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Florida District Commander’s Training
Florida Sons of The American Legion College System – Course 6
Course Instructors Jim Roberts – Detachment Assistant Adjutant
Squadron 4 Lakeland 35 Years of Service Past Detachment Commander Past National Commander
Ed Sheubrooks – Detachment Adjutant Squadron 40 Fort Pierce 39 Years of Service Past Detachment Commander Past National Vice Commander National Assistant Adjutant
John Jennings – National Vice Commander Squadron 72 Mulberry 20 Years of Service Past Detachment Commander
The objective and purpose of the Florida SAL College System is to increase, improve
and enhance the administrative and managerial skills of current and future
leaders of the Florida Sons of The American Legion through education and
direct skill development.
Florida SAL College System Objective
Name
Squadron Number and Location
Years of Membership in the SAL
What made you want to be a District Commander?
Introductions
OUR MISSION
You are now your District’s representative to our organization.
Please take seriously the position you now hold. You are the eyes, ears, and voice of your District.
Together, with your fellow District Commanders you will guide and shape the overall operation of the Detachment of Florida.
Through this course we hope to give you a perspective of the duties and responsibilities of a District Commander.
Congratulations
Where Do You Fit In?
National
Detachment
District
Squadron
The National Organization is responsible for Policy & Programs
The Detachment is responsible for Administration & Publicity
The District is responsible for Communication & Coordination
The Squadron is responsible for Membership & Activities
If this is your first time as a District Commander, and you are not quite sure what the job entails, don’t feel alone! You’re not! Every year many Sons across the nation are elected to the position of District Commander and very few have experience. As a District Commander you have a unique opportunity to help the Sons of The American Legion work and in turn to HELP AMERICA WORK. Your term in the office of District Commander can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences of your life .
if you meet your—
What is a District Commander?
In many ways the District Commander is the most important person in the Sons of The American Legion.
You, as District Commander, have the responsibility for providing the link between members, Squadrons and the Detachment.
Each squadron in the Sons of The American Legion is a separate and distinct unit of our organization .
Without your leadership, the Squadrons in your District will have no way of linking their operations to our much larger Detachment and National network.
Responsibility!!!!!!
Official SAL District Cap
Your dress is determined by the activity that you will be participating in REMEMBER – Image - Because you
represent the organization.
Dress Code
7TH DISTRICT, FL
You represent the Sons to our American Legion Family and the Public.
–Act Professionally
–Dress Appropriately
–Speak Respectfully
– Indulge Moderately!
Represent the Organization
Not just the presentation as it relates to your job as Commander.
But we can build camaraderie, share ideas, and build relationships that will stay with us and this great organization of ours.
We want you to feel free to share triumphs, defeats and new ideas, receiving in turn guidance, a nonjudgmental audience and constructive criticism.
Positive attitude is an asset toward your success!
This Officers Orientation Can Be a Valuable Resource
If your District has been successful in the past few years, then by all means carry on.
But if you can identify areas that need attention (i.e.: membership, programs or committees) then you need to make the necessary adjustments to turn them around.
You are the Commander of your District and your leadership and what you bring to the table will shape the level of your success.
Success Spawns Success
A strong team is the only way you achieve success.
Teamwork is the essential key from the Squadron level all the way to and including the National Commander!
You are the coach of your District’s team.
A District Commander is Not Just One Person
Try as you will, you just can’t be everywhere and you can’t do it all.
You must have a good working Staff and Chairman.
Pick Your Staff Wisely
As District Commander, your first order of business is your “team” - the people with whom you can work and those who can best perform the tasks necessary for a successful year during your term of office.
You must select the cast, set the stage, and it’s up to you to:
(1) Move those projects that are most important, following a definite timetable.
(2) Determine both long-range and immediate objectives.
(3) Organize fully and communicate exactly your ideas and your enthusiasm.
(4) Make sure the lines of communication are tightly drawn so the flow of information will be easily available to the Squadrons and District.
Organize “Team”
The first couple of months following the election of the District
Commander can determine the success or failure of the entire
administration.
This is the time the selection of the key persons who will assist the
Commander is completed, a timetable of future events is
established, and it’s made certain the Squadrons are getting
organized.
The District Commander is normally the elected representative of
the Squadrons in the District, but an obligation to provide guidance
and supervision is also implied.
Organizing Your District
Responsibilities must be assigned to District Vice Commanders.
Other District officers must clearly understand the duties of their
respective offices.
The most effective way to organize is to use an early meeting to bring
together the team that will make the District function.
Prior to that meeting, the District Commander should learn what has
caused past successes or failures of programs and objectives of the
Squadrons and the District.
Supervision means organization!
District Commanders of previous years should be consulted.
The Commander should study all that is possible to find out about the District, and should have clearly defined objectives and assignments to present.
