 |
|
|
604-291-9990
1-888-881-2293
|
The BCWF would like to acknowlege the on-going support of the
BC Government.
|
|
REPORT TO THE 2006 BCWF ANNUAL CONVENTION
MARCH 30 - APRIL 1, 2006
Last fall I had the opportunity to listen to a presentation from the head of the NRA's Grassroots Division on involvement at the grassroots level.
Communications within the Organization
One of the things he pointed out was the importance of communication between the organization and the membership. The NRA has a list of members' email addresses that they use to send out bulletins and information on issues as they arise. The size of that list is approximately 250,000 addresses, which sounds huge. But the NRA has around 4 million members, so their emails only reach around 25% of their membership. But they obviously reach the 25% who are the most dedicated and active.
If the BC Wildlife Federation had the same connection to their membership we would have around 7,500 email addresses on our list. We are a long ways from that number.
The good news is that I see that some of the Regions are providing email addresses for all of the board of directors which is a step in the right direction. We need to build a list.
B.C.W.F. Website - http://www.bcwf.bc.ca
As in past years, I would remind everyone to keep in touch through the BCWF website. Also that for clubs that don't have their own website and who would like to have a home to post newsletters etc., we can set you up on the Federation's site.
Communications to the Media
Another interesting point that the NRA speaker made was regarding letters written to the editor. Anyone who has ever written a letter to a local or national newspaper quickly realizes that there is no guarantee that your letter will ever see the printed page. After a few efforts to get a letter published many become discouraged, shrug their shoulders and figure "what's the use".
However his take was that no letter to the editor is ever wasted. He believed that every letter written served to help educate the paper's editorial staff on the issue in question. As well, the media staff was very aware of the number of letters that came in on both sides of any issue and it was well worthwhile to have a lot of commentary that supported our side of the issues. Something to remember when you see an article or a letter that should be answered.
BCWF Alert
For members and others who are interested in receiving it, current
articles which are felt to be of interest, from firearms legislation
to conservation issues, are sent out by e-mail. Anyone who would like
to be placed on the list to receive these mailings can send their
request to jbholdstock@shawcable.com
Respectfully submitted
John B. Holdstock
Chair, BCWF Communications Committee
|
|
|
|
|
