Leadership

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Inspiring Students to Compete in the Oratorical Contest

Houston, we have a problem. 

American Legion Posts across the country are struggling to attract students to compete in the annual Oratorical Contest.  Simply emailing teachers and parents about the contest date and location is not enough to bring the students out.

District 8 Commander presents 1st Prize award to Benna Sanders. Photo by Steve Smull

I was saddened but not surprised that only two out of the nine posts in our District had contestants participate in the Oratorical contest held at Legion Post 25 in Cottonwood, AZ on Feb 28, 2026.

I’ve been hearing for years about how difficult it is to recruit young contestants to this Speech contest which was started in 1938.

The excuse list is long and as a Toastmaster with 30+ years of contest experience, I understand the common challenges.  

Root Causes

  • Media saturation and information overload.
  • Limited attention spans.
  • Lack of knowledge or interest in American history and government.
  • Fear of public speaking.
    • Oratorical skills are viewed as old-fashioned.
  • Polarization of politics.
    • Topic of U.S. Constitution and Amendments can be viewed as controversial.

What can we do about it?

What can the American Legion officers, members and contest chairs do to attract more high school students to the annual Oratorical Contest?

  1. Update and improve the PR and Marketing strategy to connect with Generation Alpha (those born after 2010).
    •  Engage with students, parents, teachers, and youth group leaders in more direct and modern ways.
  2. Highlight the benefits of participating:
    • Cash awards and Scholarships(up to $25,000).
    • Develop communication skills.
    • Achievements to include on resume.
    • Civic education and appreciation for our nation’s founding documents.  
  3. Provide support and personalized coaching to the contestants who may not be comfortable in speaking before a live audience (Toastmasters, Scouting, Teachers, etc).

My Experience in Prescott, AZ

One week before my Post’s contest in February 2026, I actively recruited two students. 

Here’s what I did:

  1. At my weekly Prescott Club Toastmaster meeting, I directly approached a well-spoken young member and told him that I thought that he was a strong speaker and that he’d make a very good contestant in the upcoming contest. I encouraged him to register for the event that morning and texted him within the hour with to the link to sign up.  He committed that day and applied online.
  2. I emailed a new Post member who is a retired Army Colonel and JROTC Instructor at a local high school and asked him to talk to his cadets about the contest the following week.  I sent him the event flyer and told him that we needed a participant or 2.  He wrote back the following day that one of his students was interested.  I emailed the interested student the registration link and they applied within 2 days.

Both students participated in the Post and District 8 level contests in February and received cash awards of over $200.

How to recruit more contestants

Recommendations for attracting students to the Oratorical Contest:

Call to Action

  • Engage with students in new ways:
    • Gamification, AI, Influencers, and short videos (30 secs –2 mins). 
    • Learning what these new concepts mean to the younger generation is key to reaching them and getting them to participate.
  • Marketing and Public Relations
    • Use Social Media- Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
    • Create online Evite link and share QR code.
    • Increase the promotion and awareness of the event in local print and online newspaper articles (use Legion’s Press Release templates and stock photos of young people speaking).
    • Create a simple flyer with color and engaging photo and post in at the library and local coffee shops.
  • Leverage and connect in small, trusted groups:
    • Toastmaster clubs- parents and students who are members
    • JROTC classes at High School
    • History teachers at local schools
    • Debate clubs
    • Local homeschool pods
    • Scouting troops
    • Boys and Girls Clubs
    • Church groups
    • 4H Clubs and FFA (Future Farmers of America

Call to Action

Help America’s future leaders learn about and appreciate the U.S. Constitution by connecting with them and encouraging them to get engaged.  

I encourage you to inspire and motivate the students of Gen Alpha with the recommended techniques and actions outlined above.

We can do this by:

Modernizing our marketing approach, highlighting the benefits, and reaching people directly in trusted settings.

Contest Chair Jerri Strande with District Commander and contestants. Photo by Steve Smull

Supplement Information:  Use of AI

To help with local, targeted recruiting based on your area/location:

Below is an AI prompt I used in the AI tool Grok.

“What are the best ways to recruit students for the Oratorical Contest held by the American Legion in the Prescott, AZ area”.

Below is the output from Grok (as an example):

                  Recruiting high school students for the **American Legion Oratorical Contest** in Prescott, AZ (typically hosted by American Legion Post 6, with local contests held at venues like the post building or Prescott Library) requires targeted outreach that emphasizes the contest’s benefits: scholarships (up to $25,000 nationally, plus local/district awards), building public speaking skills, leadership development, deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and college resume boosts.

