By-Laws and Guidance for the VFW Men's Auxiliary

[Loadtoad]

I'm not  buying it.  I suppose that there may be some truth to it, but I can hardly believe that the Adj. Gen. is out to put an end to the Mens Aux.  What purpose can it possibly serve to not allow the MA to gain national recogniton.  If the MA goes national, they have more members on the  books to claim when up on the hill.(National is now claiming the Ladies Aux as part of our ranks.  And that is straight from the National Commander who spoke at one of our meetings.)  And furthermore, the Adj. General does not determine policy.  We do.  If it is imortant to you, it is important to others as well.  Get the word out.  After listening to the Natnl Cmdr speak, I have the opinion that the Cmdr in Chief is no puppet to others ideas.  I am confident that he will make us proud.  If you want to blame anyone for putting on the brakes when it comes to the MA, you can look to the Posts at a local level.  Until we accept them as productive people that have something great to offer our organization, and be equal to the Ladies Aux., they will never grow into an organization that is large enough to warrant National recognition.  Once we do that, the National Officers will have no choice but to listen to our demands to make the MA and equal to the Ladies.  I have a vested interest in this subject as I have a Mens Aux in my Post.

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[DoggyDaddy]

What purpose can it possibly serve to not allow the MA to gain national recognition.  If the MA goes national, they have more members on the  books to claim when up on the hill.(National is now claiming the Ladies Aux as part of our ranks.  And furthermore, the Adj. General does not determine policy. 

I am not trying to sell you anything. At convention one learns more behind doors than they do on the convention floor.  Lets see what others who do not have big political ambitions that attended convention, have to say on this. 

Remember, the Adjutant is a Past National Commander in Chief.  All Past National Cmdrs exert influence on members, in meetings, elections, and appointments of National and Department Officers just by endorsements not to mention political favors.  They can also sink ones election campaign by  endorsing ones opponent or speaking against them.  It is called politics.

The Ladies Auxiliary is a indirectly a part of the VFW Post Membership retention program.  When the wives and daughters are Auxiliary members, the Post members are less likely to drop out.  But National has no authority, no control and no access to the Ladies Auxiliary money.  You will find Auxiliaries are charged hefty rent for office space in Department or National Headquarters offices. 
The Mens Auxiliary under the current rules is a means of revenue for Department and Posts as they are permitted to charge administrative fees.  I expect National also gets membership money from Dept and National as Percapita of MA's Dues, but I could be wrong.  If the MA's are given status like the Ladies Aux, that would put an end to their [Post, Dept & National] money gravy train.

I can understand Posts being allowed to charge administrative fees from the MA's for their coverage in costs of consolidated web sites and publishing of a joint newsletter.  But I do not consider rent of meeting space, the hall, or rent for use of the kitchen as administrative fees.  That I would argue.

In time Posts will come together with resolutions and vote in force and in favor of the Mens Auxiliary becoming their own unit like the Ladies.  It will take time, but it will happen.   

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[Loadtoad]

The Men's Aux is no "Gravy train" for the National VFW.  From my understanding, they pay no dues to the Dept of Iowa or the  National VFW.  And if they were allowed National representation, I'm sure they would be more than willing to pay there way.  Many people don't understand thay they are just as, if not more patriotic, than we are.  I do not, nor has anyone before me charged the Ladies Aux or the Mens  Aux any money for the use of the Post.  They do help with the publication of our montly newsletter and other things as well.  Never to my knowledge, has the Ladies Aux. been charged for basic services that allow their organization to be a subordanate unit of the VFW.  We acknowledge them as a viable and productive unit and pray  to GOD that they continue to make us proud. 

Respectfully,

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[kacal]

our MA in Alaska collects 25.00 dues from each member and $15.00 goes to dept. The Aux retains $10.00. Our cards are issued by Dept. At this time I am not aware that Nat'l gets any of it; but I am sure that will come.

Our post does not demand anything from us for using the bldg. or facilities except that we schedule our function so as not to interfere with theirs or the Ladies. It is however a common courtesy to put some back into the post and to replace some of what we use, and assist the post and the ladies in their endeavors.

What I see as the best support is the freedom to choose what we want to work for and spend our funds as we feel best. Yes we donate to some of their causes both with manpower and monetary support as they do us. They primarily, want to know what we are planning to ensure we do not violate any bylaws, and bring credit to the organization and the Post.

It is a TEAM effort that makes a post a success.

If you treat them like just numbers and bar revenue that is all they will be.

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[DoggyDaddy]

I learned something new.  I thought Nat'l got some of the membership dues, glad I was wrong.
Also glad support between the Mens Aux and posts is mutual.  Some Ladies Auxiliaries don't have that relationship.  Many posts charge LA's for various things,; rent, use of the kitchen, inclusion in postweb site, newsletter. etc.  A  Ladies Aux folded near where I live due to post members not having respect for its Auxiliary. It has been discussed in the Ladies Auxiliary forum.

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[vfw7790]

Are the 25 names signed up cast in stone or can we pass a ma charter with 15 or 20

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[Loadtoad]

I don't see anything in the national by-laws.  It appears that it is at the discression of each state.  I would talk to your state headquarters to get the details for your individual state.

Hope this helps.

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[IJK3770]

I am with you, Loadtoad, our post does not charge the LA any rent or half the bills either.  We get along great but I do have posts that are close to me that fight with their LAs constant and charge them rent and make them pay half the bills and half of everything.  I think most posts treat their LAs badly.  Glad to hear yours doesn't.  I have tired on different occasions to get an MA started at our post but each time I am met with derision.  As to ADJ GEN Kent I am waiting for a new CIC to appoint someone else as I think it is time to replace him with someone who is more positive thinking towards embracing the MA and the Motorcycle groups.  He has just been there too long.
Cheerily
IJK

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[hurls0755]

Hi Guys as Past President of the MA at my Post I had The pleasure to work with the LA and Main members and had great success with both our Post does not charge for hall rentals if function is going to be fundraiser for us them or veteran organization. Also many Posts are hurting here,but they do not like the idea of a MA but will allow them in and drink at cateen.I have helped  start one MA around me and offered my help to others hope more around me will start MAs.

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[vfw7790]

I have just been elected presidet of our newly formed mens auxilary for 7790 waterbury ct.
According national regs. 15 dd214 are needed to form a charetr

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[Chris Weber 5468]

Have your Post Cdr contact your District Commander to request your Department Liaison to render guidance.

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[herkie]

Comrades please see section 1301, 1302, 1303 in the national by-laws. if you need a copy of the men's aux. bylaws please send request to 390horse@ceas.coop with mailing address and i will send you a copy of it. we have been operating under it in the state of wisconsin for more than 10 years now.

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