Joining the National Rifle Association

The NRA Blacklist
In 2003, when nonmembers found a 19-page list on the NRA's official Web site that contained the names of hundreds of celebrities and corporations, the NRA was slow to explain. Organization spokespeople claimed that it was merely a list of corporations and celebrities that opposed the Second Amendment, but the media soon deemed the list the "NRA Blacklist." The people who found the list created a grassroots campaign targeting the NRA and urging citizens to voluntarily commit themselves to the blacklist [source: Serjeant].

You know the history and the mission ­of the NRA, so now you should decide if being a member is something you're interested in. If you oppose gun control, joining the NRA is a way to push your platform. If you don't agree with a literal translation of the Second Amendment, you have options too.

Joining the NRA is as simple as going to its Web site and filling out the online application. But prospective members should do their homework, as they'll be presented with options when they apply.

There are distinctions of membership to choose from:

  • one-, two-, three- or five-year memberships
  • life membership
  • associate membership
  • youth membership [source: NRA]
A Tough Flight Ahead
With Barack Obama in the Oval Office, the NRA is going to need to prepare for a fight. Obama is openly opposed to concealed weapons and has expressed his wish to get guns out of inner-city hands. Records show that he has continuously voted in favor of gun restrictions, including bans on many forms of rifle ammunition.

­The NRA lists the following benefits for its members:

  • defense of the Second Amendment
  • a members-only cap
  • subscription to an NRA magazine of the member's choice
  • membership card
  • decal
  • insurance for member and their gun
  • invites to "Friends of the NRA" dinners and other special events [source: NRA]

You're now pretty well versed in the ways of the National Rifle Association. If you feel strongly one way or the other, look into your options more deeply. There are plenty of ways to get involved.