The contest is open to U.S. citizens or lawful residents under age 20 enrolled in high school (grades 9–12, including public, private, parochial, military, charter, or home school). Speeches focus on constitutional topics (8–10 min prepared oration + 3–5 min assigned topic).

Here are the **best, proven ways** to recruit participants, drawn from American Legion guidelines, department chairmen experiences (e.g., North Carolina), NSDA/speech-debate recruitment strategies, and local AZ/Prescott patterns:

1. **Direct School Outreach and Partnerships** 

   Contact high schools in the Prescott area (e.g., Prescott High School, Bradshaw Mountain High School, Granite Mountain School, homeschool groups, and nearby districts like Chino Valley or Mingus Union). 

   – Visit early in the school year (fall) or as soon as contest details are out—bring flyers/brochures from legion.org. 

   – Present to student assemblies, government/civics/history classes, speech/debate/forensics clubs, National Honor Society, or ROTC/JROTC groups (these students often excel in oratory). 

   – Partner with teachers/counselors—ask them to announce it or recommend strong speakers/writers. Local contests often feature Prescott High winners, so leverage past successes.

2. **Highlight Scholarships and Incentives** 

   Promote the big draw: cash scholarships (national top prizes $20,000–$25,000; local levels offer smaller awards) and NSDA points (double points for competing). 

   – Frame it as a low-barrier way to earn college money—no entry fee, just preparation and delivery. 

   – Share alumni success stories (e.g., Mike Pence, Lou Dobbs) to inspire.

3. **Digital and Social Media Promotion** 

   – Post on local Facebook groups (e.g., Prescott community pages, school parent groups, Yavapai County homeschool networks). 

   – Use Instagram/TikTok for short videos: past winners speaking, quick tips on constitutional topics, or “Why I competed” testimonials. 

   – Email blasts via school districts or post announcements in school newsletters/bulletins. 

   – Create a simple flyer/event page with details (e.g., date/time at Post 6, 202 S. Pleasant St., Prescott; deadlines often Jan/Feb for local rounds).

4. **Host Informational Sessions or Mini-Demos** 

   – Run a free “intro workshop” at the Legion post, library, or school—demonstrate a sample speech, explain rules, and let students practice a short topic. 

   – Invite current/former participants to speak about their experience (builds excitement and reduces intimidation). 

   – Schedule during lunch, after school, or as a club meeting to attract curious students.

5. **Community and Veteran Networks** 

   – Leverage American Legion Post 6 members/veterans to speak at schools or events—veterans’ stories resonate when tied to citizenship/Constitution. 

   – Reach homeschool families via county contacts or local co-ops. 

   – Announce in local media (e.g., Daily Courier, Signals AZ—they’ve covered past Prescott contests). 

   – Invite audiences (especially younger students) to watch the local contest—exposure often recruits for next year.

Legion Post 6 members and Contestants in the District 8 Contest. Photo by Steve Smull

6. **Personal Invitations and Peer Recruitment** 

   – Have teachers, coaches, or current participants personally invite strong students (e.g., good writers, confident speakers, debate team members). 

   – Use student-led outreach: Successful competitors recruit friends by sharing how it boosted confidence/resumes.

7. **Timing and Logistics Tips** 

   – Start promotion early (November/December for contests often in Jan/Feb). 

   – Make entry easy: Provide clear rules/eligibility from legion.org, application forms, and contact (e.g., Post 6 or AZ Department). 

   – Offer support like speech coaching resources or practice sessions to lower barriers.

These methods have worked nationally (e.g., visiting all school types, using flyers, building interest via showcases) and locally (Prescott contests draw from area high schools with winners advancing). Focus on the contest’s empowering aspects—it’s not just competition; it’s skill-building with real rewards. For the latest 2026 details/deadlines in AZ, check azlegion.org, legion.org/oratorical, or contact American Legion Post 6 in Prescott directly. Good luck—strong recruitment can lead to more participants and bigger impact!

From Captain to Culinary Champion: Rinda K. Ranch-Hillis
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From Captain to Culinary Champion: Rinda K. Ranch-Hillis

Ernest A. Love Post 6 has amazingly talented members with diverse skills and backgrounds.  As an author, I was thrilled to get to know one of Legion Post 6’s newer members, Rinda Ranch-Hillis as her story and experiences are so interesting. Since I served as a junior officer in the US Army, I was intrigued and fascinated to learn from a senior US Navy officer who served 27 years on active duty.

