This month, I’m encouraging all NRA members to get involved with their local State Associations, which are independent organizations affiliated with and recognized by the National Rifle Association. Most State Associations need your help and support. From the mountains to the coasts, NRA and State Associations work hand-in-hand to provide vital services to shooters, hunters, gun owners and Second Amendment activists across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. With our precious liberties currently under assault by extremists, the National Rifle Association of America considers its partnerships with individual State Associations a solid foundation for the defense of our Second Amendment rights.
Although affiliated with the NRA, State Associations are independent and self-sufficient—each representing the collective voice of the community it serves. Every State Association also serves as a valuable resource of information regarding NRA activities carried on at the state level. NRA provides assistance and support, but outside of a few guidelines, State Associations forge their own paths according to the needs of their members. Additionally, State Associations are encouraged to tap into NRA’s vast resources to achieve success.
One of the best ways to get involved is to become a member of your State Association—it’s never too early to join. How else can you get involved? It can be a simple as working as a range officer at a State Association match or volunteering with a Hunter Safety program. Perhaps you have experience dealing with range issues at your local club and your expertise could help other clubs in your state that are encountering problems. Or, you want to share your marksmanship skills by joining a State Team at the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury. Many State Associations will have at least one committee or program that could benefit from your assistance.
Support your State Association and make a difference in your local community. Interested in shaping firearm policy? It all starts at the grassroots level with support from NRA-ILA. Consider becoming an officer or joining a committee. You never know where such a path may lead you—State Associations often serve as a training ground for individuals seeking future national leadership responsibilities.
In fact, we are privileged to count a number of State Association leaders among the esteemed members of the NRA Board of Directors: Ted Carter of Florida, Charles Hiltunen of Indiana, Jim Wallace of Massachusetts, Scott Bach of New Jersey, Tom King of New York and Mark Vaughan of Oklahoma.
If you’re not a member already, join your State Association today. To find out more about NRA State Associations, go to stateassociations.nra.org.
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