Tag Archives: The Legion Dispatch

Remembrance recap – A success for Veterans and Branches

An update from Dominion Command.


Legion Dispatch. Your source for branch updates and information. Visit branch services.
Novembre 2024
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition
November 2024
Closeup of a someone pinning a poppy onto a jacket lapel.
Thank you to all Branches and supporting organizations!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all Legion Branches for making another successful Poppy Campaign happen. Your efforts in distributing millions of Poppies to Canadians, collecting donations to support Canada’s Veterans, and organizing Remembrance ceremonies nationwide and abroad play a crucial role in ensuring that Canada never forgets. We would also like to thank the businesses and organizations that supported the Poppy Campaign. Your commitment and support truly make a significant impact in the lives of Canada’s Veterans and their families.
Two poppies, and two wristbands laid on the tomb of the unknown soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Recapping the Remembrance period
So much happens during the Remembrance period — our busiest time of the year. When you have a moment, take a look at these articles sharing just some of what’s been happening:
A global map, with poppies representing the locations of Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Viewership of Branch Remembrance Day ceremonies on Legion.ca continues to grow
A sincere thank you to Branches that added their Remembrance Day Ceremony to the Legion.ca Ceremony Locator. We had 861 ceremonies listed in communities large and small across Canada, the US and Europe, showing just how strong the Legion’s reach is in promoting the Act of Remembrance to Canadians.
We look forward to seeing the field of Poppies blossoming on the Locator map across Canada again next year, pointing Canadians to their local ceremonies.
Four icons, representing benefits that individuals receive when become members.
Remind your members to renew
48,000 members have already renewed their Legion memberships for 2025. Here are some ways you can encourage your Branch members to renew:
  • Place this downloadable Renewal poster in a prominent space in your Branch, or order a free 17×22 inch poster through Legion Supply (item #800393)
  • Reach out by email with this suggested renewal reminder message
  • Update member profiles with emails using this template so members are notified automatically when it’s time to renew
  • Download this auto-renewal poster or order a free 17×22 inch poster through Legion Supply (item #800412) to encourage your members to sign up
A collection of flags framing the Legion Crest.
Updated manual
The Legion’s Ritual, Awards and Protocol Manual has been updated. Please see the recent amendments and update your copy.
Ritual, Awards and Protocol Manual:
Amendments  ‣
Updated manual  ‣
Juno Beach Centre
Juno Beach Centre launches capital campaign
In early October 2022, Veterans Affairs Canada, Canadian and French governments, and local authorities secured an agreement to protect the Juno Beach Centre from a proposed condominium development. The Royal Canadian Legion offered vital support during this difficult time, standing in support of the Centre and spreading the call to action among its membership. To support the next phases of growth and development of this commemorative site, the Juno Beach Centre is launching a capital campaign.
The main priority for the newly acquired land is Project Concordia. The initiative will:
  • Help the Juno Beach Centre take better advantage of its changed surroundings and enhance accessibility for convenience and safety;
  • Preserve the natural landscape of the local section of Juno Beach by restoring the surrounding dune lands
  • Enhance the memorial park surrounding the Centre as a space for reflection and learning; to pass the torch of memory to future generations.
Learn how your branch can help   ‣
Two Legion members seated at a table having a discussion over forms and a pen.
Branch Membership Administration
Resources and tips to support your Membership Chair

