The American Legion National College enhances knowledge and appreciation of The American Legion as well as the core values and contributions of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Sons of The American Legion and many of their subordinate programs. The National College prepares young Legionnaires to hold leadership positions in posts, districts, counties, areas and departments through education, development, and motivation. The curriculum challenges our student leaders to think critically and creatively about issues confronting The American Legion in the 21st Century.
Legion College Course Structure
The curriculum is focused on self-taught small group sessions under the supervision of graduate facilitators, staff members, contracted professional speakers and national officers. The students review The American Legion's core values, develop new ideas and think of the future. Major emphasis is placed on programs, management techniques and leadership skills necessary to increase visibility of programs, growth in membership, and public awareness of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion.
Leadership and Communication
National leaders launch the week of training with sessions and lectures focusing on mentoring, recognizing and building leadership traits and putting good leadership practices to use. These skills and techniques are practiced and reinforced throughout the week in small group environment and in student-led meetings and presentations. Small group workshops provide students basic leadership training in a volunteer environment. Core subject matters covered: mentoring, leadership styles and opportunities, time management, conflict resolution and legal issues.
Throughout the week, the students are exposed to the basics of developing communication strategies to promote the programs of The American Legion with a combination of small group workshops and hands-on exercises. Core subject matters covered: public outreach, media relations, "Reconnect" with active duty and reserve military, schools, and community relations.
Salesmanship and Marketing
Skills developed through this intense week make the student more valuable to their posts and departments. Further, the student's employer also directly benefits from the increased effectiveness and productivity of the student/employee. Core subject matters covered: Community networking strategies; public relations techniques; marketing and salesmanship programs; image building techniques.
Contact Information
For more information contact Matt Herndon, Course Developer, The American Legion National College. Phone (317) 630-1265 or go to www.legion.org then click on Membership/Benefits; then to Legion College.
