In summary:
• Tell your local politician about your sport or recreation - take some photos along.
• Do the same with your local newspaper.
• Get to know the other shooting clubs in your area - have a BBQ with them.
• Support the CFCV - help us by shopping at IGA Ritchies
Explain what you do
Being a proud hunter, target shooter or recreational firearm user, is about making sure those around you understand who you are and what you do.
 A gentle reminder of what you are trying to protect... |
Many people will see you simply as a 'gun owner' but this is somewhat naive. We don't have "football owners" or "cricket bat owners" but footballers and cricketers whose reason for participation goes beyond the bat or ball. They're footballers or cricketers. Its the same with shooting. We're not just 'gun owners' but shooters. Many users participate in their activity to get outdoors, catch up with people they know, compete at local, state or international level, collect something that is rare or get involved on a committee. |
The reasons are exactly the same as for other sports - but many people unfamiliar with firearms can't see this. Overcoming this is central to our challenge.
The dollar signs
An example of a 'message' we need to convey, is that the CFCV has estimated that Victoria's 200,000 licensed shooters contribute a quarter of a billion dollars in direct expenditure in the local economy. This is more than the State Government will spend on capital works for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The maths also show that there is over 2,200 shooters in every lower house electorate (there are 88 of them).
This is a message worth repeating to every person who wants to debate the issue with you because it helps make them realise that shooting doesn't simply involve half a dozen people around the state popping away at tin cans on any given weekend.
Rather there will be tens of thousands of shooters on any given weekend going to state championships, on blackpowder meets, hunting or presentation dinners. These people support small businesses particularly in regional ares - the point is that we do matter to the 'non-shooter' because we add significant value to their economy. A quarter of a billion dollars in direct expenditure every year. You can't ignore it.
Education...
Educating those around us will enable them to better understand what they are commenting on. It will help also shape firearm policy development at a more sensible level.
Achieving this is our aim, but it won't happen without considerable and sustained effort over a long period of time - but it is eminently possible.
This will involve carefully targetted, accurate and consistent messages. Despite the negativity of the Federal Governments recent campain on handguns, it was quick to 'quarantine' the Olympic and Commonwealth Games shooting sports. Why ? Because of the positive publicity that came about from Australia's shooting performances at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics - in the middle of the last major debate on firearms.
Supporting your sport
Supporting the CFCV is the most effective way to protect your sport or past-time because your money will go to ensuring the shooting sports have an effective political and media profile.
Closer to home
However there are other simple things you can do that won't cost you money - only time.
Visit your local Member of Parliament to explain what you do - take along a target or photo to show them what you focus on. Explain why you go duck shooting or why you collect guns: tell them about the friendly atmosphere at your club. Invite them to your club's next shoot - or maybe a BBQ at your club or farm. Focus on what you do. Whatever you do, do not debate the politics of firearm use unless the MP starts on that topic - just focus on what you do and why. Its simple education. Do the same with your local councillor and newspapers. Tell them that shooting is worth a quarter of a billion dollars to the Victorian economy each year. Respond politely but firmly to articles and letters that appear in the newspapers. Don't gabble on about rights or marching on Parliament. Again, explain what you do and stick to the facts. Remind them that shooting supports many local towns and communities. Post this brochure on your club noticeboard. Visit other shooting clubs or organisations in your area - organise a BBQ with them.
You can find the contact details of your local politician by clicking here for the lower house seats, and here for the upper house seats. Again, understand their situation, be polite and informative. Don't debate, but help them understand who you are and what you do. Then they will be able to help you. Contribute to our cause by shopping at IGA and using a Community Benefits card - click here to find out more.
All shooters need to help protect our sport and to stop more firearms disappearing into the crusher. You will have only yourself to blame if YOU do nothing.
However we don't intend to let matters get that far - but we need your support. Support the CFCV today.