BRANCH 160 WELLINGTON EXECUTIVE

A Legion Branch President’s Duties are many and varied;

• He is the Chief Executive of the  Branch and as such he must exemplify to the Membership the fundamental  qualities of leadership. As its leader he has the ultimate  responsibility, for whatever happens, and his function is and will  remain that of directing the members.
• As the Chief Administrator of the  Branch, he is its representative in the community and his basic or  essential character must show a combination of discretion, enterprise,  integrity, responsibility, decisiveness, judgment, etc. While exercising  leadership he will accept direction from the branch.
• The General By-Laws limit the  authority of a Branch President to carrying out directives of the  Executive Committee and, further he should exercise a democratic  approach to conducting the affairs of the branch by recognition of the  authority of the Executive Committee.
• The By-Laws are specific, in that, he  is a member of the Zone Executive Council and obligated to attend Zone  Council and Zone conventions, If he is unable to attend, Vice President  should represent him on these occasions.
• It is his responsibility to ensure  that the branch is represented at Zone and District conventions with its  full complement of delegates.
• If the branch does not have an elected  chairman, the President, by virtue of office, is the presiding officer  at all of its meetings.
• The President shall preside at all  meetings and enforce order and strict observance of the By-Laws, except  that the Executive Committee may name some other member to act as  chairman for the conduct of elections at the annual meeting. The  President shall exercise a general supervision and control over the  officers and business of the branch and shall call meetings of the  Executive Committee of the Branch, in accordance with the By-Laws. He  shall transact such other business as may by custom pertain to his  office, and he shall have the casting vote when there shall be an equal  division on any question, provided that he has not already voted on that  question.
• When appointing members to committees,  careful thought and consideration should be given to same. The  President must be able to recognize ability, delegate effectively and be  positive with plans and decisions. 

1. The position of a Vice President is not to be taken lightly.
2. Vice Presidents are usually appointed to chair one or more important committees.
3. A Vice President should endeavor to learn as much as possible about the various branch committees.
4. A Vice President should know the  ritual, assist with initiations and endeavor to become familiar  with bylaws, and the different manuals that are available for reference.
5. Vice Presidents should assist whenever possible on committees, and show leadership to committees that they chair.
6. Vice Presidents should nurture  committee members, and the membership to become more actively involved  with the running of the branch.

• Be available to run the Branch in the absence of the President
• Learn the job responsibilities of each Executive Member and Chairperson

• The position of a Vice President is not to be taken lightly.
• Vice Presidents are usually appointed to chair one or more important committees.
• A Vice President should endeavor to learn as much as possible about the various branch committees.
• A Vice President should know the  ritual, assist with initiations and endeavor to become familiar  with bylaws, and the different manuals that are available for reference.
• Vice Presidents should assist whenever possible on committees, and show leadership to committees that they chair.
• Vice Presidents should nurture  committee members, and the membership to become more actively involved  with the running of the branch.

• There will be opportunities to attend  seminars/workshops and speak to various Zone and/or District committee  chairmen. 
• Don’t forget your primary duty is to learn and exchange  information. 
• Take advantage of every opportunity to ask questions. 

• Responsible for the monthly accounting/bookkeeping and reporting for the branch.
• The issuance of cheques relating to Branch business 
• Cheques are not to be signed in blank and must correspond to invoices, etc. 
• Receive the monthly bank statements to balance to 
• Present a legible printable printed  report to the Executive Members at the Executive Meeting and at the  monthly General Membership Meeting. 

• Meeting Management: Prepare detailed agendas in consultation with the President, attend all  executive and general meetings, and record accurate minutes.
• Records Maintenance: Maintain up-to-date minute books and files.
• Correspondence: Receive and reply to official correspondence promptly.
• Reporting: Complete required forms, reports, and questionnaires for both Provincial and Dominion Commands.
• Communication: Advise members and executive committee members of meetings and distribute minutes.
• Administrative Support: Secure the Branch Seal and handle its application on official documents. 

 VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER 

• Each  Branch appoints a Branch Service Officer who is available to advise and  assist Veterans, widows and ex-servicemen. 
• The Service Officer needs to  be familiar with Veterans Affairs benefits, processes and contact  information. 
• They are also aware of other Federal, Provincial and  Municipal programs that could be of assistance to Veterans. All personal  information provided to the Legion Service Officer is held in strict  confidence.
• The  Service Officer also has a role in ensuring that requests for  assistance are correctly processed and appropriately responded to by the  relevant authority. 
• They may assist in appeals of denied claims.  Particular attention to disability claims under the Veterans Well-being  Act is a specific area of need for may Veterans.