+ Membership auto renewals will be processed in November
The auto-renewal billing process for the 2025 membership year will run this month. Members were notified in advance via email during the month of October.
Did you know:
  • Auto-renew improves member retention rates while removing all Branch processing associated with member renewals
  • Members can sign up for auto renew
    • Via their online membership profile
    • When they renew online
    • By calling Dominion membership at 1 855 330 3344
Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with icon notifications overlaid depicting the number of likes, mentions, direct messages, contacts and emails.
Get access to Marketing and PR resources
Promote membership with free Branch resources
Order FREE recruitment and retention resources through the Legion Supply Department to help promote membership at your Branch. Check out our flyer
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PR Tip of the Month:
Gather Branch statistics
Keep track of what your Branch does, and how many volunteers you have. These are great stats to include in communications, media opportunities and in promotions. To collect them, check out a sample survey based on a successful one from Legion Ontario Command. Check it out — you can find it on the member portal.
Have questions or need advice? Contact your Command Public Relations Officer or Nujma Bond, Dominion Command Communications at nbond@legion.ca
Calendar
Your Legion calendar
Did you know December 5 is International Volunteer Day? Why not take this opportunity to thank your members for their dedication and support to Canada’s Veterans and the Legion? Send us a story and photo of a member volunteer doing great work at your Branch!
Promote other important dates and organize activities at your Branch with a full list of upcoming days that raise awareness of issues, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
Download your copy to help with Branch planning for the new year.
Download the 2024 calendar  ‣
MemberPerks®: Exclusive offers and preferred pricing through Venngo
Create unforgettable memories this November with MemberPerks! Enter for a chance to win a gift basket from Baskits. Tell us how you used our AR tool to find perks. Send us your answers at isaved@venngo.com for a chance to win! legion.venngo.com MemberPerks is available as Venngo on the App Store or PlayStroe or use your company’s Venngo url to access on the browser.
MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members.
Learn more  ‣
Messages from affiliated organizations
The following information and special offers are brought to you by organizations the Legion works closely with.
Mailchimp: Bulk email platform
Royal Canadian Legion & Mailchimp – Watch Video
Watch video.
Watch this short video on how Mailchimp can support your Legion Branch email communications
The Legion partnered with Mailchimp, a leading provider in email marketing, to offer Branches an easy, efficient, and affordable email service can help you send out newsletters to your members with the click of a button. Plus, you’ll have access to Legion branded newsletter templates to help support the Legion brand.
Learn more  ‣
Preferred rates for Branches from Canada’s leading payment processor
Preferred rates for your branch. Moneris is committed to providing a wide range of industry-leading payment solutions to Royal Canadian Legion branches. Call 1-888-552-0341 or visit moneris.com/associations.
Moneris® offers preferred payment processing rates to Royal Canadian Legion branches. With a wide range of industry-leading payment products and services, Moneris has the solutions you need to support your branch.
At Moneris, we take pride in being the payment solutions provider of choice for businesses of all sizes across Canada. Learn more about the Top 7 Reasons Canadian Businesses Choose Moneris.
Take advantage of the preferred rates from Moneris available to Royal Canadian Legion branches. Call 1-888-552-0341, and reference chain #30500058435 or visit moneris.com/associations.
Learn more  ‣
Intuit Canada
Legion @quickbooks. 30% lifetime discount * * offer valid on new qbo activations.
Intuit Canada is offering special partner rates for Royal Canadian Legion branches looking to streamline their bookkeeping using QuickBooks Online! To take advantage of this 30% lifetime discount*, to learn more about partner pricing for your branch, schedule a 15 minute consult with a product specialist!
Learn more  ‣   |   Book 15 Minute Consult  ‣
*Discount valid on new QBO activations only.
Cost savings on everything your Branch needs to run its restaurant and hospitality services
Speak to an Entegra expert today. EntegraPS.ca
Sign up for a free membership with Entegra and your Branch will receive rebates and savings through your current and new suppliers on food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more!
Learn more  ‣
Special offer from Legion Magazine
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Legion.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca

Legion initiatives, updates and a chance to win

An update on some activities from Dominion Command.


Legion Dispatch. Visit branch services.
June 2024
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition
June 2024
The Newfoundland National War Memorial.
Unknown Newfoundland Soldier to be laid to rest at the National War Memorial in St. John’s
On July 1st, the repatriated remains of a Newfoundland soldier who fought in the First World War will be laid to rest inside a tomb of an unknown soldier on the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John’s. In preparation, the War Memorial is undergoing an extensive refurbishment: the result of a partnership between The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command and all three levels of government.
Learn more about the War Memorial, its history, and the plans for the July 1st repatriation ceremony in this 3‑part series, courtesy of NTV News.
Join us July 1st at 9:00am EST on Facebook as we livestream coverage of the Unknown Newfoundland Soldier being laid to rest. Tune in here.
Closeup of diverse people joining their hands.
Legion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee sets initial goals
The Legion’s recently formed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee is currently discussing how the organization can commit to these important principles at all levels. It is a collaborative effort, beginning with this short introduction to explain what the committee plans to accomplish.
The committee will help the Legion ensure the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are an integral part of its culture. It will support members, Branches, Provincial Commands/Special Sections and Dominion Command build EDI plans or initiatives, to benefit our members, staff, and guests. Its goal is to ensure all Veterans, members, and guests, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, nationality, disability, economic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation feel welcome, supported, and included.
The Royal Canadian Legion is committing to create an even more supportive environment for colleagues internally and for those we connect with externally. It is about remembering to treat everyone with respect.
Over the coming months, and working with all levels of the organization, the EDI committee will create a straightforward plan, and develop tools to help enact EDI principles within the Legion environment in tangible ways.
Stay tuned!
Read the Legion’s EDI Statement that highlights the EDI mission, vision and organizational commitment, as approved by the Dominion Executive Council at the April 2024 meeting.
Senior couple sitting at a desk with a laptop reading over some paper documents.
Upper Canada Wills loyalty program gives back to Legion Branches
Upper Canada Wills is pleased to offer a new Loyalty Rewards Program whereby they will donate $10 per will transaction to the Legion member’s Branch!
View the attached flyer for details, and contact Upper Canada Wills to take advantage of this opportunity.
A Legion-branded gavel resting upon the pages of an open book.

Minutes from the Dominion Executive Council meeting
The Dominion Executive Council (DEC) meeting was held April 27–28, 2024. The meeting minutes, with carried motions, are attached.
View DEC meeting minutes  ‣
The following Manual has been updated as a result. Please download the updated version.
Poppy Manual  ‣ | View amendments  ‣
Several gift cards tied with ribbon.
Update member contact information for a chance to win
Update your Member contact information for a chance to win one of five $1,000 gift cards!
Your Branch Membership Coordinator can enter your Branch into the draw by logging in to the Branch portal on the Member Services Website. Once there, follow the three steps outlined on the Branch home page by June 28th, and be automatically entered for your chance to win!
Winning Branches will be contacted by July 5th. Good luck!
The 49th Dominion Convention.
Information for Dominion Convention Delegates and Observers
Registered Delegates, as submitted through their Provincial Command, will receive an email in June with information to submit payment for the Delegate fee to confirm participation at the 49th Dominion Convention. For questions or assistance, please contact the Member Services Team at 1-855-330-3344 (Monday – Friday, 8:30–4:00 EST).
Registration and payment to attend Convention as an Observer will open in June. Details can be found at Legion.ca/2024convention.
Young students in a classroom.
Order free education materials
Every year, Legion members work tirelessly to help educate youth in our communities about the importance of remembering and recognizing Canada’s Veterans and those who lost their lives in service. Veterans Affairs Canada offers a variety of free, bilingual educational resources that can help! Visit veterans.gc.ca/educators for activities, videos and lesson plans for students of all ages. You can also order free materials like poppy seeds, multimedia learning kits and historical sheets to support year-round learning. Special recognition cards can help young people connect with Veterans by saying thank you to those who served.
Check back in the fall for Veterans’ Week resources you can share with local schools and youth organizations!
Veteran supporting his army friend during therapy.
Help promote the Veteran and Family Well‑being Fund
Veterans Affairs Canada launched a new call for applications for the Veteran and Family Well‑being Fund.
Across the country, organizations are developing new and innovative ways to improve the well-being of Veterans and their families. Created in 2018, the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund provides organizations doing this important work with funds to implement initiatives and conduct research in areas like Veteran homelessness, mental health, the transition to life after service, and more. A portion of the funding from this call will be allocated to organizations and initiatives that support Veteran health, research, employment, as well as women, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.
Please share this opportunity with organizations in your local communities that work in these fields and could benefit from this funding to support Veterans and their families. Applications will be accepted until Friday July 12, 2024.
Different Legion branch buildings illuminated in blue light at night.
Legion Branches helped break a World Record
Congratulations to the Royal Canadian Air Force on breaking the Guinness World Record for the most landmarks illuminated in a 24‑hour period, on April 1st – the RCAF 100th anniversary!
Thank you to the Legion Branches that participated and helped showcase the RCAF.
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Branch Membership Administration
Resources and tips to support your Membership Chair

+ New Dormant Member Reports available
A new “Branch Membership Register – Dormant” report is now available for Branches on the Member Services Website (under Reports). The report provides contact information for members lapsed up to two years – helpful when sending renewal reminders to dormant members.
It’s crucial for Branches to keep member profile information up to date on the Legion database so that members receive relevant Legion communications.
For questions or assistance with reports, please contact Member Services at 855‑330‑3344.
+ 2025 Renewal Stickers coming in September 2024
2025 Member renewal stickers will be delivered to Branches in early September for all members that are renewed for 2024 by July 31, 2024. Please ensure your renewals are up to date to ensure your members receive their 2025 stickers.
+ Legion membership is growing!
Here’s how you can continue to help with this growth:

