About

The American Legion has been a strong advocate for children and youth since its inception and has a proud tradition of supporting our nation’s youth. When The American Legion was founded in 1919, Children & Youth was established as one of the Legion’s four pillars. In the years since, a number of youth-oriented programs have been developed, including Temporary Financial Assistance, the Family Support Network, and child safety and well-being programs.

The Americanism Commission’s Children & Youth Committee is the center of the Legion’s youth-support efforts. The Committee meets annually to formulate, recommend, and implement plans, programs and activities designed to address the areas of child safety, child well-being, and family emphasis. The plans should:

Assure care and protection for the children of veterans.
Improve conditions for all children and youth with due concern for maintaining the integrity of the family home.
Prevent social and physical ills of children and youth where possible, utilizing services of and cooperating with sound organizations and agencies for children and youth.
Maintain a balanced program that provides for the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of children and youth.

This steadfast dedication has never wavered and continues to be a driving force on behalf of children across the country today.

See the “The Whole Child” publication for an overview of The American Legion’s efforts in the area of Children and Youth programming at The Whole Child: New edition now available | The American Legion.