What are the responsibilities of an association?

In NO PARTICULAR ORDER, and in my opinion, our membership should get us the most up to date information about techniques associated with deer farming and hunting ranches. It should keep us advised on any pending legislation affecting our industry at both a state and national level. It should keep us advised about changes in regulations BEFORE it shows up in my mailbox. It should fight for our rights in all aspects associated with the industry. It should help educate us on legal issues such as taxes, and our rights as a deer farmer/preserve owners. It should stand ready to defend it's members provided it's members/member have not knowingly acted irresponsibly. There are also times when the assc should help defend non-members if in the long run it defends the members in precedent setting issues. Membership should also provide us the tools needed to market our product, along with a marketing campaign. It should be available to its members for any questions the members may have. I am sure there are more things I am missing, but this is some of my thoughts. But most of all I expect this with my membership in a way that is not slanted by personal issues by those who are in charge of the assc. Leave the personal politics and petty crap aside.

I'm sorry I don't know what the current status in FL is for a deer assc. If there is one, if it is just an idea at this point, or what. So here is just some thoughts I have off the cuff.

Have a solid and proven set of by-laws. Speak with some of the current state orgs for input on that.

To begin you will need a grass roots effort to get everyone involved. Keep in mind that no matter what you do, you will never make everyone happy. but the majority should always rule, as the majority should know they "own" the org.

The key to any new or old org is a solid and trust worthy board. And the key position on any board is the treasurers position. The membership must know that the monies are safe, and should have access to the information associated with that.

Then a solid and well planned introduction of the new org to the state legislators is a must. Invite them to the meetings for introductions. This is something your lobbyist can help you with. Make sure you find a solid and productive lobbyist that is truly wanting to work for the org. He/she is a vital piece of the equation.

Along with the meetings with lawmakers is the all important meetings with the head of each Ag or Natural Wildlife Dept. Learn who these people are, where they stand on issues, and from there build solid relationships.

If all this is done already work on a well put together directory of all deer farms in the state. This will give everyone the ability to start networking and provide better communication among fellow industry folks.

Make sure everyone is kept informed and up to date on all issues and coming events. Participation at events and meetings is vital. Proper planning will help give everyone the needed time to plan to attend these functions.

Find what each person in the org is good for and use that to the orgs advantage. I think too often all orgs overlook the valuable resources they have in the membership.



I'm not sure if any of all that makes sense to anyone. It was just some quick thoughts thrown out there.

I guess the first thing is a solid lobbyist and an effort to get roads into the lawmakers and top Ag and Wildlife heads.

Visit the SGRA website and become familiar with our association. I think you will find we comply to all of the above definitions. www.gamerancher.org