Centenary Year 2026 – Free Membership Campaign

A once-in-a-century opportunity to grow and strengthen our Branches

1. What’s happening?
2. Why this campaign matters for your Branch
3. What about Branch revenue in 2026?
4. How it works
5. What Centenary Members receive
6. What doesn’t change
7. Communications & Timeline
8. Your role in making it successful
9. Questions?
10. The bottom line

1. What’s happening?

To mark the Legion’s 100^th anniversary, a national campaign will give every new member a free membership for 2026.

• Runs: January 5, 2026 – December 18, 2026
• Covers: the 2026 membership year
• Eligible: New members only (not renewals)
• Available: Across all Branches in Canada, the U.S., and Europe

2. Why this campaign matters for your Branch

Part of a larger national effort, this campaign is designed to benefit your Branch directly— bringing in new members, volunteers, and activity that support everything you do locally.

• More members through your doors – no cost barrier for them to join

• New volunteers – people with energy to help with events and community work
• Increased Branch activity and revenue – more participation, more hospitality
• Stronger visibility – the Legion will be in the media spotlight all year, giving your Branch free publicity
• Building the membership base to support our mission for generations to come

Think of it as a tool: The Legion may be launching it nationally, but it’s your Branch that benefits most when those new members connect and stay.

3. What about Branch revenue in 2026?

2026 dues are waived for new members, but the long-term return makes it an investment that’s well worth it:

• Many will renew in 2027 at full rates
• Retention data shows that return from renewals usually comes within 1–2 years
• In the meantime, you gain from extra foot traffic, event participation, volunteerism and hospitality sales
• All levels of the Legion are making this one-time investment to grow stronger

4. How it works

• All new joins are processed as Centenary Members at $0
• Per capita is not submitted by the Branch for new members
• All new members will be classified as Centenary Members. This is not a membership category but an identifier so we can easily segment members who have joined for free in order to deliver targeted communications in our education and retention strategies.
• Branch sign-ups must use the Centenary Membership Form (either online or paper form - available January 5)
• After processing, Branches validate the member and use a data change form to assign the correct category—even if the Branch already knows the category, the member must start as Centenary first
• Voting rights apply only once the Branch accepts them and assigns a membership category
• Branches may still use the standard non-acceptance process if needed

5. What Centenary Members receive

• Special edition digital Centenary membership card (plastic cards only issued if they renew for 2027 and request one)
• Legion Magazine e-edition. Print magazines are not available for members joining in 2026. When they renew for 2027, they will continue to receive the digital edition unless they request the print version.
• Access to MemberPerks^© and Member Benefit Partners

6. What doesn’t change

• Existing members renew as usual for 2026 and continue to receive print magazines unless they choose the e-magazine version
• Renewing members receive a 2026 Centenary renewal sticker for their plastic membership card
• Renewing members that choose to receive a digital card will receive the digital Centenary membership card

7. Communications & Timeline

• Legion Week 2025 – Branches received custom Centenary Branch logos and brand guidelines
• November 17, 2025 – Soft launch of the Legion Centenary in media -- details of the free membership not yet shared
• January 5, 2026 – Free membership campaign announced in media and promotion begin. Promotional collateral provided to Branches
• Reminder – Watch for updates in Legion National Headquarters emails and Portal notices

8. Your role in making it successful

• Welcome new members quickly (ideally within 30 days) and assign their membership category
• Invite them into Branch life—events, volunteering, activities
• Show them the value of belonging so they’re eager to renew

9. Questions?

• Submit tickets via the Portal Help Desk
• Contact Member Services at 855-330-3344 for processing issues or other inquiries

10. The bottom line

The Centenary Free Membership Campaign is a one-time opportunity to welcome new members at no cost to them, while creating long-term benefits for your Branch and the Legion. By connecting with these new members now, your Branch can gain future renewals, more volunteers, and increased participation, helping to sustain the Legion’s purpose, support, and legacy for years to come.

This is our moment to grow, together. Let’s seize it and carry the Legion into its next century—stronger than ever.