The American Legion is the nation's largest veteran-based community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members -- men and women -- in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. Today, there are more than 2,500 Boy Scout units sponsored by Legion Posts throughout the country. Supporting Boy Scout activities is natural for Legionnaires, who bring their service-learned skills and experiences as veterans to bear to help build character and positive traits in "Young America." The American Legion sponsors a nationwide youth baseball program. The American Legion's Americanism programs (link to Youth Activities) promote the ideals of citizenship, teamwork, loyalty, fair play, courage, physical fitness, and mental toughness, needed to give our youth the skills necessary to be a positive influence on others. Local American Legion Posts are encouraged to work together to provide safe schools and neighborhoods where all young people -- from preschoolers to teenagers -- can learn and grow. Also Posts are encouraged to help instill a sense of responsibility and civic pride in youth and respect the power of their energies, ideas, and commitment to change communities for the better. The American Legion recognizes the important role our organization plays in education and prevention activities and has made a public commitment to the goal of protecting America's children.