Call your Senator NOW!


S.1639, the American Legion Charter Modernization Act.

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Call your Senator NOW!





(October 5, 2011) The American Legion is now providing its members a new
service which allows Legion members to renew their membership and pay their
dues online over the Internet. Last year, The American Legion's National
Convention adopted an amendment to its National Constitution to authorize
this new service.

Prior to this new service, all dues payments flowed to the national
organization from posts through our departments. Online renewal has raised
a concern, however, that because some dues monies now flow from the national
organization to the departments and posts, the national organization has
"control" over those departments and posts.

In order to resolve this "control" issue, The American Legion has sought
legislation to change its Corporate Charter to clarify the autonomous,
independent nature of American Legion posts and departments. Congress must
pass and the president must sign into law any amendment to The American
Legion's Corporate Charter.

Senators Jon Tester (MT) and Dean Heller (NV) recently introduced S.1639,
The American Legion Charter Modernization Act. This legislation would
clarify the autonomous, independent nature of American Legion posts and
departments by clarifying what courts have already ruled - that no
independent entity of The American Legion is legally responsible for the
actions of another and that its posts and departments are independent of the
national organization.

We've just been informed the bill has been expedited out of the Judiciary
Committee and Leader Harry Reid (NV) will be hotlining it later this
afternoon. "Hotlining," as it is called, is meant to be a fast method of
passing legislation under a unanimous consent agreement. Assuming there is
no objection made by either side, it should clear the Senate later this
evening or early tomorrow.

Please call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your
Senator's office. Ask for the staff person following this bill. Identify
yourself and tell the aide you request the Senator not object to the
unanimous consent agreement on S.1639.

Earlier this year, then-National Commander Jimmie Foster said, "It is
important to remember that online renewal is a choice, not a mandate.
Judging from the number of online renewals so far, the membership seems to
like to have that as an option to mailed renewals. More and more, people
want to conduct business online, and the Legion is working to provide that
convenience while at the same time ensuring the highest standards of
security."

Again, please call 202-224-3121 and support The American Legion and The
American Legion Charter Modernization Act.





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