Rinda was born and raised in Colorado and her father was a teacher and her mother was an RN.  She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Colorado with a major in Biology and Forestry.  In addition to her studies, Rinda worked during college in some unique jobs including Assistant Embalmer and shared a funny quote- “You stab them, I’ll stuff ‘em!”

During school Rinda played tennis and shared that she is a competitive person by nature.  She now enjoys hiking, golfing, and biking in northern Arizona.

After graduating college in December 1985, Rinda attended Aviation Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in 1986.  Upon completion of the aviation training pipeline she was winged a Naval Aviator in February 1988.  Rinda reported to Ocean Development Squadron EIGHT as the Schedules Officer and completed several detachments around the world.  She then reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command as a Water Survival Instructor.  See below for the complete military bio of Captain Ranch-Hillis.

For anyone who has met Rinda in person, they know that she is spirited and passionate about what she believes in- she is assertive and confident, direct and no nonsense.  She is also extremely hard working and a generous volunteer.  Rinda is a leader who inspires others.

Rinda is a woman of many talents and shared that she enjoys cooking and always has.  Her passion in this area is a boon for the members and families of Post 6 as Rinda has enthusiastically created many delicious meals at the weekly Tasty Tuesday, Thursday dinner specials and Sunday morning breakfasts.  

Rinda at the Post 6 Kitchen serving veterans and families a Valentine’s Dinner

When I asked Rinda what she liked most about being in the military she said “having a positive impact on Sailors” and taking care of them (10 fingers, 10 toes).   Now retired, she is being of service to the veterans and family chapters of American Legion Post 6 and beyond. Her energy and attitude are a great asset and gift to those in need. 

Rinda and her husband Dr. Shaun Hillis of 18 years joined the American Legion in Prescott in 2024.  They have a double doodle dog named Sailor. 

Navigating ships, flying planes, and commanding thousands of service men and women all around the world are just some of Rinda Hillis-Ranch’s amazing skills.   The Ernest A. Love Post 6 family is now benefiting and enjoying the culinary gifts of the Captain!

Being of service is a value that many U.S. Military veterans share and Rinda continues this tradition by channeling her energy and talents to care and nourish others.  Post 6 is lucky to have her in their ranks.  

Military Bio of Captain Ranch Hillis:

When the military employment began for Operation Desert Storm, Captain Ranch-Hillis terminated shore duty, requesting assignment to sea duty as a Surface Warfare Officer.  Upon completion of her afloat training pipeline, she reported to USS NIAGARA FALLS (AFS 3) in Guam.  Serving as Assistant First Lieutenant, she completed two deployments in support of Operations Desert Storm and Restore Hope.  She then attended Surface Warfare Department Head School and reported to USS SAMUEL GOMPERS (AD-37) as First Lieutenant, making a deployment to the Arabian Gulf, and a transit through the Panama Canal in support of the ship’s decommissioning in Norfolk, VA.  She then completed a second department head tour as First Lieutenant in USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47) in which she completed her fourth deployment to the Arabian Gulf.  Captain Ranch-Hillis was then ordered to the Navy Staff (N45) in Washington DC, where she worked environmental afloat issues for the surface fleet.  

Following her Washington tour, she attended the Naval War College and earned a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies.  Captain Ranch-Hillis then entered the Command at Sea pipeline enroute command of USS SHRIKE (MHC 62).  Upon completion of her LCDR Command tour she reported to Navy Warfare Development Command, San Diego Detachment as the Fleet Liaison Officer to C3F and C7F.  She then took command of USS THACH (FFG 43) while on deployment to C5F as part of Expeditionary Strike Group Five.  Upon completion of maintenance and training cycles, USS THACH deployed to South America in support of Counter Drug Operations.  Upon completion of her Commander Command tour, she transferred to Commander Naval Air Forces where she was the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, for training of the Carrier Fleet.  She then volunteered for an assignment in the Persian Gulf, serving as the Chief of Staff for Commander Task Force – Individual Augmentee, in direct support of Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.  Captain Ranch-Hillis completed 27.5 years of service as the Officer-In-Charge of Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, San Diego.  

Captain Rinda Ranch-Hillis

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From Jet Engines to Honor Guard

Joe Weidner is a long time Legionnaire and Honor Guard member who joined Ernest A. Love Post 6 in 2012.  Joe has lived in many places across the world and travelled to numerous countries during his time in U.S. Airforce.

