Organizing a New Unit

How to Form a Unit

The American Legion Post must vote in favor of organizing an Auxiliary Unit. After the Post votes to organize the Unit, the Post Commander or Adjutant notifies the Department President or the Department Secretary. The Department Secretary will send a New Unit Kit that includes information needed to form the Unit to the Post officer. She will notify the Department Representative (District/County President or Unit Development & Revitalization Committee member) so she can work with the Post in organizing the Unit.

When the time and place of the informational and organizational meetings have been determined, a letter under the signature of the Commander and Adjutant should be mailed to all Post members, and a letter to Auxiliary members in the community who belong to the Department Headquarters Unit. Each letter should include the purpose, date, time and place of the two meetings and extend an invitation to become a charter member of the new Unit. (See appendix for sample letters). The Post is encouraged to publicize the meetings in the local media.

The Post Commander and Adjutant should attend these meetings to assist with the organization of the Unit. Other Post members are welcome to attend. The Commander and Adjutant must sign the charter application. The Adjutant, or other Post officer, needs to sign the membership applications to verify proper eligibility.

The Process

Here is the process for you to see briefly what will need to be done. You can work on step 5 after you get through step 4. Once you get your charter and step 5 is complete you can go on to step 6. If at any time you need assistance, please reach out.

Hold Informational Meeting

Collect membership applications

Hold Organizational Meeting

Complete and submit the following to Department Headquarters:

Completed and signed charter application

Completed member applications and any transfer forms

Certification of officer’s form with unit dues amount listed

Department and National Portion of dues for all new members and unpaid transfers

Charter Application fees

Once we get the charter approval back from National, we need the following:

Tax ID Number (Do not pay for this) Email secretary@alatexas.org if you need help.

Inclusion Letter with copy of IRS EIN letter

Constitution & Bylaws and Standing Rules for the Unit

Bond Fee

Certificate of Formation (old Articles of Incorporation) Papers and Fee can also be done online

Once we get the Certificate of Formation back from the State, you need to do the following:

Apply for a 501C(19) tax ID # this will give you tax exempt status

Send your tax ID # to the Department Headquarters

Once you have done this you will be official. Throughout the year keep track of the hours you are working for the different programs so that you can report them and allow your hard work to be recognized. We encourage you to attend trainings and ask questions. You will find that there are amazing members throughout the state to help you on this journey. In addition, there are a number of great resources online that can assist you as well. Make sure you bookmark the Department website which is https://alatexas.org as well as the national website https://alaforveterans.org. We also have social media accounts. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ALATXHQ. You can also find pages for most of our committees on Facebook as well.