What is the NRA to you? This is not a rhetorical question. I really do want to know. I have been asking this question in many ways to many, many members for more than a year now. I am constantly intrigued by the answers I get.
First, as we again have your NRA on a firm foundation of accountability, transparency and a continued dedication to winning the battles surrounding this critical right, we don’t now want to waste the resources we have on things you don’t need or want.
Second, perception can represent reality. I have been doing town-hall-style events—even virtual ones—to listen to members and to learn both how they see the NRA and what they would like from the NRA. This is critical to keeping your NRA responsive and focused on what matters most.
But I also need answers to this question because this is an association of millions of freedom-loving Americans that has so many programs, publications, competitions, Friends of NRA dinners, certified instructors teaching classes, grassroots events and so much more that it can be difficult to know which areas need the most attention. Therefore, hearing how members think of this association gives perspective, which can and must impact everything.
This is perhaps a long way of saying that we are listening. We are lucky to be working for you to both defend this critical freedom and to help you enjoy it.
Some of the answers I get to this question surprise me. Though the NRA brings us together behind a shared understanding of the most fundamental civil right—the one we use to protect our very lives—members come to this right from a diverse landscape of backgrounds, vocations, life experiences and more, so their perspectives can make you stop and see things from a different point of view.
Where would America be if, in 1871, a group of patriots didn’t found the National Rifle Association?
I do, of course, find there are common themes to members’ responses. Mostly, these individuals are looking back. Many want to be assured they can trust the NRA again. I let them know our entire leadership is now different and that we have an auditor who does not report to me and that we have very strict accounting protocols in place. There will be no malfeasance on my watch.
Those conversations are important, but I also find that many members are actually looking back beyond the period in which the state of New York attempted to dissolve the NRA. In sum, I find many are really using questions to point to great truths, such as: Where would America be if, in 1871, a group of patriots didn’t found the National Rifle Association? Or: Where would this nation be if we didn’t have this association fighting for our freedom for more than 150 years now?
Those questions bring reverence and perspective. They are a look back to find purchase in the present. I think looking back in this way is critical to our continued push into the future.
Where would this nation be if the NRA did not train so many generations of citizens to shoot? What if the NRA’s 125,000 instructors simply were not out there today as they are, spread across America doing all they do to show citizens how to use freedom’s tool? What if the NRA, as a large and robust association of freedom-loving citizens, had not been there to lobby legislators or to file lawsuits when our right to keep and bear arms had been infringed upon at the local, state or federal level?
These questions can go on and on, as this association has done so much for this great nation. This is why being a part of the NRA, volunteering our time and paying our dues are important ways of giving back to a country that has bequeathed us so much. We could all get involved at the grassroots level (nraila.org/grassroots), attend a Friends of NRA dinner in our local area (friendsofnra.org) or attend our annual meetings (nraam.org) that will take place next spring in Houston. That’ll be a celebration! Many states also have NRA-affiliated clubs you can join (explore.nra.org/programs/clubs).
I want to say loud and clear that America would not long maintain its freedom without a strong NRA. It could not long stand without you and without the millions of like-minded citizens who are members of this association.
So, with all of that said, imagine, for just a moment, what America can and must be with a strong NRA going forward. To keep us strong, to keep our freedom alive, renew your membership, and buy memberships for your children or grandchildren (we have special deals for youth members). Tell your friends to do the same. You can find all the details at membership.nra.org.
Be proud of what the NRA has done for this country—and carry that forward.
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