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Registration is open for the Feb. 1 American Legion National Regional Informational Conference in Boston following a successful one in Denver. 

91Ӱ���ƽ�� held a National Regional Information Conference in Denver Nov. 16 to provide training on the organization’s principles and missions, and to create networking opportunities. The next regional training is in Boston on Feb. 1, 2025. The training is open to all Legion Family members; there are conferences for the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of 91Ӱ���ƽ��.

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The training sessions offered for Legionnaires focus on:

·         Constitution & Bylaws 

·         Legal

·         Buddy Checks

·         Post Operations

·         Running an Effective Meeting

·         Be The One

·         Resolutions

·         Mentorship

·         Membership Retention

·         MyLegion

Past Department of Utah Commander Ninzel Rasmuson attended the training in Denver as an instructor for Buddy Checks and how to conduct an effective post meeting. She enjoyed the camaraderie, discussions not often had at bigger meetings, and forging new relationships with Legion Family members.

“The benefit I saw was the camaraderie that happened by the individuals who were there who provided a positive atmosphere for everybody to learn from one another,” Rasmuson said. “I feel that those who came learned a lot and are excited about more of these types of training conferences in the future.”

“Some of the opportunities that presented themselves at the regional conference, that we don't necessarily always have when we're at a national convention where there's a lot of people, is there's an opportunity for there to be more discussion, more opportunity to talk about what are some of the current issues that are directly affecting them at the local level.”

Rasmuson looks forward to seeing the regional training grow with more Legion Family members attending.

“If 91Ӱ���ƽ��'s going to continue to grow, I think that having regional conferences will provide more opportunities for more trainers and more people to be part of something that is going to help our American Legion Family,” she said. “We do have new generations of veterans that are up and coming, and it gives an opportunity for them to learn at a local level. When you have more opportunity to do that, there's more voices that can be heard and, therefore, you start to see what other skill sets are out there that can also be part of the mission and vision of 91Ӱ���ƽ��.”

Department of Kansas First District Commander George Pogge, who attended the regional training in Denver, said the concept is to be a train-the-trainer where Legionnaires take what they learn and educate others in their post or district. The legal class, presented by National Judge Advocate Mark Seavey, is the one Pogge enjoyed the most.

“(Seavey addressed) issues pertaining to liability, insurance, incorporation, nonprofit status. The reason I enjoyed it was because of the questions asked by attendees,” Pogge said. “And the people who asked the questions were kind enough to keep the questions in the context within the class. They were very insightful.”

Pogge also enjoyed the session on Buddy Checks and how to improve the culture of a Legion post, along with the opportunity to sit and talk with other Legion Family members in attendance during breakfast and lunch. “That does add quite a bit to it,” he said.   

Additional feedback from attendees included:

“Excellent information and met some great people.  It’s like a short vacation with purpose.”

“It was a wonderful opportunity to be here and learn that actions are being taken to enhance quality leaders.”

“How to Conduct an Effective Meeting and Buddy Checks was fun and interactive.”

“Buddy Checks and MyLegion. Got the audience involved.”

“Great content and topics.”