What is the AMVETS Americanism Program?
It is a patriotic program the organization
offers schools and youth organizations
as a resource for teaching children in kindergarten through 12th grade about their American heritage, civics and citizenship. The program includes flag drawing, poster and essay contests that are grade specific and age appropriate. AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary sponsor a series of contests at the local and state level wherein children design flags or posters and write essays. The winners at the local level progress to the state contests and the state winners are then entered into the National competition.
Who is eligible?
All school age children, K-12. They may attend public, private, parochial schools or may be home schooled. Participants may also come through any youth group such as Scouting or from Church Sunday schools.
Students in kindergarten–1st grade can enter the Flag Drawing contest
Students in 2nd–5th grades can enter the Poster contest
Students in 6th–12th grades can enter the Essay Writing contest
How does a child or young adult participate?
Teachers or youth group leaders hopefully will take the initiative to involve their students. The program addresses learning standards in civics and presents excellent topics for writing and art assignments, which teachers can incorporate into their classes.Teachers may also contact a local AMVETS post or department to invite veterans to visit their classes. Students whose teachers or schools are not participating in the program can still enter the contest specific to their grade as a take-home or after-school project. Parents may contact a local AMVETS post or department, on behalf of their children, to submit entries or contact the AMVETS National Programs Department at 301-683-4031.
How do I enter?
Entry forms (PDF files) with contest rules, including the “themes” can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below.
Flag Drawing (For students in kindergarten and 1st grade)
Poster (for students in 2nd through 5th grades)
Essay (for students in 6th through 12th grades)
Click here to see a list of the 2011 winners.
Read REDORBIT.com‘s story on AMVETS Americanism winners
Testimonials from our Clients…
29 December 2010
Dear AMVETS,
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the 2010 Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference at Valley Forge. The weekend was filled with many learning experiences that should be part of every American’s education. Upon my return to North Carolina, I was able to share the information I had learned with teachers, peers and others through the avenues of speech and writing.
Thank you to all of those who took the time to invest in the lives of America’s youth and for realizing that America’s future depends on the ideals and knowledge instilled in today’s adolescents. Perhaps now more than ever, America needs strong leaders who are driven by traditional American values. It is my prayer that America’s youth be prepared to serve and to guide the American people responsibly.
Please continue to be a dynamic organization that voices the rights of veterans and the fundamentals of America.
With much gratitude,
Amelia Roddenberry
(2010 Participant in the AMVETS Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference)
AMVETS 