apmaurosr
10-04-2007, 07:13 AM
Based on my experience I think that it is reasonable to say that the NJOA, in only 2 months of operation, has done more to educate; anglers, hunters, trappers, and shooters in the state of New Jersey than any organization in the last 50 years.
In only 2 months every state senator and assemblyperson has heard about the existence of the NJOA - and what we are doing for outdoorsman and outdoorswomen. There are well respected national organizations that are in awe of what we are accomplishing - in spite of operating on a shoe-string budget.
But make no mistake, I am not stating that our success to date is because of my efforts - it is due to the efforts of concerned sportsmen and sportswomen across the state.
Anglers, hunters, trappers, shooters have taken up the cause from all over New Jersey. I have been before more outdoor clubs than I ever knew existed. I have been graciously welcomed to speak in front of groups as diverse as scuba clubs and trout clubs to hunting and fur bearer clubs. So have Jerry and Cory.
The NJOA has volunteers that spend just about EVERY MINUTE of their free time getting the word out to places I never thought would be interested in our cause. It is this grassroot effort by everyday people believing strongly in our outdoor heritage that are making the difference. These are the people that will make NJOA an ongoing success, these are the sentinels that are protecting OUR ability to fish, hunt, and trap. These people are carrying OUR water for us and they richly deserve our recognition
I know that I have personally recognized their efforts. I thank them for their assistance, for their time and devotion, for their vision of our need to secure the future of our outdoor heritage, and their understanding of the sound principles of conservation.
I will publicly recognize these people when the time is right. Right now too much work remains to start back-slapping.
The NJOA certainly needs money to accomplish its mission, but money is the easy thing. Anyone can throw money at something and feel like they're involved - but it is the person that calls their legislator, politely insists on knowing their position on a bill, educates and informs others, rolls up their sleeves and volunteers, takes up our cause with a passion - that TRULY make the difference. This is the type of people we need at the NJOA - doers, achievers, believers.
I welcome all outdoor-minded individuals to become part of something that is bigger than each of us, be part of something that is beginning to change the face of politics in NJ, and be part of saving a heritage that has been forged and hard fought by those that have gone before us. Surely those that choose not to will regret not taking a stand - now - at our most vulnerable hour.
Please contact your assemblyperson and senator. Ask them where they stand on bill A3275 and S2041 (bills that will ban freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping). Tell them you oppose these bills. Find your rspresentive at this link: http://www.vote-smart.org/
Then VOTE on November 6th. (October 16th is the last day to register.)
Ant
Chairman, NJOA
In only 2 months every state senator and assemblyperson has heard about the existence of the NJOA - and what we are doing for outdoorsman and outdoorswomen. There are well respected national organizations that are in awe of what we are accomplishing - in spite of operating on a shoe-string budget.
But make no mistake, I am not stating that our success to date is because of my efforts - it is due to the efforts of concerned sportsmen and sportswomen across the state.
Anglers, hunters, trappers, shooters have taken up the cause from all over New Jersey. I have been before more outdoor clubs than I ever knew existed. I have been graciously welcomed to speak in front of groups as diverse as scuba clubs and trout clubs to hunting and fur bearer clubs. So have Jerry and Cory.
The NJOA has volunteers that spend just about EVERY MINUTE of their free time getting the word out to places I never thought would be interested in our cause. It is this grassroot effort by everyday people believing strongly in our outdoor heritage that are making the difference. These are the people that will make NJOA an ongoing success, these are the sentinels that are protecting OUR ability to fish, hunt, and trap. These people are carrying OUR water for us and they richly deserve our recognition
I know that I have personally recognized their efforts. I thank them for their assistance, for their time and devotion, for their vision of our need to secure the future of our outdoor heritage, and their understanding of the sound principles of conservation.
I will publicly recognize these people when the time is right. Right now too much work remains to start back-slapping.
The NJOA certainly needs money to accomplish its mission, but money is the easy thing. Anyone can throw money at something and feel like they're involved - but it is the person that calls their legislator, politely insists on knowing their position on a bill, educates and informs others, rolls up their sleeves and volunteers, takes up our cause with a passion - that TRULY make the difference. This is the type of people we need at the NJOA - doers, achievers, believers.
I welcome all outdoor-minded individuals to become part of something that is bigger than each of us, be part of something that is beginning to change the face of politics in NJ, and be part of saving a heritage that has been forged and hard fought by those that have gone before us. Surely those that choose not to will regret not taking a stand - now - at our most vulnerable hour.
Please contact your assemblyperson and senator. Ask them where they stand on bill A3275 and S2041 (bills that will ban freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping). Tell them you oppose these bills. Find your rspresentive at this link: http://www.vote-smart.org/
Then VOTE on November 6th. (October 16th is the last day to register.)
Ant
Chairman, NJOA