Americanism Program Awards

2025-2026 National Americanism Program Awards Deadlines and Submission Requirements

All award submissions must include a narrative (either a PDF or Microsoft Word document) explaining why the department or unit you’re nominating should receive the award. The narrative can also be the department chair’s report. You may also upload other supporting documentation that will give the committee a full picture of the important mission work your department or unit has accomplished this year. These files can be photos (JPG, JPEG or TIFs -- no larger than 14MB) or PDF documents. If you have more than three supporting files, please email the committee email address listed in the form.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

Here are the national awards for this committee:

Unit Award: Dorothy Pearl Most Outstanding Unit Americanism Program (per division)

• Presented: One unit in each division
• Materials and guidelines:
  • Narrative not to exceed 1,000 words that includes specific examples of how unit delivered mission service. Narrative can also include portions from department chair’s report
  • Should include action (high-resolution) photos, scans/links to news articles, etc.
• All unit entries must be submitted via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1. Note: entries will be accepted from unit chairs.

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

Department Award: Best Department Americanism Program (per division)

• Presented to: One department in each division.
• Materials and guidelines:
  • Narrative not to exceed 1,000 words that includes program-related mission service; may include department chair’s report.
• Should include action (high-resolution) photos, scans/links to news articles, etc.
• All entries must be submitted via electronic form by 5 p.m. EST on June 1.  

Note: You will receive a confirmation when your award is submitted.

National Awards Form Link: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form

Americanism Essay Contest

Submissions are due to the division chairmen no later than April 15. The current essay question and other important information may be found on the Americanism Essay Cover sheet located at https://www.legion-aux.org/americanism-essay-contest. Please refer to your local unit and department guidelines for their submission dates for this contest.

Please note – when applicable, unit and department deadlines differ.

Questions? Contact Americanism@ALAforVeterans.org

Fine Print:

Award submissions become property of the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters. Through submission of reports and award entries, the submitter grants nonexclusive reproduction and publication rights to the materials submitted and agrees to have their names and submission published for ALA use or commercial use without additional compensation or permission.

Please fill out the information as completely and accurately as possible. Award certificates will be completed using the information given on this sheet, so please be sure to complete the electronic form in its entirety.

Please refer to the webpage for the specific criteria such as photographs, narrative length, submission deadline, and point of contact. All awards will be mailed to the department office after ALA National Convention. Department presidents may wish to recognize award recipients by presenting them with the award at a department function.