What would make American Legions and Veteran of Foreign War posts more appealing to join for you?

As a FEMALE veteran who served in the NAVY from June 1986 July 1990 I was not eligible to join until October 2019. Then COVID stopped the world. When looking for an American Legion Post I wanted an "active one". The only active one was an hour and a half away. So another female veteran who was elected Post Commander and them promptly shunned and ignored started a NEW Post. And I am now a proud member of the American Legion. I am Post Historian and three of our officers are DISTRICT officers including myself as district historian. We are active in our community. We have received some negative comments and feelings about why we started a new post instead of going out of town from another CIVILIAN military support group that doesn't do anything but the Memorial Day Service once a year. We have a great partnership with our Eagles club who are allowing us to use their building and we give them man power for their events.

As a women veteran who served over seas joining my local VFW was something I looked forward too! Got my DD214 and went to sign up. I was informed that I was welcome to join with the soldiers wife's. I earned the right to join and no way was I going to be delegated to less than what I earned! Needless to say I told them where to place their VFW!

Every day that goes by there are more and more OEF / OIF Veterans that want to join, but they go into these VFWs and American Legions and it's like walking into church - cliques and isolation. The programs are already in place but aren't welcoming for new members. The word that comes to mind is ATROPHY. These organizations will slowly die without knowing it if they continue without changing to accommodate OEF / OIF veterans.
I agree with most of the posts here: make these organizations more family oriented. And support the OEF / OIF guys and gals more. It only takes ONCE for them to walk in and then walk out 15 minutes later and never go back.

I was an active member of an American Legion post for about 3 years. Prior to my participation, the organization didn't seem to be doing much other than looking for 'contributions' to pay the bills. They owned their building yet were all but invisible in the community. No participation in local Memorial Day or Veteran's Day activities.
'We' opened up and began holding dances at Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day and adding other activities to contribute to the community.
My participation stopped when during the course of clean-up after one of those functions, the question was asked by one of the Legion Auxiliary members "Whose dog tags is she wearing?" Directed at me. When advised by a Legion member that they were MY Dog Tags, that I am Retired Army, she challenged whether that was accurate and asserted that rather than being a Legion member, I should rightly be a member of the Auxiliary.

I finished the clean-up-, took my toys and went home never to return. Eventually they ceased operation as the building was lost in a fire and their members eventually died off.

I am a Vietnam veteran and was told from day one that because I was a female I wasn't welcome with either group. As far as I'm concerned they can both kiss my A$$ into perpetuity. Makes me sorry I worked so hard to save their lives.

I respect the fact the the AL is for all but I have a problem with non Veterans having more rights then Veterans. Meaning people that have never served can do what ever they want to the point that Veterans don’t feel safe going in to an event or to just hang out. Not alone a Female Veteran should always feel safe going buy herself and men Veterans should always have their six.

I am part of the American Legion and a prior Vice Commander. One thing I noticed is that some of our older veterans are more stern and not as welcoming to new ideas. As times have changed, branching out to our newer veterans and service members and doing so on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have helped to bring more community awareness to the organization. Highlighting various functions and events have helped to bring in some new faces and friends to our small family. Finding ways to generate new opportunities for engagement will help to bridge the gap between these two different generations of veterans and supporters.

I can only speak for my local AL. First, I had to make an appointment to speak to someone about joining. Once the guy finally called me back, he said, "You know you need a DD214 to be a member, right?" That was the only thing really needed to hear. The he went on to tell me all the fees I would have to pay up front, before they would "consider allowing me to join."

Women's service is still not thought of as being a veteran. Add to that the Gulf War was not a real war. Why would I want to be anywhere near those people?

I was a long time American Legion member at Post 1992 in Aurora, CO where i held a few officer positions, including Post Vice Commander back in 2012. We retired in 2016 and moved up into the mountains, far away from any AL or VFW posts. After becoming a "snowbird," I tried going to the local American Legion in Foley, AL for dinner one evening. The place was so smokey I thought I was going to be sick. I realize that the posts in AL are exempt from the no smoking laws of normal bars and restaurants, but my family will no longer support an organization that can't move into the modern age.

The age of members is certainly part of the issue; another is the culture. The stereotypical smoke-filled bar in the basement or side room isn't all that appealing to young veterans who want to be out, meet singles, network, or bring a young family. Yes, many VSO facilities are smoke-free, but the stain (physical and psychological) of decades permeates, and going to the legion to drink isn't a socially desirable situation. Perception is reality.

Many vets today endured far too many years in an organization that existed in far too political a sphere. The left-right influences are all-pervasive and not desired in a social setting. Constant shop / VA talk is not sought after either. The vet may come for help with the VA, but after the help, what does the VSO offer? Today's veterans are more individually driven and looking for the ability to contribute in social ways on their terms.

VSO's would be best served by partnering with units, local companies, and reserve component units, offering events and services outside of the standard veteran/VA offerings. Host or sponsor town fairs, golf tournaments, or concerts. Advertise in local schools, including colleges, offering volunteer service hours towards their education requirements. Be seen supporting the community in times of crisis, opening (physically, not enrollment) the doors to kids and families for sports and games like a community center.

Essentially the VSO has to be an active, modern, and vibrant member of there community.