Your National Rifle Association is the true gun-safety advocate in the United States, and has been for more than a century. While anti-gun groups can attempt to claim that distinction, it is simply not the case. The NRA is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for safe firearm training, with our programs having developed many millions of safe shooters. Whatever your age or level of expertise, whatever type of firearm you’re interested in, NRA has something for you.
For example, more than 100,000 NRA- certified instructors teach the safe and responsible use of firearms nationwide. The NRA Training Department has programs for range safety officers; shooting coaches, who help develop shooting athletes at the club, high school, collegiate and national levels; and training counselors, who recruit and train instructors to teach NRA’s basic firearm courses. Go to firearmtraining.nra.org to find out more about NRA Training programs.
The award-winning NRA Hunter Education program teaches hunters to be safe while out in the field. The first NRA Hunter Education program was established in New York in 1949. Today, NRA Hunter Education courses are taught by state fish and game departments across the country, as well as in Canada. Additionally, 13 states allow hunters to take NRA’s free Online Hunter Education instruction courses. Learn more at explore.nra.org/interests/hunting.
NRA Youth programs have been teaching young Americans how to safely handle firearms since 1903, when then-NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones urged the establishment of rifle clubs at all major colleges, universities and military academies. Modern NRA Youth programs include competitions, awards and contests, training and safety courses, and scholarships. One of my favorites is the NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge—a fun environment for kids to improve their hunting marksmanship and safety skills. Through simulated hunting situations, live-fire exercises and educational events, YHEC helps young folks build upon the skills they’ve learned in basic hunter-education courses and encourages safer, lifelong hunting habits. Visit yhec.nra.org to find out more.
One of NRA’s biggest achievements is the Eddie Eagle program, which has reached 33 million children since its inception in 1988. The Eddie Eagle GunSafe program teaches children in pre-K through third grade four important steps to take if they find a gun. These steps are presented by the program’s mascot, Eddie Eagle, in an easy-to-remember format with these simple rules: STOP! Don’t touch. Run Away. Tell a Grown-up. At this kid-friendly website, children can watch the Eddie Eagle video, read through storybooks, join in sing-alongs, download coloring sheets and other fun activities that reinforce the gun-safety message. Learn more at eddieeagle.com.
All of these valuable, and potentially life-saving, programs are possible due to the support of you—the NRA members. Be proud of all we accomplish together, for there is no other organization in the world that provides the training, safety programs, and educational courses that we do. Thank you for being a part of our efforts to keep Americans safe and free.
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