  • Reach out and welcome new members who join your branch within the first 30 days
  • Collect and share member emails and phone numbers within the membership system
  • Ensure you are processing memberships at least monthly
  • Promote the first‑year‑free Veteran Welcome Program and Veteran Family Welcome Program to non members
  • Promote our free MemberPerks® program to all members
  • Feel free to reach out to Member Services with any questions – we are here to help all and especially new Membership Chairs!
Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with icon notifications overlaid depicting the number of likes, mentions, direct messages, contacts and emails.
Get access to Marketing and PR resources
+ Promote membership with free Branch resources
Order FREE recruitment and retention resources through the Legion Supply Department to help promote membership at your Branch.
Check out our flyer  ‣
Light bulb
PR Tip of the Month:
Poppies are offered, not sold
When talking about the lapel Poppy publicly, describe them as being offered or distributed for any donation people can give. They are not sold, which implies a specific price they must pay.
Have questions or need advice? Contact your Command Public Relations Officer or Nujma Bond, Dominion Command Communications at nbond@legion.ca
Your Legion calendar
July 1st marks the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont‑Hamel. Soldiers from Newfoundland suffered massive losses on one of the bloodiest days of the entire war. Learn more
Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
Download your copy to help with Branch planning for the new year.
Download the 2024 calendar  ‣
MemberPerks®: Exclusive offers and preferred pricing through Venngo
Win a $250 gift card to Lolë simply by reviewing this app and send us a screenshot at isaved@vengo.com.
MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members.
Learn more  ‣
Messages from affiliated organizations
The following information is brought to you by organizations the Legion works closely with, highlighting special offers and other information.
Mailchimp: Bulk email platform
Royal Canadian Legion & Mailchimp – Watch Video
Watch video.
Watch this short video on how Mailchimp can support your Legion Branch email communications
The Legion partnered with Mailchimp, a leading provider in email marketing, to offer Branches an easy, efficient, and affordable email service can help you send out newsletters to your members with the click of a button. Plus, you’ll have access to Legion branded newsletter templates to help support the Legion brand.
Learn more  ‣
Preferred rates for Branches from Canada’s leading payment processor
Moneris® offers preferred payment processing rates to Royal Canadian Legion branches. With a wide range of industry-leading payment products and services, Moneris has the solutions you need to support your branch.
At Moneris, we take pride in being the payment solutions provider of choice for businesses of all sizes across Canada. Learn more about the Top 7 Reasons Canadian Businesses Choose Moneris.
Take advantage of the preferred rates from Moneris available to Royal Canadian Legion branches. Call 1-888-552-0341, and reference chain #30500058435 or visit moneris.com/associations.
Learn more  ‣
Intuit Canada
Intuit Canada is offering special partner rates for Royal Canadian Legion branches looking to streamline their bookkeeping using QuickBooks Online! To take advantage of this 30% lifetime discount*, to learn more about partner pricing for your branch, schedule a 15 minute consult with a product specialist!
Learn more  ‣   |   Book 15 Minute Consult  ‣
*Discount valid on new QBO activations only.
Cost savings on everything your Branch needs to run its restaurant and hospitality services
Entegra.
Sign up for a free membership with Entegra and your Branch will receive rebates and savings through your current and new suppliers on food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more!
Learn more  ‣
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Special offer.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Legion.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca

Is your Branch ready for the Dominion Convention?

An item from Dominion Command.