Joe was born in an Austrian refugee camp in 1949. His father was in the German Wehrmacht in WWII and was held in a British POW camp.  After the war, his father worked in a warehouse for the Americans.  

The Weidner family emigrated to Ellis Island in 1950 and lived in Chicago before moving to South California.  Joe attended San Gabriel Mission High School and majored in aerospace engineering in college.  

Joe, like many in his generation, had three friends who died while fighting in Vietnam.  He made a conscious decision to join the U.S. Air Force in 1970 and did his basic training in San Antonio, TX.  Joe was the Outstanding Honor Graduate at his Tech school where he was trained as a Jet Mechanic and initially worked on 1-2 engine jets before advancing to specialize in 4-engine jets.  

Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina was Joe’s first duty station where he served four years.  As his Air Force career progressed, he worked on 4 engine jets like the C-141.  As an E-5 he had a crew of four.

Joe Weidener supported the 82nd and 101st  Airborne Divisions on multiple jump and cargo missions.

In 1973, he was on a mission that flew to Saudi Arabia for two weeks where they transported an Indonesian peacekeeping contingent for the UN to the Sinai Peninsula after the Yom Kippur War.

Joe spent 90 days on temporary duty assignment (TDY) in Alaska. While stationed there, he was tasked with the solemn responsibility of transporting caskets for servicemembers who had been killed in Vietnam. Each day, Joe witnessed the heartbreaking reality of war, seeing as many as 8 to 10 caskets arrive daily. Reflecting on this experience, Joe described the duty as profoundly difficult, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during the conflict.

 During his time in active duty, Joe was stationed in Germany two times and did NATO missions in England.  He flew into Vietnam three times on resupply flights.

Joe is known for his innovative thinking and natural curiosity. As a student, Joe excelled in Math and Physics, enjoying these subjects and achieving strong academic results. His proficiency in these areas reflects his analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities, which have been evident throughout his life and career.

To highlight his creative problem-solving skills, Joe shared a story about how he jerry-rigged an O-ring from black top tar and fixed a hydraulic leak on the left landing gear of a C-141 and then had the confidence to sign off on the condition of the aircraft.

C-141 Aircraft

When asked what he liked most about serving in the U.S. military, Joe replied, “the comradery” and then strongly stated, “I would do it again in a heartbeat”.

What did Joe like least about the military?  He said, “Overbearing young officers.”

Joe left the service in 1974 and went on to worked for Pacific Bell where he met his future wife Debbie and were married in July 1982. They have been married for 43 years and have two sons, Mike and Jeff. Mike, the eldest, is a Firefighter and Paramedic working for the City of Colton Fire Department in Southern California and Jeff is a Mechanical Engineer working for a medical equipment supplier.

Joe retired from Pac Bell in 2002 after 30 years.  He specialized in fiber optic cable.

In the 1990s, Joe was an active member and Officer of American Legion Post 72 in Anaheim, CA where he served as Chaplain, Finance Officer, and a member of the Executive Board (E-Board).  He was also the Post’s Honor Guard Commander from 2003-2011.

After Joe moved to Prescott, he met Dan Tillman and has been in the Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard ever since.  His time and service in American Legion Honor Guard total over 23 years.

Joe remembers a particularly poignant moment at a burial service in Anaheim where the widow put her hand on his when he presented the folded flag. He’ll never forget powerful emotion and energy coming from her trembling hand as her whole world was turning upside down.  

Joe feels that “the American Legion is head and shoulders above the other veteran organizations due to so much community involvement.”  In his experience, the other vet orgs are “all show and no go” and did not help the local veterans as much.

American Legion Post 6 Honor Guard on 9/11/25

In summary, Joe’s journey—from his early academic achievements and military service to his dedication as an officer and member of the Honor Guard in the American Legion—demonstrates a commitment to leadership, service, and community. His experiences reflect not only technical expertise and problem-solving, but also a deep sense of empathy and connection with others. 

Ernest A. Love Post 6 is lucky to have Joe Weidner in its ranks as he serves as a positive force who continues to respect and honor his fellow veterans. 

Joe Weidner at American Legion Post 6
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The Courage to Communicate: Charlie’s Legacy

When the courage to communicate means that you are killed for the words you speak, your impact and legacy on the country and the world are immense.

I, like millions of other Americans, mourn the death of Charlie Kirk and feel moved to share my feelings and thoughts about it.

