Submitted by Gail Landon, Creston Legion Branch #23
Leo Tolstoy asked three questions:
1. What is the right time for every action?
2. Who are the right people to be with?
3. What is the most important thing to do?
At an emergent meeting in September, the membership was told that our legion was in danger of closing its doors forever. To say it was a shock is an understatement. The reaction by members in the room was clear, “This cannot be!” We all have an invested interest in keeping the legion that we deeply value, open. Like ripples in a pond, as word spread, our community rallied. Now it was not just the membership who said we need to save the legion, but a whole community who recognized the importance of preserving this institution.
Like many legions in risk of closing we have made mistakes; some of our own makings, some steeped in traditional practices. Now we are about to turn a corner…
What is the right time for every action? The time is NOW! As the keys of our legion are turned over to new executive positive changes will begin to happen in our branch. We know that we need to build on the foundations of our veterans from long ago, but also be relevant in 2019. More than 71 years have passed since our doors opened; times have changed and so must we.
Who are the right people to be with? We are the PEOPLE! At one time the legion was more of a private club for veterans. Now we are a club for everyone who believes in the values of freedom and appreciates those who have served on our behalf. Our community has reached out to us. We have elected a new executive, we have fiercely dedicated committees that want to help shape new directions and we have our extended community who have been attending our events. We have a growing membership and a strong social presence. If you are interested in joining one of our committees we would value your involvement. You can be part of that positive change.
What is the most important thing to do? Create a Legion that Thrives! We know that the important thing to do is much more complex. We have gone from being in a position of need, to a position of feeling supported. Now we want to reach out to our community and ask, “How can we support you? What would you like our branch to do for you? We need to go beyond the walls of our yellow building and think out of the box. We welcome your suggestions and together can make a difference.
We have a very active group called the Do’ers who are already actioning many of our goals. We have plans of becoming increasingly fiscally solvent and making much-needed improvements to our building. Individuals and businesses have come forward and said, “How can I help?” We will be forming community partnerships that will assist us on this journey. We would like to see our canteen become your neighbourhood pub. In addition to our recent sold-out events, we want to offer family-friendly events. We want to offer events inside and outside of our building. We will be seeking your feedback in the New Year so that we can be the legion that you want.
Tolstoy’s three questions, while simply worded, are very profound. Our journey moving forward will be as profound. Thank you for your on-going support and patronage. We look forward to our shared participation. Branch 29 is indeed the legion that can!