Children and Youth
Committee Charmain Unit #: 255
Purpose
The purpose of the Children & Youth Committee is to work collaboratively with The American Legion to promote programs that protect, care for, and support children and youth, especially those of our military and veterans. Standing Rules 6, Core National Standing Committees
Mission and Focus
• Support Veterans’ Families: The program’s core mission is to support the children of veterans and military personnel, both those at home and overseas.
• Holistic Child Development: It strives to meet the complete needs of a child, including their physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational aspects.
• Protecting Vulnerable Youth: The program actively works to protect children from harm, with priorities including child pornography and other forms of exploitation
Key Programs & Initiatives
• Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KDH2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents, whether deployed to a war zone, having a short tour or on an extended temporary duty assignment.
• Girls Nation: This program provides a hands-on experience in government and civics for young women, promoting patriotism and leadership.
• Youth-Hero and Good Deed Awards: These awards recognizes youth who demonstrate leadership through community service projects.
• Month of the Military Child: The Auxiliary promotes and participates in activities for the Month of the Military Child (April 15), encouraging support and recognition for military children.
• Scholarships: The Auxiliary offers scholarships like the Spirit of Youth Scholarship for its members and the Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship for descendants of veterans, supporting academic pursuits.
• Partnerships: The Auxiliary collaborates with various agencies and organizations to provide support and resources for children and youth
Need ideas
- Back to School Supplies
- Christmas Tree Angel (adopt kids or family)
- Movie Night
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Promote patriotic initiatives like “Star Spangled Kid”
- Celebrate Constitution Day
- Contact your local city or town council to request that April be proclaimed Month of the Military Child