The American Legion Whole Child Plan
The Next Generation
The next generation are the most important and most affected stakeholders of our future.
It's imperative to remain optimistic and encourage young people how to grow up strong in a world beset by crisis. We must not let crisis stifle the next generation.
Recognition
There are youths out there who are happy and fulfilled and talking about their future in America. Although overloaded, the educators who recognize the potential in these students and take the time to acknowledge them speak volumes. They can acknowledge them in many ways. One way is the School Medal, a high honor awarded to American Youth by the American Legion.
The American Legion School Medal
The American Legion Medal proclaims to the world that a particular boy or girl is the kind of young person believed worthy of such an honor. This medal recognizes students who best demonstrate the qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, and Patriotism. The countless young people caring for their friends and communities make the selection process very difficult.
The Whole Child Plan
The American Legion and its members understand how invaluable America's youth are to future generations. They also understand that family and child welfare challenges have a huge impact on veteran wellness and rehabilitation. Thus, the American Legion developed the 'Whole Child' plan, which consists of three principles.
- Strengthen the family unit against the forces of a more complex society by helping to create an optimal environment for children at home with a strong focus on keeping families together.
- Extend support to established organizations and facilities that provide services for children and youth by acting as a supplementary resource rather than duplicating the efforts of impactful agencies.
- Maintain a well-rounded program that meets the needs of today's young people by providing elasticity to address all matters of child health and welfare.
The American Legion Commitment
While the three principles above are the heart of the 'Whole Child' plan, the four methods are the muscle: Education, Legislation, Material Aid, and Prevention.
Over the decades, developing new and improved public programs to provide economic security for children has made it possible for the Legion to focus on other problem areas. To date, no area of child welfare has gone untouched by the collective hand of the American Legion.
The very program of Children & Youth itself is unique from any agency, governmental or private, in its ability to expand from every area of concern for child welfare and health.
While the American Legion's list of accomplishments is long, it is incomplete. The American Legion will always seek new, innovative, and better approaches to child welfare programs. How our youth face the challenges of tomorrow depends on the quality of care, education, and training we provide today.
The American Legion is proud of all its members and what they do on behalf of our nation's youth. Together, our efforts in child welfare are a testament to the Legion's ability to adapt to changing needs while maintaining high principles and taking on increased responsibility when needed.