue to keep an eye on those around you. 
 
As we soon start a new ALA membership year, keep in mind why you are a member. What does your membership mean to you? Who are you honoring with your continued membership renewal? A loved one? Your own military service? Whichever the case may be, you matter as a member. Use that as your motivation to continue a Service Not Self mindset. 
 
New ideas can often come with a new year. Don’t be afraid to try something different! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work — but you won’t know if you don’t at least try. 
 
I hope you all have a Happy New Year! I look forward to serving our important mission with you in 2024. #MissionDriven