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Children and Youth
Purpose: The purpose of the Children & Youth Committee is to work collaboratively with The American Legion to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans. Standing Rules 6, Core National Standing Committees
Key Program Statements
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The Children & Youth program emphasizes protecting, caring for, and supporting children and youth, particularly those of veterans’ and military families.
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To recognize and reward the positive actions of our children and youth, the American Legion Auxiliary has two special national awards bestowed to youth nominated by units: the Youth Hero Award and the Good Deed Award.
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Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KDH2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents, whether deployed to a war zone, having a short tour or on an extended temporary duty assignment.
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The American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth program strives to support and promote the Children & Youth program of The American Legion.
Youth Hero/Good Deed Awards
Created in 2002 by the National Children & Youth Committee, these awards are presented throughout the year to recognize the heroism and leadership in community service of youths high-school age or younger. Thousands of Youth Hero and Good Deed awards have been presented to deserving youth since its inception. Nominations are made by members and their local ALA units. If you know of a deserving youth, submit a nomination.
Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2
Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KDH2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents, whether deployed to a war zone, having a short tour or on an extended temporary duty assignment. Recognition buttons or stickers with “I’m a Hero 2” can be distributed to these kids to recognize their sacrifices.
What can you do?
Host an event to recognize these military children. Be sure to include the Legion family, especially your Juniors. Have a supply of the “I’m a Hero 2” buttons or stickers ready to hand out. You might also want to have on-hand the “Proud Parent/Grandparent of a Military Child“ button.
Consider these ideas:
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Coordinate with Family Readiness Groups for button distribution during family days.
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Coordinate with Legion Family members on local community days/fairs etc.
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Have an activity day/dinner for military families at your post home.
KDH2 buttons may be ordered through a commercial vendor or made yourself. You can download a file for KDH2 with instructions here.
The American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation
The American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation was created in 1954 to provide other nonprofit organizations with the means to educate the public about the special needs of children, particularly advocating preventive solutions. The Auxiliary supports this organization monetarily and promotes its mission in partnership with The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion.