The events of the last two weeks have hit me hard for many reasons. For one, I live in Arizona and attended a Turning Point USA event which Charlie skillfully led in at the Arizona Grand hotel in Phoenix in 2022.

The second reason that this tragic event feels so close and personal is that my business office while we lived in Phoenix was located within 400 meters of the Turning Point USA campus and I used to take afternoon walks by the location where there is now a huge memorial of flowers, signs and prayers.

I was so impressed with Charlie’s positive message of hope and the professionalism of the TPUSA event, I visited their website and searched for jobs to apply to.

Next, I wrote a book titled Strong Words and Simple Truths: The Courage to Communicate and I strongly feel that this combination words and their sentiment exemplifies Charlie’s life, vision, and mission.

Lastly, I am a Christian and American who stands up for God and Country as a volunteer in my community.

The Turning Point USA Campus in Phoenix, AZ

As someone who enjoys public speaking and writing, I admired Charlie’s ability to clearly and powerfully connect with others.

I aspire to be a happy warrior who has the courage to communicate what is right and what is important to our family, friends, community, and country.

Charlie Kirk spoke strong words and simple truths that impacted a generation and a nation.

May his memory be a blessing.

Mural of Charlie Kirk at the Apple Pan Restaurant in Prescott, AZ. Photo by Steve Smull

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What is the American Legion Serving?

Your local American Legion Post serves numerous things- many of which are not well known, understood, or appreciated. Beyond the stereotypical cheap drinks, the Legion actively serves people, young and old, in communities across the country.

My personal experience at the Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 in Prescott, AZ, has opened my eyes and warmed my heart- showing me that The Legion is more than a bar, more than a building. 

Post 6 Commander, Sam McPherson, cooking eggs for Sunday breakfast

What are they serving at my post? Thousands of home-cooked meals of soup, sandwiches, tacos, eggs, potatoes, bacon, and pancakes per year. Grilled burgers to warm up the crowd for Queen of Hearts on Thursdays. Sunday breakfast is served with a healthy side of smiles and laughter.

Post, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion Members keeping spirits high in the kitchen

The local American Legion post is a unique and warm place where veterans and their families can come to relax and share stories. It is a place to sing and dance-  a place that combats loneliness. A place that serves up cheer, good will and support.

What does it mean to serve? Well, there are over 12 definitions of the verb Serve.

Here are three main meanings:

  1. As in to attend to. To help a person to food or drink. To work for or wait on.
  2. As in to act. To be of use. Hold an office. Discharge or perform a duty. Respect and honor.
  3. As in to provide services that benefit or help others. To assist or answer the needs of.  The American Legion Service Officer is a prime example of this role.

I have witnessed Legion members and officers acting in all three of the above listed definitions of Serve.

Like my father (a WWII veteran), my mother (a post Auxiliary member), my husband (Post Photographer), my brother (a Son of the American Legion) and cousins (Vietnam veterans), it is my honor to serve.  It is all about Veterans Helping Veterans.

So what are we serving at the American Legion?

  • We are serving aid to the homeless, the lonely, the sick, and the injured.
  • We are serving connection and support to veterans through Buddy Checks.
  • We are serving as a home and welcoming “3rd place” that people can go to for  comfort and belonging.
  • We are serving smiles, hugs, and laughter.
  • We are serving camaraderie, meaning, and purpose.
  • We are serving history, honor, and remembrance.
  • We are serving traditions, respect for the flag, and Americanism.
  • We are an extended family who looks after each other. Supports and assists when the chips are down.
  • The Legion is light- not heavy (like in the 1969 song  “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”), lifting up our veteran brothers and sisters. Lifting the burden of loneliness, trauma and grief. Giving a warm and comforting hand when it’s needed most. 

This is what the American Legion is serving!

Post 6 Officer and ALR Member, Rusty Snyder, serving members at annual Picnic in Prescott, AZ

The American Legion had strong and active family units and chapters who extend and expand the service of the post members. The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L), the Auxiliary, and the American Legion Riders (ALR) all play an important role in the service to the veterans, their families and the community.  They also make awesome bacon guacamole burgers and Denver omelettes!

The Legion is more than a bar. It is more than a building. 

The American Legion Post in the heart and soul of the local community serving veterans and their families.  

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Courage is Contagious

It’s time to tell a story. A story about two women leaders who are speaking a great deal this week about topics which are top of mind for many Americans. 

