HOW CAN I JOIN? Membership in The Royal Canadian Legion originates at the local branch level. There are branches in most communities across Canada and these can be found listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory under the heading "Royal Canadian Legion". With 1660 branches across Canada, the USA and Germany there are many choices and you are sure to find one that meets your needs. You should apply for membership by contacting the branch most convenient for you. They will assist you in completing your application form and can advise you on your eligibility status and what documentation may be required. Each branch enjoys a measure of autonomy so activities, programs and membership dues may vary from branch to branch. For information pertaining to the Military Member at Large Program you should contact our National office or for branches and posts in specific areas you may contact the following Command or State offices: BC/Yukon Command Alberta/NWT Command Saskatchewan Command (No web site) Manitoba/N.W. Ontario Command Ontario Command Quebec Command New Brunswick Command Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command Prince Edward Island Command Newfoundland & Labrador Command [top] WHY SHOULD I JOIN? By joining The Royal Canadian Legion you will have the opportunity to make new friends, become involved with your community and to develop and share your leadership skills. You will help to perpetuate the Remembrance of those who gave so much for the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today and the proud heritage of this great Canadian organization will be enriched by the enthusiasm, energy and new ideas that you bring to it. Here are just some of the many benefits membership in The Royal Canadian Legion brings: Social Activities - Most branches have recreational facilities and may have licensed lounges. Members can enjoy a wide variety of social events such as dances, barbeques, entertainment and a host of other special events. Member Participation Sports - The Legion has sporting events such as darts, curling, cribbage and golf, with competitions ranging from local, provincial to national levels. Community Service -You can serve your community by assisting with the many Legion programs in support of youth, seniors, the disabled and others. The Legion also provides bursaries and scholarships to students from Secondary School to the University level and is the largest single supporter of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. It is also a major supporter of sea, army and air cadets. Leadership - You will have the opportunity to grow within this great organization. The Legion needs members who can take on the Leadership challenge. If this is where your interest lies you can become involved by serving on the branch executive. You may even wish to go to higher levels such as zone, district or provincial. You may even aspire to the national level. Every Dominion President who has served in this capacity over the past 75 years started out as a branch member. You, too, could one day be President of the largest community service organization in Canada. Service - As Canada's largest volunteer organization, tremendous intangible benefits are gained through the commitment of members to fulfill the mandate of remembrance, service to the community and our country. Our fallen comrades served in battle, you have "another way to serve" by joining The oyal Canadian Legion. Legion Magazine - Your membership includes a subscription to the Legion Magazine which is published five times a year. It contains articles on various topics including history, current events and general interest stories, as well as keeping members up-to-date on the many and varied Legion activities. It also contains a section dedicated to the recognition of those who served their country. The many opportunities and programs offered by The Royal Canadian Legion are identified throughout their web site or you may wish to contact your local Legion Branch or Post for more information. [top] WHO CAN JOIN? You may be eligible for membership in a Canadian branch of The Royal Canadian Legion if you are a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject and are of federal voting age. All applications for membership are subject to the General By-Laws of The Royal Canadian Legion and approval by the local branch to which the application is made. There are four membership categories, each with different qualifications. The criteria for each category are as follows: Ordinary Membership You may be eligible for Ordinary membership if you have served or are serving in: the Canadian Armed Forces or Her Majesty's Armed Forces (regular force or reserve force with class "C" service); or the Armed Forces or underground forces of any of Her Majesty's Sallies in a war or police action in which Canada was involved; or the Merchant Navy or non-military services in an actual theatre of war in which Canada was involved; or Her Majesty's reserve force including Cadet Instructors on the Cadet Cadre. Must have at least one year (12 months) service; or The Royal Canadian Mounted Police or The Royal ewfoundland Constabulary for not less than one year; or the Armed Forces of a country while that country was a member of NATO or NORAD; or the United States Forces; or the Vietnam War with the Armed Forces of the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea or South Vietnam, and were a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject at the time of service. Associate Membership If you do not qualify for Ordinary membership you may be eligible for Associate membership if you: are the child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew, widow/er, parent or spouse of someone who is or was eligible for Ordinary membership; or are the child of an Associate member; or have served in The Royal Canadian Sea, Army or Air Cadets for not less than 3 years; or have been a cadet civilian instructor for not less than 3 years; or have served as an officer in the Navy League of Canada for not less than 2 years; or have served on a city, municipal or provincial police force for not less than 1 year; or have served in the Polish Armed Forces after WW II; are the spouse, parent or sibling of an associate member who qualified subject to the above criteria. Affiliate Non-Voting Membership If you do not qualify for Ordinary or Associate membership but support the aims and objects of The Royal Canadian Legion you may apply for Affiliate Non-Voting membership. Affiliate Voting Membership An Affiliate Non-Voting member may apply for Affiliate Voting membership after two years (24 months) of continuous membership. For further information, please contact your nearest Legion Branch.