Per Capita Increase - Resolution 26-02

From Department HQ on April 28, 2026

Hello Legionnaires,

Department Headquarters appreciates the thoughtful feedback we’ve received regarding the proposed Resolution 26-02 to increase the per capita amount. Your engagement and dedication to the future of our organization are what continue to make our Department strong.

As we approach the upcoming Department Convention, we want to take a moment to provide some important clarification so that each of you can make a fully informed decision:

1. This proposal addresses a per capita adjustment not a direct dues increase. For many posts, this change does not automatically require an increase in member dues. Decisions regarding dues will remain at the local level, allowing post leadership to determine what best supports their members and operations.
2. This would be the first per capita adjustment at the Department level in more than 20 years. We understand concerns about rising costs, and we share that awareness. 

This proposal is intended to help ensure the long-term stability and effectiveness of our Department, allowing us to continue supporting posts, advocating for veterans, and strengthening our collective mission for years to come.

For your review, we have attached Resolution 26-02, along with a detailed letter of explanation from Finance Chairman Dean Boyers.

Thank you for your continued service, leadership, and commitment to The American Legion.

At the 2026 Mid-Winter Conference, the Department Executive Committee approved forwarding Resolution 26-02 to the 2026 Department Convention for consideration by the general membership. The resolution proposes a $5.00 per capita dues increase.

Rising operational costs—including insurance, utilities, administrative expenses, and program support—have significantly strained the Department’s financial resources. Despite ongoing cost-control efforts, current dues revenue is no longer sufficient to maintain existing services. Department per capita dues were last increased to $9.00 in 2004. Since that time, membership in The American Legion Department of Ohio has declined by 73,662 members, resulting in an annual revenue loss of $662,958. During the same period, inflation and operating costs have increased by approximately 71.58%.

As a result, the Department has operated at a deficit since 2017. Over the past six years, approximately $300,000–$500,000 annually has been withdrawn from unrestricted investment funds to cover operating expenses. While this approach has allowed the Department to continue serving veterans, the continued reliance on these funds is not a sustainable long-term solution.

Without a modest increase in membership dues, the Department will be forced to significantly reduce services and financial support at all levels. Such reductions would directly impact full-time staff support for our Legion family, veteran assistance programs, youth and community initiatives, leadership development, and advocacy efforts on behalf of veterans.

The proposed $5.00 dues increase represents a responsible and necessary step to meet our financial obligations and ensure the long-term strength and stability of The American Legion Department of Ohio. Approval of this increase reaffirms our commitment to our mission, our members, and the veterans we are proud to serve.

Department Finance Commission