I had to the privilege and honor to see, hear, and meet one of these speakers in person at an event at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. I was left inspired and motivated to spread the word of her important message and call to action. While only 24 years old, this elite athlete was one of the most impressive presenters I have seen in years. The clarity and focus of her message were strong and effective. Riley Gaines shared her story and experiences in the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship competition with poise and grace. She left me with a memorable mantra: Courage is Contagious.

As someone who has been focused on improving my communication skills for the last 30 years in Toastmasters, I tend to analyze and evaluate every public speaker I listen to. I notice and silently grade aspects of an orator’s delivery, speech structure and audience impact.

The second female leader I heard speak this week was 35 years older than Riley Gaines but left me feeling unsettled and confused. Her message was light and airy with words like opportunity, unity, dreams and aspirations but the delivery was distracting and unprofessional for someone of her experience. I suppose I have very high standards and expectations for the communication skills of an attorney and a politician who is running for the office of President of the United States. But alas, Kamala Harris left me scratching my head trying to understand what she meant with her lofty words and rehearsed phrases. She left me with no memorable mantra or call to action. 

The stark contrast between these two speakers was felt in my head, my heart and my gut. 

As Riley Gaines courageously fights for fairness in sports for women and girls by presenting at U.S. congressional hearings, on cable news shows and in countless public events around the country, Kamala Harris is talking with Oprah Winfrey in a staged and inauthentic manner. Riley is rallying to protect Title IX while Kamala is focused on hot button topics and ideas that a good portion of the country is opposed to. 

When evaluating a speaker’s presentation, I strive to separate style from substance but in this side-by-side comparison I would have say that the young champion swimmer won hands down on both delivery and content. 

During the Q&A at Riley’s event which was titled “An Evening of Sanity and Satire”, I asked a question about self-censorship and her reply was “Don’t be afraid to speak the truth- it’s the easiest way to thing to say”. I believed her and will continue to share my thoughts, ideas and experiences. 

As I reflect on the impact of words spoken by Kamala Harris and Riley Gaines this past week, I can’t help but think that simple truth and clarity about strongly held beliefs connects and resonates more deeply with an audience than generalized concepts of how things could and should be. 

The Courage to Communicate is the subtitle of my book, Strong Words and Simple Truths, and I wish our elected officials would have more strength and conviction to verbally express their true values and ideas. Authentic expression and storytelling are a powerful ways to reach and connect with others and this speaker comparison illustrates that point as clear as the starting bell.

Steve Smull, Riley Gaines and Brenda Smull in Prescott, AZ

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Will We Ever Learn?

Do human beings learn from their mistakes?

It doesn’t seem so.

I’m observing that many people on this earth are continually repeating negative patterns and unproductive behaviors.  There doesn’t seem to be much adaptation or changing of course when mistakes are made.   Learning from our mistakes and adjusting how we approach a situation is not a common occurrence today.  Perhaps it is because we humans tend to base our decisions more on feelings and emotions rather than logic and facts.   Can you ever really “learn” from a feeling?

I wrote the blog below ten years ago in May 2014 and I’m sad to say the sentiment is still valid today.  The title “Leadership Challenges in Non-Profit Organizations” is a continuous issue for another who volunteers or is elected to an Officer.  

My observations and recommendations on these phenomena also apply greatly to our local, state and federal leaders.  

Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations.  

Published online on May 30, 2014.

Strong leaders are critical to the success of any organization- be it a non profit,  a corporation, a military unit,  a church or a bicycle club.   I believe that successful leaders can be developed and nurtured through mentoring, coaching and training but I have recently witnessed how unchecked power and bloated egos can corrupt leaders of volunteer groups.   Over the last 20 years, I’ve been a member and/or officer in numerous nonprofit and corporate organizations and have seen a negative trend in leadership ethics.

Since college I have had the honor and privilege of serving under many inspirational officers, managers and executives who truly embodied the values of respect, humility and service.   These altruistic and motivational men and women were my role models and taught me the importance of recognition, encouragement, honesty and integrity.   They taught me to stay focused on the team member’s needs above my own.

In the past few years, I have become concerned by the increase in the frequency and negative impact that “corrupted” leaders are having on their organizations (this is across the board in society-  from the local nonprofit and school board to the state and federal governments).   There are more power-influenced leaders today and fewer selfless ones. There is more Me and less We and that’s not the way it should be!  Another disappointing theme I’ve observed recently is a misplaced focus where the officers of organizations are more concerned about their own power, titles and agendas with little priority or attention given to the actual members.

