Step up for the Children

By Roxanne Jones
Chair, Children & Youth Commission 

Since the 1920’s, The American Legion has been actively involved with children’s issues, and often the driving force on behalf of children on the federal, state and local levels.

In 1938, April was formally designated Child Welfare Month, later Children and Youth Month, and during this special time we urge all to show the American Legion Family is dedicated to America’s youth.

There are three primary areas of concern: Child Health, Child Safety, and Family Support.

Health and welfare of all children is a prime concern of The American Legion. More so, it is incumbent on us to make sure the needs of the children of veterans are being met.

Veterans harken to the call of the battlefield to “leave no man behind” so should we when it comes to his children.

And when a veteran has become a victim of hard times or health issues, the same should be said for the welfare of his family.

Children of today are facing even more dire circumstances than ever before.

Families are more mobile and scattered all over the U.S. compared to 75 or even 50 years ago.  Homelessness is huge in the larger communities and that population isn’t just men anymore – women and children of all ages are a big part of it.

Many children haven’t been to school for a year or maybe longer. Sounds like the 1930’s Depression Era, but it’s happening right now in 2020.

The whole purpose of this pillar of the American Legion is to assist the children of veterans so this doesn’t happen. There are valuable resources such as The Child Welfare Foundation and Temporary Financial Assistance which stand by to help with immediate needs and many local resources within the posts and communities that can be called upon to give a helping hand as needed.

Working the program is more than just sponsoring a boy for Boys State and hosting Christmas and Easter parties.  It’s not a one and done deal. It should be ongoing throughout the year. These are the citizens of tomorrow who will remember the people who stepped up and were there for them when life was a little unkind. It’s not a one-person job – it’s the membership making contributions of time, talent and treasure. Mentorship is a big part of making a success of the children and youth programs.

It is highly encouraged that you talk with schools about flags and presentations at assemblies of certificates or medals for special recognition, kids participating in simple essay contests with special themes, kids making cards for holidays or special veteran events, etc.

Once a year invite all the kids and their families to a BBQ recognition event at your post, or even include all the other programs so the families can see what it is The American Legion does.

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus (COVID19) has just hit us big time and we will assuredly be seeing its effects possibly into 2021.

I have heard of many posts and Legion activities already shutting down/canceling, but if a veteran is in need, let us be ready to answer the call. Phone lines and computers are still working.    

I’m proud to say I’m a Life Member in The American Legion Department of California and I talk about the Legion and the programs wherever I go. I wear my cap which gives credence to what I talk about.

It has also been a privilege and beneficial to attend the September call-in for Children and Youth to see and talk with presenters of programs supported by The American Legion nationwide.