The 2024 Media & Communications Contest welcomes entries from all Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion members, Auxiliary members, and Legion Riders.
This annual competition acknowledges the media efforts undertaken by American Legion Family members at the post, district, and department levels to advance the organization’s goals. The deadline for submissions is April 15.
To get started, visit legion.org/media/contest.
Contest Entry Guidelines and Period
A fee of $5 is applicable for each entry submission, and all submissions must be from content published within the calendar year of 2023.
The contest entry period is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Electronic submissions must be made no later than April 15 of the following year. All entries must be the original work of the entrant(s). Violations of copyright rules, plagiarism, or other ethical breaches could result in the entrant’s disqualification from the contest.
Contest Categories
This contest includes seven categories for submissions: Publications, Editorial/News Writing, Editorial/Informational Writing, Websites, Visual Media, Social Media Campaigns, and Public Relations/Community Outreach. The basis of judging for the categories is outlined in the rules.
Publications
This category includes both written and auditory publications, judged on relevance to American Legion Family content, make-up, design, clear and balanced writing or speaking, appearance, and use of photos and illustrations. Entrants can submit URLs or PDFs of their print publications or podcasts, with up to three examples per entry.
Editorial / News Writing
Judged on headline, research, clear and accurate writing, grasp of subject, and timely and appropriate objectives suitable to the American Legion Family. Only one news story per entry is permitted.
Websites
Judged based on site design, links, and appropriateness of information as it relates to the American Legion Family. Entrants must submit the electronic address (URL) for their website. Multiple URLs require separate entries.
Visual Media
Evaluated based on clarity, originality, perspective, purpose, quality, connection to the American Legion Family, and interest. Entrants can submit up to three photos or videos published on the same subject or event.
Editorial / Informational Writing
Judged on headline, clear and accurate writing, grasp of subject, research, and how well it explains the subject matter while relating to the American Legion Family. Only one editorial per entry is allowed.
Social Media Campaigns
Evaluated on relevance to the American Legion Family, presentation, readability, content, engagement, goals, purposes, and outcomes. Submissions must include the URL for the social media site, along with a description of the campaign, its goals, and how success was measured. Separate entries are required for multiple campaigns.
Public Relations / Community Outreach
Judged on how the entrant placed an American Legion Family event into external media. Entries should demonstrate coverage provided by outside media and explain in no more than 2,000 characters how the external outreach benefited The American Legion affiliated event, program, etc.
Awards
The Innovation Award and Chairman’s Award will persist as part of the Media & Communications Contest, with winners receiving a plaque and a $50 Emblem Sales credit. The Innovation Award recognizes media innovation, while the Chairman’s Award serves as the “Best in Show.” Nominees do not submit entries specifically for these awards; instead, judges will select the winners.
Recognition and Notification
The winners in each category will be selected by members of the Media & Communications Commission and the Media & Communications National Headquarters staff. The chosen entries will then be presented to the Media & Communications Commission for approval during the Spring Meetings in May.
The winners in each category, along with the recipients of the Chairman’s Award and Innovation Award, will be notified via email by June 1.
Refer to the 2023 contest winners for insights into the competition.
Contact Information for Inquiries
For inquiries, please email dispatch@legion.org.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
