As NRA 2.0 Takes Control, Big Changes and a Shakeup in Operations Ahead [More]
John Petrolino notes some belt-tightening and re-prioritizing.
Here’s what the Association has to say, and clicking on that will open the thread:
Some may say this explains the reluctance to go all in for Winsome Sears, that they just don’t have the resources. I’d argue admitting weakness in the face of circling enemies is questionable survival strategy, and the long term costs of a Spanberger win will far exceed an investment now. Think of it as deflecting an asteroid instead of waiting for it to hit.
And in any case, much of that burden would fall to the NRA Foundation, which is a separate entity and has released its own announcement:
Regardless, there is a question gun owners need to ask themselves and then answer, especially the ones who say NRA will never get another dime from them:
Do you want the NRA to continue?
If the answer is “Yes,” what are you personally willing to do about that?
It would be interesting to see a chart of sorts to determine what gaps there will be if NRA folds, things they do that competitor groups do not.
UPDATE
Email from NRA Foundation:
NRA Foundation Clarifies Independence Amid NRA Restructuring
FAIRFAX, VA – Amid recent news about the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) restructuring announcement, the NRA Foundation today reaffirmed its independence, stability, and continued focus on its charitable mission.
“The NRA Foundation is an independent, nonprofit public charity with its own staff leadership, legal structure, board of trustees, and mission,” said Tom King, President of the NRA Foundation. “While the NRA undergoes its internal restructuring, the Foundation’s work continues uninterrupted. We remain focused on preserving America’s shooting and hunting traditions for future generations.”
The NRA Foundation is not part of the NRA’s organizational or financial structure. Its role is educational, charitable, and safety-focused – not political or advocacy-driven.*
Importantly, the current State Fund and Friends of NRA grant cycle will proceed without interruption. Applications, reviews, and disbursements are continuing on schedule, ensuring that local programs, ranges, and organizations receive the support they rely on each year.
Since its founding in 1990, the NRA Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in grants in support of local shooting ranges, youth programs, law enforcement training, firearm safety education, and conservation efforts nationwide.
“The Foundation remains financially sound, mission-focused, and committed to transparency and accountability in everything we do,” added King. “We deeply appreciate the continued trust and support of our donors, partners, and grant recipients who see firsthand the impact of our charitable work in communities across America.”
* Just to clarify, the Sears plan accounts for what both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations can lawfully do, so I’m sensing some redirection going on.
A lot of back slapping and self congratulating going on over there.
I think I’ll just sit back an watch for a bit.
“If the answer is “Yes,” what are you personally willing to do about that?”
I’m not closing any doors, but having squandered my trust and loyalty once, it’s now up to them to prove they deserve to be let out of the corner. Otherwise, I’m no better than a Soros prosecutor, putting problem people back on the street.
This all sounds like pre bankruptcy talk to me. Companies (NRA is a non profit corporation) don’t talk about “restructuring” unless they’re in the red or about to be. I know Jeff Knox says elsewhere NRA’s “in the black”, I know Mr. Hamlin’s said NRA’s operating on a “balanced budget” this year, but a healthy business doesn’t talk this way.
NRA’s failure in VA is astoundingly bad. Tom King could’ve approved of Fusaro’s plan. And still it must be asked, upon seeing NRA fail to act, where was GOA? SAF & CCRKBA? FPC? NAGR? And where was the man from New York, Donald Trump?
Do you want NRA to continue? No. It’s a failure. It’s a distraction. And it’s pulling time and money from well intentioned but gullible gun owners which could be better spent on other groups and causes to further 2A. Right now, I only send money to my state association MN Gun Owners Caucus. I’ve lost faith in all the national groups.