Page 73 - American Rifleman (February 2020)

INSIDE NRA | PROGRAMS & SERVICES

NRA’s National Youth Shooting
Sports Ambassador Program

e all know the history of how the peers, meet industry influencers and travel to
NRA began, with a post-Civil national-level NRA events.
W War military interest in improving Claudia Olsen, NRA’s current Youth
marksmanship. A lesser-known fact is how Programs Coordinator said, “Participants are
those initial goals grew to include our nation’s not only selected because they are shooting
youth. In 1903, NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones sports enthusiasts, but also because of their
encouraged that rifle clubs at the military academic performance and community
academies be expanded to universities and involvement. And to make the program more
major colleges as well. By 1906, the NRA’s inclusive of all youth cooperative programs,
youth shooting program had grown to include including NRA State Associations and affiliated
200 boys competing in the National Matches clubs, we’ve opened the application process to
at Sea Girt, N.J. all high school sophomores, juniors or seniors
By Joseph P. Fast forward to 2008 when a similar who meet the program requirements.”
emphasis resurfaced as the NRA National Folks interested in the program may visit
DeBergalis, Jr.
Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador program. NRA’s ambassador website and apply online
Executive Director, From Chip Lohman, the program’s creator: in time for the annual review of applications
General Operations “As a member of NRA’s Youth Programs each July. The submission process is two-
office, I was the liaison to 12 national youth tiered. Once Claudia and her team have the
organizations such as the Jaycees, Boy Scouts, applications, they select 20 semifinalists who
4-H, JROTC and others. As part of the mission must submit a two- to five-minute video. Then
to educate 2 million youth shooters about from six to eight finalists are selected to be
NRA programs and resources, we thought it NRA Youth Ambassadors for a calendar year.
important to also remind industry leaders of Once selected, the Youth Ambassadors
the growing number of juniors in our sport. assume various duties such as participating in
The NRA, with generous support from the conference calls to discuss the program and
industry, helped representatives from those how they are progressing, writing articles which
same 12 youth programs attend the annual may be used in NRA publications or social
Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) media outlets, completing an NRA training pro-
Show as NRA Ambassadors.” gram, helping to organize an NRA Youth Day
Through the continued stewardship of and traveling to as many as three NRA events
NRA’s Youth Programs Office, the National as Ambassadors. In addition to gaining valuable
Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador Program life and industry experience, the Ambassadors
has remained committed to increasing youth also receive NRA Life memberships and a mon-
participation in the shooting sports while etary award for their service.
reinforcing the qualities of sportsmanship, To learn more about this
dedication and youth advocacy. On a personal wonderful program for our
note, I’ve witnessed how this program youth members, to nominate
also provides young men and women the someone or to apply, visit:
youthambassadors.nra.org opportunity to collaborate with like-minded youthambassadors.nra.org.

Photos by NRA Staff

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AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020