Legion Dispatch. Visit branch services.
March 2024
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition
March 2024
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The Convention Call has been emailed to Branches
The Convention Call for The Royal Canadian Legion 2024 Dominion Convention was sent to Branches in mid-February.
All Convention documentation, information and resources for Branches and Delegates are available online at Legion.ca/2024Convention. Please make sure to bookmark this page as it will continue to be updated as information becomes available.
Deadline to advertise in the 2024 Dominion Convention booklet is April 15
The 2024 Dominion Convention Local Arrangement Committee is accepting ads for placement in the Convention booklet, which will be distributed to all Delegates. The deadline to submit an ad is April 15, 2024.
Download submission form   ‣
Branches are reminded to use their Branch Legion logo for Branch communications and advertisements. See the Branch Brand Manual for details and how to request your branded logo.
Legion Branch logo template.
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Updated Branch Brand Manual and Legion overview PowerPoint
Corporate Identity and Brand Standards for Legion Branches
The Legion Branch Brand Manual has been updated with guidelines on messaging and imagery for social media. Download and share the updated Brand Manual with those who support your Branch communications and brand management.
Download manual  ‣
Legion overview PowerPoint presentation
Updated with information from the past year, this slide presentation is a great tool to share information about The Royal Canadian Legion.
Download the PowerPoint slides  ‣
Parent and child looking at a museum exhibit.
Visit a Legion Branch museum!
International Museum Day is May 18th. Did you know that a number of Legion Branches have in-house museums displaying historical collections to educate their members and community?
Check out some of these Legion Branch museums:
Ken Snider Memorial Museum  ‣
Branch 05-080
Midland, Ontario
The Swift Current Legion Museum  ‣
Branch 03-056
Swift Current, SK
Does your Legion Branch have a Remembrance or military museum on premises? Send us a link to the museum location, with pictures and a description that we can share in May!
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Lower the Canadian flag on April 9
April 9 is Vimy Ridge Day, commemorating the Canadian soldiers who stormed the ridge on this day in 1917. Over 3,500 members of the Canadian Corps gave their lives and close to 7,000 were wounded in this offensive.
All Legion Branches will fly their Canadian flags at half‑mast on April 9th from sunrise to sunset to commemorate Vimy Ridge Day.
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Share your experience with the Legion’s Remembrance contests
Every year, The Legion National Foundation, The Royal Canadian Legion, and schools across the country invite kids to honour Canada’s Veterans through the annual National Youth Remembrance Contests. Here is a wonderfully touching story of what happened when Legion Branch 418 presented the 3rd place award for the Remembrance Day Poster Contest to Alessia in the Primary level:
“Prior to being invited into the classroom to present the award, the student came out into the hallway and told her parents she would like to give me something. She came over to me and gave me a thank you card that she made herself. When I opened the card, it started with “Dear Veteran,” so I told her I would like to pass the card to Stefan, who is a Veteran, to read it. It was the nicest card – so much so that it brought tears to our eyes. It was so touching.
As we were walking toward the front doors of another elementary school, Stefan and I passed the playground and a student came over to the fence and said, “the Legion is here!” so we stopped to say hello. I introduced Stefan as “Captain”, and, before I could say anything else, the child yelled, “Hey, there is a Captain from the Army here!” Before we knew it, the students swarmed the fenced in area to say hello to Stefan, and all we heard was “wow” as we walked away. It was priceless!”
Does your Branch have a story to share from students participating in a National Youth Remembrance Contest? With the parents’ permission, we invite all Branches to share stories and testimonials from students who have helped warm a Veteran’s heart.
Submit your story  ‣
Senior couple at desk with laptop.
50% off Wills and Powers of Attorney – a Legion member exclusive offer!
Upper Canada Wills is a Legion Member Benefits Partner, offering Legion members 50% off national average rates for Wills and Powers of Attorney. Download and print a promotional poster to display at your Branch today!
Download poster   ‣
Learn more about the Legion’s Member Benefit Partners.
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Branch Membership Administration
Resources and tips to support your Membership Chair
+ Automated telemarketing renewal calling campaign
Canada Direct will run an automated campaign beginning March 6th, uploading non‑renewed member phone numbers into its predictive dialing software. The campaign will run as follows:

  • A phone call with a pre-recorded message will be sent to approximately 17,000 lapsed members with phone numbers on file, reminding them to renew their Legion membership. Listen to the recordings:
    for English members  ‣ | for French members  ‣
  • Members can transfer to speak to an Agent and pay directly over the phone with a credit card. If the member is not home, a message will be left encouraging them to renew.
  • Following this period, we will compile another list on June 1st to extend the campaign to all members who have not yet renewed.

The campaign is expected to last until end of April.

+ Reaching out to lapsed members by mail
Legion Headquarters will be reaching out to approximately 37,000 lapsed members by direct mail in March, reminding them to renew.
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Reaching out to lapsed members is an ongoing process, and can benefit from multiple points of contact. We encourage Branches to collect, confirm and update member addresses, phone numbers and email addresses within the membership website.
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Get access to Marketing and PR resources
+ Promote membership with free Branch resources
Order FREE recruitment and retention resources through the Legion Supply Department to help promote membership at your Branch.
Check out our flyer  ‣
Light bulb
PR Tip of the Month:
The Legion portal is full of resources
As a public relations representative, you have access to many resources when you visit the member portal, from a PR manual with examples and ideas, to brand guidelines to help ensure visual alignment.
Have questions or need advice? Contact your Command Public Relations Officer or Nujma Bond, Dominion Command Communications at nbond@legion.ca
Your Legion calendar
April 1 is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Celebrate and honour the history and accomplishments of Canada’s Air Force Veterans. Learn more.
Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
Download your copy to help with Branch planning for the new year.
Download the 2024 calendar  ‣
MemberPerks®: Exclusive offers and preferred pricing through Venngo
Learn more.
MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members.
Learn more  ‣
Messages from affiliated organizations
The following information is brought to you by organizations the Legion works closely with, highlighting special offers and other information.
Cost savings on everything your Branch needs to run its restaurant and hospitality services
Entegra.
Sign up for a free membership with Entegra and your Branch will receive rebates and savings through your current and new suppliers on food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more!
Learn more  ‣
Preferred rates for Branches from Canada’s leading payment processor
Whether your Branch wants to accept payments in-person, online, or via mobile devices, Moneris offers a variety of solutions that can meet your needs. In addition to the preferred rates, you can also enjoy services such as 24/7 support and stress-free set up.
Learn more  ‣
Mailchimp: Bulk email platform
The Legion partnered with Mailchimp, a leading provider in email marketing, to offer Branches an easy, efficient, and affordable email service can help you send out newsletters to your members with the click of a button. Plus, you’ll have access to Legion branded newsletter templates to help support the Legion brand.
Learn more  ‣
Loop TV helps your Branch promote events, activities and more… and earn extra cash!
Loop TV is a FREE service that brings entertainment and information to your Branch TV screens. In addition to Loop’s awesome content in your Branch, you also get easy-to-use digital signage to promote specials, events, fundraisers, Branch messaging and more.
The Loop Player and service are free to use, plus your Branch will earn $20 USD in Loop Rewards per active Loop player each month.
Learn more  ‣
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Special offer.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Legion.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca

Get ready for Convention!

An update on some activities from Dominion Command.


Important Branch information 

Legion Dispatch. Visit branch services.
February 2024
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition
February 2024
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2023 Year-end membership numbers are in… and the results are cause for celebration!
We are excited to announce that 2023 membership totals have grown for the second consecutive year, after three decades of membership decline. The Legion’s total paid membership as of January 31, 2024 is now 256,524 members, an increase of 5.3% (12,886 members) over the previous year!
2023 brought in 43,042 new/reinstated members… up 22.5% over last year and a new modern-day record! 89% of members that registered online joined their local Branch. Additionally, every Provincial Command saw a growth in their total membership and in their new/reinstated members. This highlights growth at the Branch level!
A number of successful business initiatives over the last six years have directly attributed to membership growth. We are appreciative of the support and buy-in of all levels of our organization including DEC, Provincial Commands, Branches and Members.
Some of the strategies positively impacting our results include:

  • Launch of the membership portal (2017)
  • Introduction of the plastic membership card (2018)
  • Introduction of the Veteran Welcome Program (2018)
  • Launch of membership auto-renewal (2019)
  • Streamlining the online member renewal process (2020)
  • Allowing members to join their local Branch online (2020)
  • Launch of MemberPerks (2020)
  • Launch of the Veteran Family Welcome program (2021)
  • Launch of the digital membership card (2022)
  • The continued acquisition of member email/phone contact information for improved communications
  • Ongoing proactive member renewal campaigns including email reminders (over 600,000 sent last year), direct mail pieces, automated renewal telemarking campaigns, online and social media marketing, Legion Magazine ads, etc.

The organization is on a path of sustained membership growth. We remain extremely optimistic for the future of Legion Membership!

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The 49th Dominion Convention is approaching!
The Royal Canadian Legion 2024 Dominion Convention will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick, August 24 through 28. This year’s theme, Building our Future on a Foundation of Strength, is not only a reflection of our past achievements but also a rallying call for the work that lies ahead.
This year, delegates and proxies representing close to 260,000 members will meet to discuss the future of the Legion. Delegates will vote on resolutions, determine national policies and elect the next Dominion President and Senior Elected Officers.
The Convention Call will be emailed to Branches later this month, and posted on the link below.
Learn more at Legion.ca/2024Convention
Bookmark this page. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
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Advertise your Branch, District or Command in the 2024 Convention booklet
The 2024 Dominion Convention Local Arrangement Committee is accepting ads for placement in the Convention Souvenir Booklet, which will be distributed to all delegates.
The deadline to submit an ad is April 15, 2024.
Download submission form  ‣
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Did you serve in Cyprus under OP Snowgoose?
2024 is the 60th anniversary of Canadian involvement on the island of Cyprus, and the 50th anniversary of the 74th conflict.
If you served in Cyprus, you may be interested in taking a trip down memory lane by joining Team Cyprus 2024 for a November 2024 reunion. Taking place in Cyprus, the reunion is open to all CAF Veterans who served under the United Nations banner in Cyprus and family members of those who served. The linked brochure provides the background to the tour. Please contact Special Travel International for more information.
Read the brochure  ‣
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Get access to Marketing and PR resources
+ Promote membership with free Branch resources
Order FREE recruitment and retention resources through the Legion Supply Department to help promote membership at your Branch.
Check out our flyer  ‣
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PR Tip of the Month:
Your branch social media account is a Legion account
Avoid getting personal or upset when operating a Legion owned social media account. Everything posted through a branch account should align with Legion values and Articles of Faith in tone. Disengage with anyone who threatens or uses foul language, and report them to appropriate authorities as warranted.
Have questions or need advice? Contact your Command Public Relations Officer or Nujma Bond, Dominion Command Communications at nbond@legion.ca
Your Legion calendar
On March 15, it will have been 10 years since the last Canadian soldiers returned from the mission in Afghanistan. Learn more about the men and women who served and sacrificed.
Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
Download your copy to help with Branch planning for the new year.
Download the 2024 calendar  ‣
MemberPerks®: Exclusive offers and preferred pricing through Venngo
Celebrate Family Day with us and win a $250 CAD gift card to Deerhurst Resort!
MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members.
Learn more  ‣
Messages from affiliated organizations
The following information is brought to you by organizations the Legion works closely with, highlighting special offers and other information.
Preferred rates for Branches from Canada’s leading payment processor
Whether your Branch wants to accept payments in-person, online, or via mobile devices, Moneris offers a variety of solutions that can meet your needs. In addition to the preferred rates, you can also enjoy services such as 24/7 support and stress-free set up.
Learn more  ‣
Cost savings on everything your Branch needs to run your restaurant and hospitality services
Entegra.
Sign up for a free membership with Entegra and your Branch will receive rebates and savings through your current and new suppliers on food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more!
Learn more  ‣
Mailchimp: Bulk email platform
The Legion partnered with Mailchimp, a leading provider in email marketing, to offer Branches an easy, efficient, and affordable email service can help you send out newsletters to your members with the click of a button. Plus, you’ll have access to Legion-branded newsletter templates to help support the Legion brand. They also have human-assisted support to help you along the way.
Learn more  ‣
Loop TV helps your Branch promote events, activities and more… and earn extra cash!
Loop TV is a FREE service that brings entertainment and information to your Branch TV screens. In addition to Loop’s awesome content in your Branch, you also get easy-to-use digital signage to promote specials, events, fundraisers, Branch messaging and more.
The Loop Player and service are free to use, plus your Branch will earn $20 USD in Loop Rewards per active Loop player each month.
Learn more  ‣
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Special offer.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Legion.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca

