Introduction

Since the Affiliate development team meetings in the fall of 2002 and subsequent introduction of the Affiliate Program at the Centennial Friends conference in Washington D.C. in 2003, the Affiliate program has grown to over 140 groups nationwide (See Affiliate member list). From Florida to Washington, Massachusetts to Texas, Friends have joined together to show their support for each other and for a better future for refuges and the Refuge System.

Why Create an Affiliate Program?

The NWRA is working to build a powerful national network of Friends and individuals to fight for the needs of the Refuge System. The Friends Affiliate Program is a way that Friends groups as a whole can stand together as a force for the Refuge System. The Affiliate program also provides groups with benefits such as e-mail services for new and developing groups, discounts to Friends events and workshops, and help with researching potential funders.

The purpose of the Affiliate program is to:

• Enhance communication among Friends groups in order to effectively inform and mobilize support for local and national refuge issues by becoming members of the NWRA Advocacy Network
• Provide Friends the tools to build effective relationships with their local and national representatives
• Build the NWRA's capacity as experienced and effective advocates for Friends, refuges and the Refuge System by sustaining its education, outreach and lobbying missions

There is no charge to become an Affiliate Friends Group. Even better, when your group joins the Affiliate program, all your members are entitled to free membership in NWRA, including Wildlife Refuge, the only magazine dedicated to our National Wildlife Refuge System!

Structure

The structure of the Affiliate Program is designed to be ground up, representational and built upon the democratic strengths of grassroots organizations. Groups join as whole organizations. Our goal is to have every Friends and refuge support group be an Affiliate member of the NWRA. No previous legislative experience is needed, just a desire to influence refuge funding and policy in accordance with the principles and positions of the NWRA. Materials will be provided and opportunities to learn how to become an effective advocate will be offered throughout your involvement with the Affiliate Program.

Your Commitment

As an Affiliate member, you and your group will stand as a supporter of the NWRA and communicate with your elected officials regarding issues important to your refuge and the Refuge System. Your involvement simply requires you to make an effort to get to know and develop a working relationship with your Congressman and Senators.

Please help us build national momentum for the Refuge System. Join the Friends Affiliate Program and sign up to have your members receive their free NWRA memberships. Please fill out and send in our Affiliate application.

Desiree Sorenson-Groves , Director of Grassroots Outreach will contact you soon afterwards to answer any questions that you or members of your group may have regarding the Affiliate program Affiliate Action Network and individual NWRA memberships.

(return to top)