This feature appears in the May ’16 issue of NRA America’s 1st Freedom, one of the official journals of the National Rifle Association.
The source of the NRA’s strength and ability to defend our rights has always come down to its members. The collective power of millions united to preserve American freedom can be a remarkable force. With the phenomenal surge in the number of new shooters recently, now more than ever we must put that force to work.
Under the NRA Mentor Initiative—organized by NRA Publications and sponsored by EAA Corp., Winchester Ammunition, Walker’s Game Ear and Taurus—during May 2016, we’re encouraging all 5 million NRA members to take beginning or prospective shooters to the range. Doing so will give every member a chance to help make the Association even stronger. And as a reward for your efforts, you can enter the Mentor Sweepstakes for the chance to win valuable prizes.
Over the past five years, an estimated 40 million Americans purchased their first guns. While they enter into gun ownership with the best intentions, newcomers sometimes don’t know what to do next. In rare cases, that uncertainty might cause some to put away their guns without ever firing them.During May 2016, we’re encouraging all 5 million NRA members to take beginning or prospective shooters to the range.
Mentors can help budding shooters understand firearm safety, handling and range protocol. We can also encourage them to contact NRA Certified Instructors to sign up for the expert training they need to become safe and skilled with their firearms.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of potential mentors, not if we all step up.
The Guide for New Shooters provides useful information about range rules, gun safety, gear, shooting tips, gun cleaning and storage. It was created for new shooters, and mentors can use it as a teaching guide.
Please identify new shooters and help them along. Talk to them about how NRA protects our rights and works in many ways to support the shooting sports and train new shooters. And encourage them to become NRA members by filling out the application contained in the guide.
The Guide explains everything you need to know about the concurrent Mentor Sweepstakes, including the Sweepstakes rules and how to enter. More than 50 prizes that appeal to shooters and gun owners will be awarded this year.
Just think how much stronger the NRA can be as mentors reach out to new shooters across the nation. Tens or hundreds of thousands of new members—perhaps even a million—can have a huge positive impact on the NRA’s continued ability to fight for our rights. That’s especially important this November, when we must vote to return a pro-gun president to the White House.
With so much at stake, we need to urge every gun owner to join the NRA. The Mentor Initiative is one great way to show your community and the nation that the NRA cares, that our commitment to teaching firearm safety and shooting skills remains as strong as it was when the Association was founded for this very purpose in 1871. Don’t miss out! Devoting a few hours to helping new shooters and the NRA will stand as one of your best days ever at the range.
