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

When I was a young man I went to a VFW post in my home town not long after I was discharged from the Corps, I found the same treatment from the WWII vets so I just never went, back, I thought about it later and asked myself, was I going there just to drink and BS about VN? And it was, so I just got on with my life.

Interesting discussion. I don't belong to either organization, because I don't believe I have the time. I retired in 2016 with 24yrs Active Duty service. Five deployments to the Arabian Gulf from 1994 to 2012. Was aboard the USS ARKANSAS (CGN-41) during Operation Desert Strike. I also served aboard the ABRAHAM LINCOLN and the NIMITZ, while they deployed to the Middle East.

In 2016, when my family left NIOC Hawaii, my family relocated to Missouri, bought a farm with 39 acres and we currently have several types of animals. I also work full-time as a Quality Manager for a small Aerospace Industry manufacturer.
I also drive school bus part-time for a local school district. I have a bus driver co-worker that is the District President for the VFW in our area. He's consistently trying to get me to join, to boost their numbers. He's very willing to tell me all the good things the unit participates in, which I understand are good things for the community. I've seen them active in the school district and the community.
However; I don't believe I can give the organization the dedicated time it deserves, with all the other activities happening with my time. I don't want to be just a "number". If my schedule changes, then who knows exactly what the future holds with my association with the VFW. I've never considered the American Legion.

My opinion, if a person served our nation's military honorably, then their service and their choice to voluntarily serve, needs to be recognized and honored. I do realize we have veterans that were drafted, so the choice to serve was not theirs. Individual traits and characteristics should not distract or degrade the gratitude or appreciation expressed towards anyone who served.
I am grateful for my Brothers and Sisters in Arms, my military family, that share a common bond and similar experiences.

On a much larger scale, I am a Christian, I believe we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father and that's my choice. I will share what I believe with others if they ask, but I won't ever try to force my belief or faith on others. Billions of people on the earth and there are most likely Billions of different opinions on what's best for an individual. The key is to be respectful of others. Just my opinion!

Thanks but no thanks. I'm glad I served, I keep in contact with the guys that are important to me and thats enough. I dont particularly want to relive "the good old days" or rehash old war stories again and again. That said, every single time I've been to one if those organizations, they're ALWAYS in an old, mold infested building that is either haunted, was probably condemned back in the 70s, or is in such bad shape the highway patrol or DMV doesn't even want it. Update the infrastructure.

I have been a member of Legion Riders and my biggest problem is the amount of drinking and then riding. I am not against drinking in general but it is the focus of some chapters. Smoking is also a big turnoff
I have been in some posts where the smoke was so thick you couldn't see.
Also need to actually look out for members, not by reading a list of who is in the hospital and sending flowers
But truly having everyone's back.and making sure all members are in good shape

Stop asking for $$ from THIS Veteran and offer something to help. All my local Legion wanted was to make sure they sent my dues renewal letter. I went to one meeting, first one, and was acknowledged, but ignored. Stuffed shirts.

I already belong to both.

Today's vets are not Gen X nor Boomers. Those generations were taught bars are where the guys hang to get away from people. Millenials are more geared towards outdoors, community oriented etc. Every VFW I've been too is a dark indoor, smoky, musty place full of unrelateable WW2, Vietnam, and Gulf War pics, old disgruntled ladies serving bud light and only open weekdays from 2-5pm.

Never once seen an IPA served, outdoor deck and fake turf grass, a dog's allowed sign, axe throwing, nor a poster of Generation Kill.

Until then, millenial vets will probably continue finding local brewpubs, house parties, and dog parks to be just as great place to go out and meet with vets.

I really don’t have any ideas I myself join the American legion for a year and sat by myself most of the time. I saw other men come for a visit and everyone was all over them so I left

Our service organizations provoke a great service to our veterans . They have service officers that guide your through the disability process. They offer counseling. They provide funds and commodities to those in need. Without them the veteran would be forgotten and our benefits g’reatly diminished. There is strength in numbers and our strength insures our benefits are not taken away. I too felt shunned by WWII veterans when I came home. The only way change can become reality is through participation.

I actually was a member with a post in North Carolina. I was also a Scout leader in the troop sponsored by the post. However, one of the "clique" members got appointed as the liaison between the post and the Scouting program, and while the Scout program was focused on being youth-led, he refused to acknowledge this. He became more and more abusive towards the troop adult leadership, blustering and threatening to the point that the local Scout Council knew he was not to be trusted, he attacked my son verbally during a Board of Review for rank to the point that my son walked out of the meeting and waited outside in the dark for my wife to pick him up. This same person tried to pick a new Scoutmaster during a transition period, without input from the troop committee, and when told he didn't decide the issue, he threatened to have the post drop the program. I had already transferred to Member-At-Large under the state post, and an overwhelming number of the older youth had transferred out of the troop and formed a new unit elsewhere. Once this individual managed to get himself elected post commander, I decided the American Legion was all about being part of the "inner circle" or else you're just a source for donations.