An important year lies ahead for your Legion

An update on some activities from Dominion Command.


Legion Dispatch. Visit branch services.
January 2024
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition
January 2024
2024.
Looking forward to the year ahead
Over the past several years, the Legion has embarked on an impressive journey towards revitalizing our membership. As we look ahead to 2024, we celebrate two consecutive years of membership growth — something that hasn’t been achieved in over three decades! This puts us on the right track to achieve our strategic goal of reaching and maintaining 300,000 members from coast to coast to coast.
We’re proud to announce that the Legion welcomed a modern‑day record of 43,000 new and reinstated members in 2023. With a significant number of younger members joining online, the future looks promising. And speaking of youth, the National Youth Track and Field Program has been another beacon of success, with nearly 1,000 athletes participating — the second‑highest turnout in our history.
We would like to build on this momentum as we head towards the Dominion Convention in Saint John, NB this August. This year’s theme, Building our Future on a Foundation of Strength, is not only a reflection of our past achievements but also a rallying call for the work that lies ahead.
Branches are the backbone of the Legion, and your support is crucial in carrying this momentum forward. Your Branch can contribute to this collective endeavour by:

  • Staying up to date with national Legion updates by actively engaging with monthly all‑Branch emails
  • Providing a welcoming and inclusive Branch atmosphere and strengthening the member experience
  • Expanding the flow of communication across all levels of the organization — sharing successes, and ensuring members understand the impact Branches and the Legion as a whole is having on Veterans, Remembrance and communities
  • Using available tools to work towards every member having an email address on their member profile, so that they are connected to the organization and engaged through regular communications

The future of the Legion shines brightly, and with each Branch’s commitment, we will continue to build upon our foundation of strength, marching proudly into 2024 and beyond.

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Meet your newest Dominion Executive Council members
The Dominion Executive Council (DEC) announces the newest members of its Senior Elected Officers, following the processes to fill vacancies as outlined in sections 405 and 406 of The General By‑Laws.
DEC is pleased to welcome to their new roles, Dominion First Vice‑President Berkley Lawrence, Dominion Vice‑President Jack MacIsaac, and Dominion Treasurer Donna McRury. Our Comrades shall fill these posts until elections are held at the 2024 Dominion Convention.
Meet your DEC  ‣
A veteran handing a Legion membership card to another person.
34% of Legion members have yet to renew for 2024
A renewal reminder will be mailed in early February to members who have not yet renewed for 2024. Additionally, you can encourage your Branch members to renew by:

  • Placing the Renewal poster in a prominent space in your Branch
  • Reaching out by mail or email with this renewal reminder message
  • Updating member profiles with emails on this template so members can be notified automatically when it’s time to renew
  • Encouraging your members to sign up for auto‑renewal with this poster
A person putting flowers on a grave.
Help identify and provide grave markers to Indigenous Veterans in unmarked graves
Branches are invited to participate in the Indigenous Veterans Initiative (IVI), launched by the Last Post Fund in 2019. This initiative aligns with Canada’s reconciliation efforts and consists of two key components:

  • Providing grave markers for Indigenous Veterans in unmarked graves
  • Adding traditional names to existing military grave markers of Indigenous Veterans

Join us in honouring the legacy of Indigenous Veterans through this respectful and meaningful initiative by conducting local cemetery visits to help identify or verify these gravesites.