I recently wrote a speech and created a presentation entitled “Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations”  where I outlined issues, impediments and possible solutions to address membership growth and retention concerns in non profit groups like Toastmasters and the VFW.   I sadly will cite the destructive and non-collaborative behaviors of power trips, politics and petty personal attacks as key factors negatively impacting the morale and growth of many well meaning, non-profit groups.

Solutions to these issues are often difficult to implement in a broad sense since they need to come from within the individual leaders however,  a positive organizational culture coupled with strong team agreements can go a long way toward improving a group’s leadership challenges.   An unwavering commitment to the organization’s  core Mission, without compromise, is also a critical to ensuring that ethical leaders are rewarded, encouraged and attracted.

Here are the Mission Statements of two organizations I am a member of:

“Provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills.”

 “ To serve our veterans, the military and our communities.  To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”

Notice that nowhere in the statements above does it mention the role, power or importance of the leaders or officers of the group.  They are solely focused on the members of the organization.  Losing sight of this simple fact is what I believe is causing many of the leadership issues we see in our volunteer organizations today.

Perhaps this message and blog can reach others and be shared in order to make a positive impact in our communities and non-profit groups.  I hope so!

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My Final Report to Legion Post 64

These words were published in the June 2024 Newsletter for American Legion Post 64 in Phoenix, Arizona.

This is my final report to you as your Commander.  One year ago, I was honored to be elected to lead the Ahwatukee Post and I am happy to say that we fulfilled our promise to directly help and assist local veterans and their families.

Adjutant Roddy Charlton and Chaplain Rebecca Schmidt presented me with the Commander’s Award

In mid 2023, the officers of Post 64 came together and crafted an Action Plan which focused on meeting the needs of our members.  The plan had 3 points:  1) Engage- Make Connections, 2) Expand- Build Bridges, and 3) Retain- Strengthen Social Fabric.  When I look back at the last 11 months and reflect on all the good work, activities, and events that our members participated in, the words Mission Accomplished come to mind.

Engage– We listened to what was important to our members and held three social mixers, two fundraiser dinner dances and numerous activities outside of our 10 regular member meetings at the ARC.  The number of veterans and guests who attended and actively participated also increased as the word got out about what value and benefit the American Legion can provide.  The outstanding personal outreach of the Buddy Check program by our Service Officer Craig Annis and a small team of volunteers also had an amazingly positive impact on engagement.

Expand– Our strong partnership with Auxiliary Unit 64 helped us expand and improve the quality of our service to those in need.   We built bridges to the community with active roles in the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout Troop 172, local Middle and High Schools, and other veteran service organizations which extended our service reach.  With these actions and an enhanced PR/multimedia marketing emphasis, we increased awareness and visibility of the Legion programs that help those in need.

Retain– Taking care of the needs of our existing members while strengthen the social fabric of our post and local community enabled us to have the high member retain rate in District 12.   The key ingredients in this area were members’ passion and service to others with meaningful causes.  Having fun added the extra spice that kept people coming back and renewing their membership and increasing their involvement and commitment to our post.

As I pass the baton to our incoming Commander, Tamma Notaro, I am confident that she will keep the momentum going with our goal of Veterans Helping Veterans.  Her strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills, in addition to a military intelligence background, will serve her well in coming year.

Lastly, the most important thing I need to say is Thank You to all the post members and auxiliary for supporting me this past year.  We couldn’t have accomplished anything without you.  I was blessed to have an amazing team of officers who all stepped up and exceeded my expectations.  Words of appreciation are not enough to express my gratitude to the leaders of Post 64.  I enthusiastically salute the 2023-2024 Post and Unit 64 officers:  Al Hunter, Pete Meier, Roddy Charlton, Craig Annis, Jay Hendrix, Rebecca Schmidt, Mark Shillinger, David Green, Darlene Hunter, Joan Uhler, Kristy Hendrix, Judy Steffen, and Bev Shillinger.  Great job everyone!

I also want to express my deep appreciation to our Post Photographer, Steve Smull, who has been creatively capturing so many memories and moments at Post 64 for the past 6 years. 

A few words from Steve,

“As Post Photographer for Post 64, I was honored to serve and support Brenda’s efforts as Commander. We share a mutual respect for the efforts of our nation’s veterans, not just in defense of our borders, but also in their support of their peers. 

Brenda and I will carry our efforts for veterans up the hill with us. I enjoy supporting veteran events with images which support veterans’ efforts. Thanks for allowing me to do it.”