Organizing Cont’d
Delegating Motivating Delivering criticism, discipline or praise Working under pressure Meeting tight deadlines Training future leaders Organizing people, projects and schedules
You Wear A Lot Of Hats!
Whenever possible, the chair should be someone with personal interests in the program assigned.
It is essential to distribute appointments over the entire District.
Once a District Commander has decided upon the chairs, personal contact should be made with each head to determine a willingness to serve.
The District Commander has an additional obligation to see that each chair and committee is furnished with all needed information and materials.
Selection and Use ofCommissions & Committees
Commissions & Committees
Commissions Americanism Children & Youth Internal Affairs Legislative Public Relations Veterans Affairs &
Rehabilitation
Committees Disaster Preparedness Special Olympics Children’s Miracle Network Advisory Constitution & By-Laws Membership Squadron Activities Community Affairs
Appoint one for every committee & nominate the same person for Detachment Committee.
Be sure the person is interested in the subject matter.
Have all active committees report regularly at District meetings.
Chairman
May be the strongest personality in the District.
Willing to work as hard as you, maybe harder.
Needs to visit Squadrons, especially those having membership problems. (In addition to your visits.)
Needs to be well supplied with application, pamphlets, etc.
Membership Chairman
Sources of Assistance
Your own District Don’t be afraid to consult past District
Officers Consider forming an advisory
committee of Past District Commanders
Detachment Officers Vice Commanders Past Detachment Commanders Adjutant Commander
District or Area Advisors Consult your Legion Counterpart for
their information.
Department Headquarters William Hoppner – Department Advisor Department HQ Program Staff
You are charged with the responsibility of visiting every squadron in your district.
As the installing officer, you need to have ready the objectives of the Detachment Commander and your own.
Let them know what areas we need to work and why. Be prepared for every visit!
Use this as an informational event as well as the installation.
Squadron Officer Installations
Encourage Participation
Challenge new blood by asking them to serve on committees.
Utilize proven achievers in more challenging positions.
Build our future leadership by direct mentoring. Through your leadership, the years you serve at the helm of your district will have a lasting effect on the successful future of your district.
Squadron Visitations
District Commanders Visitation Report
District Meetings
Detachment Executive Committee
Other Official Functions
District CommandersResponsibilities
While all your duties are important, the visitation is the most essential! This is why we
require you to visit each at least once during your year. However, the more the
better.
These visits should be for official business or an event. Stopping in for a drink does
not satisfy the requirement for a visit.
These Squadron visits should be timed to facilitate one or more of your
requirements.
It is essential to have a good relationship and understand the make up of all the
Squadrons in the District.
Squadron Visitations
District CommanderSquadron Visitation Report
Your District Meeting is the best avenue to inform your squadrons about the programs and share information.
Every Squadron within your District should be represented at your District Meeting!
District Meeting should be informative, organized, and convenient for all squadron representatives to attend.
District Meetings
The District meeting is the largest Sons meeting the average Son may ever attend.
Therefore, the District meeting becomes primarily the one opportunity to impress the average Son and to instill within each the knowledge and idealism of our accomplishments and aims.
District Commanders should get together with the host Squadron officers to work out details of the meeting, possible entertainment, and a meal if there is to be one.
District Meeting Cont’d
All Squadrons should be sent notices of the meeting as far in advance as possible. The notices should outline:
1. The time the meeting will start.
2. Where it will be held.
3. Agenda (if available)
4. Whether or not there will be refreshments or a meal.
5. Any other miscellaneous information that would make for a better informed District membership.
District Meeting Cont’d
Notice of the meeting should definitely be sent to all District chairmen and those who are expected to report should receive an additional follow-up, probably including a telephone call, to be certain they will be present and ready to report.
Occasionally at District meeting there maybe dignitaries of the Legion, Sons or Auxiliary. Be certain you are familiar with the proper method of presenting these people and the proper time for receiving any message they might have.
The intent and meaning of the business part of a District meeting is to improve the performance of the Squadrons and make them more effective for the veterans in the surrounding areas.
District Meeting Cont’d
Time and Place Make sure it is not in conflict with any squadron events
Attendance Just setting a meeting date doesn’t ensure a crowd.
Arrangements for Meeting As soon as the place for the meeting has been confirmed,
the District Commander shall contact the squadron commander to make all arrangements to conduct a district meeting
Check List for Meetings
In conducting your meeting, as the presiding officer you will command more and greater respect, and have better control over such meeting, by standing whenever the group is addressed or presiding over business.
Remember, as the presiding officer, you are the “boss” of the meeting. When anyone wishes to address the chair, have that person stand, give their name and Squadron number and be properly recognized before you grant permission to address the conference.
Final Thoughts for Meetings
As a District Commander, you along with your elected District Vice Commander represent your District to the Detachment Executive Committee.
The two of you are responsible to bring information from your District to include issues or concerns.
These meetings are very important to the success of the Detachment.
