Grassroots is defined as the involvement of common citizens in an issue or campaign. Recently a New Jersey state senator stressed to me that most elected officials would prefer the backing of grassroots organizations to those that only offer campaign funding. The reason is that there is a direct correlation between grassroots efforts and VOTES; the correlation is not as direct between money and votes.

In 2007, outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen proved the senator correct. We united and voted Senator Karcher and Assemblyman Panter out of office. These two animal rights activists sponsored hostile legislation that might have ended freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping in NJ. Our unification sent a powerful and costly message to politicians who spent nearly $6 million on the Karcher/Panter campaign but lost to opponents spending only $1 million. The 6 to 1 spending deficit was overcome by the power of grassroots voters.

The ability of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen to influence Trenton lies within each of us. There are 600,000 anglers, hunters and trappers in New Jersey and as a voting bloc, our numbers are three times greater than that of one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the state - the New Jersey Education Association.

Our success in advancing our interests is as simple as each of us making a one-minute phone call to a legislator or sending an email. You can imagine the leverage that 600,000 involved constituents would have with a legislator.

The NJOA will continue to be the voice of outdoor-minded individuals. We now have 30 representatives personally introducing the NJOA to 120 legislators. We have a council of 15 accomplished sportsmen, sportswomen and conservationists. We also have plans to increase our presence in Trenton.

Learn how you can join in the effort by visiting: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html Display the NJOA decal prominently to let others know of your involvement in the political process and the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

A final note, please be mindful that the most important thing we can do to protect our outdoor freedoms is to exercise our right to vote.

May we all be forever vigilant,

Ant
NJOA