 SPORTS

•  Manages  branch sports activities, coordinating leagues (pool, darts, cards),  facilitating tournaments, and promoting athletic participation. 
• Act as the liaison between league contacts and the Branch Executive, ensuring adherence to rules, safety guidelines.  

MEMBERSHIP

•  The  membership chair oversees the management of our member enrolment,  initiation and Branch member records. 
• Time needed is only as much as you want to put into it, but would really only take about an hour per week.  
• We currently have 213 members at Branch 160
• It will helpful if candidate is familiar with Excel, but not absolutely necessary.

 PUBLIC RELATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA

•  To promote, protect, and enhance the organization's image at a local  level, with a focus on engaging current members and attracting new ones.  
• This individual is responsible for promoting events, sharing stories  about community service, and maintaining a consistent, respectful, and  welcoming voice across digital platforms
• Time needed is only as much as you want to put into it - usually works out to about one hour per week.
• It will be helpful if candidate is familiar with graphic software, facebook and website input....but all of it is easily taught.

 POPPY

• Organization: Planning and executing the annual local Poppy Campaign.
• With the assistance of volunteers oversees the distribution and organizing the placement of poppy boxes, poppies, and wreaths throughout the community.
• Trust Management: Ensuring all donations collected are deposited into the "Poppy Trust  Fund" and used specifically for supporting veterans and their families.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to the Legion’s By-laws and Poppy Manual, including preventing misuse of the trademarked poppy image. 

 LEADERSHIP

•  often tasked with leading the Leadership and Development committee. 
• They are responsible for implementing training, mentoring, and ensuring the branch operates according to Legion by 

 YOUTH AND EDUCATION

• Help organize the poster literary contest and attend schools in our designated Poppy area .
• Help organize the public speaking contest and attend schools in our designated Poppy area.

SENIORS 

• Program Development: Organize activities, health support services, and recreational events  (e.g., meals on wheels, medical clinics, educational seminars on senior  safety).
• Outreach: Reach out to local veterans, widows, and seniors in the community to identify their needs and provide assistance.
• Liaison: Act as a link between seniors and available resources, including  connecting veterans to the Branch Service Officer or Provincial Command  Service Officers for professional help.
• Support Services: Assist with initiatives that help seniors remain in their own homes, such as implementing the Seniors Support Program Guide.

 HONOURS AND AWARDS

• Work with the Membership Chair to  determine eligibility for continuous service years for the purposes of  presenting appropriate lapel pins and/or long term service medal.
• Organize the annual Honours and Awards Day for the presentation of the above.
• For the Honours and Awards Day send out the invitation letters, book the room, make arrangements for a light lunch etc.
• Review all current Executive positions  held and determine if they are eligible for the appropriate medal and  bars along with presenting them at the General Membership meeting in  September of the new fiscal year or as otherwise determined.
• Obtain input from other Members and/or  the Membership Chair to see if Members are eligible to receive such  awards/medals as follows:  Branch Service Medal, Certificate of Merit,  Certificate of Appreciation, Legionnaire of the Year, Cadet Medal of  Excellence (as determined by the Cadet Corp) and any other award/medal.
• Obtain input for possible awards to  outside organizations and individuals such as:  Friendship award, Media  Award, Certificate of Merit, Certificate of Appreciation or any other  award or medal.
• Obtain input and/or determine if  members eligible for possible Life Membership, Meritorious Service  Medal, Meritorious Service Award and complete all of the applicable  documentation for approval at the Branch level and submit to Zone,  District, Provincial and Dominion Command for approval.

 SARGEANT AT ARMS (APPOINTED)

•  The  Colour Party is the parade of the Legion’s flags and provides  recognition of the organization and demonstrates pride in Canada. The  ceremony also reminds us of our commitment to Veterans and respect for  their service. 
• The Colour Party opens and closes all formal meetings of  the Legion as well as meetings where ceremonial duties are being  performed. 
• They also participate in funerals and represent the Legion in  parades and community events.
• The  dress, ceremonies and protocols of the Colour Party are strictly  defined and the Sgt-at-Arms must be knowledgeable in training and  commanding procedures. 
• Our Legion is active in honouring numerous  requests for presentation on a regular basis. 

CHAPLAIN (APPOINTED)

• Responsible for the spiritual leadership and well-being of branch members, veterans, and their families.  
• They are expected to bring a message of hope, compassion, and community  to the branch while fostering an atmosphere of respect and solemnity  during ceremonies .
• At the request of Branch members, the Chaplain may assist with the planning and/or officiating at end-of-life celebrations. The Chaplain offers support and counsel to sick and grieving members and family of the Branch.