AMERICANISM

• Be the go-to organization in your community for flag promotion and protection.
• Promote community awareness of yellow ribbon reintegration programs (reintegrating troops back to the community), deployment of troop and welcome-home ceremonies. Contact your local Family Readiness Group support person for details. Information is available at www.armyfrg.org . More information on yellow ribbon reintegration program is available in the National Security Plan of Action.
• Be active in observing patriotic holidays. Encourage flying the flag everyday but especially on patriotic holidays. Hold community-wide special events significant to the individual holiday.
• Be knowledgeable on the flag history, etiquette and proper disposal.
• Participate in the Pocket Flag project by providing flags for deployed troops.
• Participate in the Get Out The Vote and Kids Voting USA campaigns. Follow the guidelines here: www.legion.org/vote and www.kidsvotingusa.org . 
• Support the amendment to protect the United States flag from desecration (H.J. Res 8). The amendment, which reads, The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States, currently is assigned to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

• Encourage participation in the Americanism Essay Contest by increasing awareness through stronger networking in schools, youth groups ( i.e., 4-H, YMCA, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, FFA/FHA), and home school associations. The Americanism Essay Contest encourages participants to learn about the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today. This years theme will be How Can I Show My Patriotism in My Community?

• Support The American Legion Baseball- sponsor a team, help with statistics, man the concession booth, hold a fundraiser, drive the team to games. Contact your local American legion chairman to see what their needs are.
• Oratorical Contest- a speaking contest to help students develop a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Support your local chairman by offering to locate interested students, be an escort or timekeeper or even a judge.
• Junior Shooting Sports- promotes gun safety and marksmanship training for youth. Offer your local chairman help with scoring, supervision or transportation.

1. Americanism Essay Contest: One award in each of five classes with be presented in the department. Winners will receive $50. All Unit entries must be postmarked by April 2, 2012, and sent to the Department Chairman. Winners on the Department level will be sent to National for judging and will be eligible for another $50.00 award.
2. Department Awards: A certificate will be presented to the Unit Chairman with the Most Outstanding Overall Americanism Program. The entry must be typewritten in the narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words. Do not include pictures, clippings, scrapbooks, folders, etc. All entries must be postmarked by April 1,2 012, and sent by the Department Chairman.
3. Dorothy Pearl Plaque: A plaque will be presented to the Unit that reports the Most Outstanding Americanism Program targeted to children and youth. The entry must be typewritten in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words. The entry may include no more than five pictures and news articles. All entries must be postmarked by April1, 2012, and sent to Department Chairman Barbe Wolkoff.
4. Junior Americanism Award: A plaque will be presented to a Junior group that reports the Most Outstanding Americanism Program. The entry must be typewritten in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words. A maximum of five pictures and news articles may be included. All entries must be postmarked by April 1, 2012, and sent to Chairman Barbe Wolkoff.