Steve Smull with the GOAT Award from Post 64

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Strong Partnerships, Common Goals: The American Legion & Boy Scouts

There’s a new partnership in town! 

Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64 is now the Charter Organization for Boy Scout Troop 172 in Tempe, Arizona.

This opportunity came knocking at my door recently and I am excited to be the COR (Charter Organization Representative) for this Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop.

One month ago, I had no idea of what a COR was and knew next to nothing about Boy Scout leadership. You see, while I was a proud Brownie and Girl Scout over 45 years ago, I don’t have children and I haven’t been involved with any Boy Scout activities (outside of buying bags of Carmel Corn for their annual fund raisers). I am a BSA novice!

It was sheer serendipity that this all come together in the past 30 days.

Here’s the story.

I was sitting at my desk in my work office building when a co-worker poked his head in and asked, “ Are you in the American Legion?”. 

“Yes, why do you ask?, I replied.

My colleague, Jason, responded, “Well, I googled “local American Legion Posts” and I found a website with photos of veterans and credits to photographer Steve Smull.”

“Yes, Steve is my husband and I’m an officer in that Legion post in Ahwatukee.”

“Wow, that’s great. My Boy Scout troop is looking for a Charter Organization to sponsor us and I was told that the American Legion is a good partner for this.”

Since I didn’t know much about this topic, I responded, “Sounds interesting, tell me more.”

And so Jason and I started the dialogue on how our teams could work together to support each others missions, values and goals.

I received a great deal of support from leaders at the Arizona Department of the American Legion as well as the Grand Canyon Council BSA.

Transition of the CORs at Committee Meeting for Troop172. l. to r. : Tom Sands, Jason Mork, Randy Chaloupka, Brenda Smull, Kent McVaugh, Brandon Eckerson

As I started digging in and reading more about the history of the American Legion and it’s support of Boy Scouts, I was thrilled to see the alliance goes back to the Legion’s first national convention in 1919. Today, American Legion posts sponsor more than 2,500 Scouting unites across the country. Arizona posts support and have CORs in over 35 Boy Scout troops.

In addition to the Boys State and Boys Nation programs which promotes Citizenship and Leadership, the Legion also honors the Eagle Scout of the Year during it’s national convention. The winner of this competition receives a $10,000 scholarship and three runners-up are each awarded $2,500.

The biggest Aha moment for me this past week was the realization of just how many values and goals are common between the American Legion and the Boy Scouts America (BSA).

It struck me that the 4 Pillars of the Legion align to the Aims of the BSA. This is illustrated in the graphic below.

The Legion pillars of National Defense, Youth, Americanism, Veteran Affairs are strongly and clearly in line with the vision and aims of the Boy Scouts.

Both of our organizations can benefit from each other in symbiotic ways for the benefit of our country, our communities, our youth and our veterans.

Post 64’s Color Guard team is also looking forward to working with the scouts on flag ceremonies and events.

There are so many things that excite and motivate me about this new charter and endeavor and I encourage you to learn more about these outstanding programs by going to www.legion.org/scouting/about and www.scouting.org.


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A Book Is Born!

I did it!

I published my first book, Strong Words and Simple Truths: The Courage to Communicate, on Amazon today.

To those who have been following and reading my blog over the past 8 years, I thank you for your interest and support of my thoughts, ideas and stories.

Words can not express the joy and elation I am feeling today. This is my baby. My legacy. My tribute to my family, friends, fellow veterans, and Toastmasters.

Over the last few months I have created new content and stories to weave the last 8 years of articles together. The book has 8 Chapters (Epics/Themes) where I grouped the over 80 blogs.

The chapters are: Communications, Toastmasters, Creativity, Veterans, Gratitude, the 1980s, Agile, and Science/Health.

What is the book about?

  • Courage, Communication and the American Spirit
  • Strength, Tolerance and Respect
  • Balance, Perspective and Change
  • Science, Health and History
  • Gratitude, Remembrance and Joy
  • Truth and Common Sense
  • Heroes, Adventure and Fun
  • Veterans, Poppies and Honor
  • Creativity, Toastmasters and the 1980s

An amazingly talented young woman illustrated the book with a fun circus theme that my mascot Ernie the Hedgehog endorses. Kudos to Alex Delit Garcia for her great work.

I don’t know what is next but boy am I excited and energized to share this news with you.

If you would like to purchase this fun compilation with a new, creative adventure throughout, please click on the image below for your very own copy. Here’s the book’s website.

Thank you!