DetachmentExecutive Committee
You are representing our Detachment. You should be in uniform (coat and tie), neat and
clean. Give the Squadron a run-down of the current goals
and objectives and upcoming events. During Squadron visitations encourage participation
at the District level from their membership. Be prepared for the purpose of your visit.
All Official Visits
Things you should attend eventhough you aren’t paid to attend
Functions to Attend Legion Family Events within
your District Fall Conference
Have report prepared for the DEC Mtg and General Session.
Constitutional Conference Detachment Convention
Have report prepared for the DEC Mtg and General Session
Other Recommendations Detachment Commander’s
Homecoming Department Commander’s
Homecoming Department President’s
Homecoming Area / District Balls Other District Events Program Events Funerals & memorial services
Who or how many serving on your staff will be ready to assume the mantle of leadership of your District?
You have many important jobs as District Commander, mentoring future leaders is vital for the future of our organization.
As you visit all the Squadrons in your District encourage the workers at the Squadron level to attend your District meetings.
From there don’t be afraid to take a chance on new talent. Invite them to events and offer them a ride to the events.
Help Educate your members – Offer a Florida SAL College Course.
Who is going to replace you when your term is up?
Although your duties are many, varied, and time consuming, the one most important thing you are charged with is to obey ALL deadlines.
The correspondence you receive are almost always time sensitive. They sometimes require you take action immediately! Don't wait until the next Squadron or District meeting before you open these correspondences.
When acting upon these correspondences always do so by the date on the letter or form.
Deadlines
Detachment Membership Targets National Reporting Forms Consolidated Squadron Reports Officer Reporting Forms Detachment Executive Committee Meetings Detachment Convention Delegates SAL College Applications
Key Deadlines To Watch
Communication is THE key to your success as a District Commander!
Newsletters are an excellent source in getting the word out.
Personal contact is still the most effective way to communicate.
Communication
The Source is the publication of the Florida Sons of The American Legion.
It is available on our website each month and it is sent electronically using our Florida SAL and Newsletter Networks.
We depend on you and your squadrons to send in items for our newsletters!
The Source
Our Networks
How does HQ communicatewith our Squadrons??
A completed Squadron Officers Report is the only way that Squadrons will receive mailings!!
Every Son is involved in public relations.
Everything an individual member or Squadron does says something about the Sons of The American Legion.
Who is responsible forPublic Relations?
To be effective you need to communicate information to all of your Squadrons in your District
How? Newsletters, Flyers, E-mails, Facebook, Website and etc. Share information from the Squadrons, Detachment and
National with your members to keep them better informed. Encourage your members to sign up for the Florida SAL Email
Network Encourage all to send in an article for The Source or advertise
events using the Detachment Website & Facebook Page.
Information Flow
Each District Commander will have squadrons that range from highly successful to dormant ones.
Your success is going to depend to a large extent upon how effectively you can get the greatest number of Squadrons to cooperate during your year(s) in office.
When a Squadron has a completely successful operation, it needs a minimum of supervision.
The Value of Organized Squadrons
As a District Commander you will still want to be familiar with the procedures followed by the Squadrons, so ideas and programs used there can be presented to less successful squadrons in the District.
On many occasions, new squadron officers are eager to do a job but lack the background.
The District Commander has several options as to how best help the Squadron.
Organized Squadrons Cont’d
SAL Educational Opportunities
The Florida Sons of The American Legion College System Courses are available for delivery.
Florida SAL College is made of 3 courses that are the basis for the rest of the FSCS Courses. Completion of the 3 core courses result in the graduation of the
college and is a one year commitment if applicant is selected.
All other courses are open to all members of the Legion Family
All courses are available at no cost to the member
Florida Sons of The AmericanLegion College System
Course Available Florida SAL College – FSCS-01
Course A – Communications Course B – Personal
Administration Course C – Personal
Development FSCS-02 – SAL Organization FSCS-03 – A New Squadron FSCS-04 – SAL Advisors FSCS-05 – Grassroots Lobbying FSCS-06 – District Commander’s
School FSCS-07 – Ambassador’s Course
Courses In Development Commander’s & Adjutant’s
School Five Star Class Ten Ideals Class Protocol
Florida Sons of The AmericanLegion College System
A course of study on the history, programs, policies, developments, positions, and future goals of The American Legion. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates receive a pin and a certificate.
https://www.legion.org/alei
Cost - $4.95
The American LegionExtension Institute
Department Headquarters
Physical - 1912 Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32809Mailing - PO Box 547859, Orlando, FL 32854
Roundtable Discussion
Question and Answer Session
Let the us know what you thought of this program. We need your feedback to make this successful. Please take the time to complete your surveys as this will help us to develop and update our college courses.
Jim Roberts – [email protected]
Ed Sheubrooks – [email protected]
John Jennings – [email protected]
Feedback
Course Certificates
Florida Sons of The American Legion College System
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING
