 As noted in last week's report on the record-setting attendance at the May 15 Grassroots Workshop held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Ariz., we wanted to update you on the second event hosted by the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division -- the third annual "In Their Own Words" special session.
On Saturday, May 16, scores of NRA members and pro-gun patriots attended this unique session that offers a true peer-to-peer dialogue among grassroots activists. This year, attendees heard from the following panelists:
Gregory Howard, NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC) for the 7th, 9th & 10th congressional districts of Georgia, who spoke about organizing large scale volunteer events (parades, phone banks), with specific emphasis on his activities in support of NRA-PVF-endorsed U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R), who won a run-off election in 2008.
Michael A. Slatinsky, EVC for Pennsylvania's 6th and 7th congressional districts, who covered organizing volunteers to staff gun shows.
David Battaglia, EVC for Pennsylvania's 3rd and 4th congressional districts, who gave a presentation on effectively mobilizing volunteers in "off"-election year.
David Waldrip, recipient of the 2007 "NRA-ILA Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year" award and EVC for Tennessee's 7th congressional district, who offered attendees his insights on working with other pro-gun organizations and state associations to build grassroots networks.
Gary Christensen, Legislative Director for the Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association, who talked about his organization's operations and legislative advocacy in the state legislature.
The most insightful part of this special session, as always, was the Q&A period. Active NRA members from around the country shared their own personal, grassroots experiences and picked the brains of our panelists, and moderator, ILA Grassroots Director Glen Caroline.
Overall, our grassroots activities in Phoenix were a smashing success. With 64,500 in attendance, staff was afforded the opportunity to speak to thousands of NRA members and volunteers, and recruited hundreds of new NRA-ILA FrontLines™ volunteers.
Preparations for the 2010 Annual Meetings in Charlotte, N.C. are already underway, and we hope to see you there! |
