Episode 180. Taking Back the NRA: Grassroots Reform and Resistance (w/ Ronald Andring, Sr.)

Show Notes

 

Episode 180. Taking Back the NRA: Grassroots Reform and Resistance (w/ Ronald Andring, Sr.)

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Ronald Andring Sr., a dedicated member of the NRA who has been actively involved in efforts to reform the organization. Ronald shares his journey with the NRA, detailing his experiences and the issues he uncovered regarding the leadership and management of the organization. He discusses the impact of the New York Attorney General's case against the NRA, his testimony at the trial, and the importance of transparency and accountability within the board. The conversation also highlights the recent election of reform-minded candidates and the need for member engagement to ensure the NRA serves its members effectively. Ronald emphasizes the significance of addressing conflicts of interest and the necessity for the board to acknowledge past mistakes to regain trust among members. The episode concludes with a call to action for members to rejoin and support the NRA as it moves towards a more transparent and accountable future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ronald Andring Sr.

03:00 Ronald's Journey with the NRA

06:06 Uncovering the NRA's Internal Issues

08:46 Testifying at the Trial

12:07 The Bench Trial and Its Implications

14:54 Reforming the NRA's Governance

18:03 The Impact of Recent Elections

21:06 The Future of the NRA Board

27:51 Building a Coalition for Change

32:51 Leadership Transition: Doug Hamlin's Impact

36:37 Financial Accountability and Budgeting Efforts

38:46 Collaboration with Other Organizations

43:43 Reforming the Board: Elections and Resolutions

55:36 Annual Meeting Insights and Member Engagement

59:13 Committee Appointments and Resolutions

01:00:00 Addressing Conflicts of Interest

01:02:52 The Importance of Independent Board Members

01:03:45 The Resolution Process and Member Engagement

01:07:00 Conducting Meetings with Transparency

01:09:45 Acknowledging Past Mistakes

01:12:26 Rebuilding Trust and Membership

01:14:24 Engaging Local Associations

01:17:44 Technological Advancements in Member Engagement

01:25:31 Future of the NRA and Member Involvement

Resources

Members Take Back Our NRA

https://www.facebook.com/groups/309304408832668

Only Guns and Money (John Richardson)

https://onlygunsandmoney.com/

https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=35366

NRA in Danger

https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/

Takeaways

• Ronald Andring Sr. has been involved with the NRA since the early 80s.

• He became actively engaged in reform efforts after retiring in 2023.

• The New York AG case revealed serious issues within the NRA's leadership.

• Ron testified at the trial, providing insights into the board's actions.

• The bench trial aimed to reform the NRA rather than penalize it.

• Recent elections have seen the rise of reform-minded candidates on the board.

• Transparency and accountability are crucial for the NRA's future.

• Electronic balloting could increase member engagement and participation.

• Ronald's resolution aims to prevent conflicts of interest among board members.

• The NRA must acknowledge past mistakes to regain member trust.

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