The recent training The American Legion Media Alliance (TALMA) has produced, makes their $15 annual dues a good investment.
If you are not familiar with TALMA, it is the replacement for the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA). I have paid my dues to NALPA for many years and was never sure it was worthwhile. In my opinion, they did not do much that benefitted my post. When TALMA appeared, I was not sure the $15 annual dues would be worthwhile. The two notable training events I recently took part in made me glad that I joined TALMA.
The first training I missed and had to watch it on the TALMA private Facebook page. This training was titled Working With Local Media. Training fit for all post leaders, especially Legion Family members involved in public relations. It was held online on June 24, 2020. The training was conducted by Henry Howard, Deputy Director of Media and Communications at The American Legion, Josh Marshall, Department of Indiana Communications Director, and Mark Sutton, Department of Michigan Public Relations Director. I liked their real-world down to earth discussion about how to work effectively with local media outlets and the importance of developing relationships with media staff. I took notes on the significance of using press releases to share with your community what your post is planning, what they are doing, and what has been done. Each of these perspectives gives additional exposure to your post. Good stuff!
The second training, Facebook – Social Media Practices, was held on July 29 by Henry Howard, Mark Sutton, and Holly Lewis. If your post has a Facebook page or Facebook group, your Legion Family member helping maintain your Facebook account will like this training. I watched this training last night. They held an excellent discussion about effectively using Facebook. Holly’s comments about using Facebook pages versus Facebook Groups was another topic I took notes on. After watching this training last night, I took the time to watch the first training Working With Local Media. It was well worth the time.
Members of TALMA, their membership year runs September 1 to August 31, and dues are only $15 per year. TALMA members can become members of their private Facebook group to view these training videos. I recommend you spend the $15 to join TALMA, but I also suggest you ask all your Legion Family friends to join TALMA.
Members receive exclusive benefits, including:
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- A press credential with lanyard.
- Free entry into the annual contest.
- Resources for promoting Legion programs, post activities, and more.
- Training by subject matter experts.
- Subscription to a regular e-newsletter.
To sign up, please visit www.legion.org/talma/join.
Author: Web Team
Rick is a veteran of the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War era. He serves as a Technical Advisor to the Media and Communications Commission. He is a member of the Department Web Team. Rick received the Otto Hasse Legionnaire of the Year Award in 2016, Department of California Award for work on the department website in 2019, and in 2023 Rick received The American Legion Medal of Merit from the Department of California.