Utilize Gun Owner’s Natural Resources the Anti-Gunners Recognize Our Advantage
By Glen Caroline, Director NRA-ILA Grassroots Division
FAIRFAX, Va. –-(Ammoland.com)- For years, our grassroots efforts have emphasized “hunting where the ducks are” by utilizing the natural resources of the pro-Second Amendment community.
Gun shows, gun shops, gun & hunting clubs, shooting ranges—the places where our supporters tend to congregate— should be our top priority when recruiting and mobilizing volunteers in support of our freedom.
I often stress that, while we may be at a disadvantage when it comes to getting our message out in the so-called mainstream media, we have a built-in advantage at these venues through which we can recruit potential volunteers. Contrast that with our opponents, who don’t have any “gun control shows” or gun control shops, and it becomes clear we must leverage this strategic advantage.
Recently, one of our more outspoken opponents made this exact point. Josh Horwitz, the executive director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, recently noted our “structural advantages”, commenting, “We can’t go to a gun show.”
This is important for two reasons.
First, it shows that they are aware of a strategic weakness. And, second, you can bet they will work overtime to try to make-up for this deficiency in other ways. As Horwitz noted, “spontaneous outrage is the key to legislative success. The question is, can you keep that intensity up long enough to pass legislation?” That means not only must we continue to utilize our natural resources, we must EXPAND these efforts.
A great example of this can be found in our NRA-ILA Second Amendment Activist Center program. These are primarily, but not exclusively, gun-related businesses that serve as distribution points for ILA’s educational materials. In turn, their business is promoted on our website and via e-mails. Click here for more information on Second Amendment Activist Centers, including how to sign up.
While Horwitz accurately notes, “There’s no place that I can go every weekend and recruit activists,” there are plenty of places WE can go. And go we must
About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org