Learn more  ‣
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Celebrate NATO’s 75th anniversary
April 4th, 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of NATO. Throughout the upcoming year, the NATO Association of Canada will be organizing various events across the country highlighting NATO’s history and Canada’s role in the alliance.
The NATO Association of Canada is inviting Legion Branches that are planning NATO related events to promote the event in their 2024 event calendar. The Association also is offering support to Branches who would be interested in planning an event.
Read the letter to Branches  ‣
Poppies in a field.
Advertise your Branch, District or Command in the 2024 Dominion Convention booklet
The 2024 Dominion Convention Local Arrangement Committee is accepting ads for placement in the Convention booklet, which will be distributed to all delegates. The deadline to submit an ad is February 28, 2024.
Download submission form  ‣
Two people sitting at a desk.
Branch Membership Administration
Resources and tips to support your Membership Chair

+ The Auto Renew process is complete
The Auto Renew process is now complete and has billed all members who have signed up for Auto Renew with valid credit card information on file.
If you have a member who signed up for Auto Renew but does not have their 2024 membership year processed, your Branch can collect their 2024 membership payment OR the member can renew online or contact Member Services by phone at 855-330-3344.
Branches can view all members who renewed online and by auto renewal on the Member Services Website under Reports / Membership – Branch Online Member Renewals [PDF].
+ Help spread the word – Veterans’ families get first year of membership free!
Do you know a spouse, child over 18 years of age, parent or guardian of a Canadian Veteran who has not yet joined the Legion? Let them know we offer the first year of membership free to Veteran Family Members. Encourage them to register and get to know their Legion!
Promotional poster  ‣ | Register online  ‣ | Registration form  ‣
Get access to Marketing and PR resources
Promote membership with free Branch resources
Order FREE recruitment and retention resources through the Legion Supply Department to help promote membership at your Branch.
Check out our flyer  ‣
Light bulb
PR Tip of the Month:
Always inform provincial command of national interviews
It’s best to double‑check with your Provincial Command before proceeding with any national interviews. Remember: Branches can speak for themselves but cannot speak for the Legion when it comes to other Branches, regions, or national matters.
Have questions or need advice? Contact your Command Public Relations Officer or Nujma Bond, Dominion Command Communications at nbond@legion.ca
Your Legion calendar
February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day. Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was first raised 58 years ago. Learn how your Branch can celebrate.
Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
Download your copy to help with Branch planning for the new year.
Download the 2024 calendar  ‣
MemberPerks®: Exclusive offers and preferred pricing through Venngo
Level up your fitness game with MemberPerks!
MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members.
Learn more  ‣
Messages from affiliated organizations
The following information is brought to you by organizations the Legion works closely with, highlighting special offers and other information.
Preferred rates for Branches from Canada’s leading payment processor
Whether your Branch wants to accept payments in-person, online, or via mobile devices, Moneris offers a variety of solutions that can meet your needs. In addition to the preferred rates, you can also enjoy services such as 24/7 support and stress-free set up.
Learn more  ‣
Cost savings on everything your Branch needs to run your restaurant and hospitality services
Entegra.
Sign up for a free membership with Entegra and your Branch will receive rebates and savings through your current and new suppliers on food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more!
Learn more  ‣
Mailchimp: Bulk email platform
The Legion partnered with Mailchimp, a leading provider in email marketing, to offer Branches an easy, efficient, and affordable email service can help you send out newsletters to your members with the click of a button. Plus, you’ll have access to Legion-branded newsletter templates to help support the Legion brand. They also have human-assisted support to help you along the way.
Learn more  ‣
Loop TV helps your Branch promote events, activities and more… and earn extra cash!
Loop TV is a FREE service that brings entertainment and information to your Branch TV screens. In addition to Loop’s awesome content in your Branch, you also get easy-to-use digital signage to promote specials, events, fundraisers, Branch messaging and more.
The Loop Player and service are free to use, plus your Branch will earn $20 USD in Loop Rewards per active Loop player each month.
Learn more  ‣
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Special offer.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Legion.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca