Requiring 100% GOAL Membership

and

Requiring New Club Members to Join GOAL

GOAL derives its strength from its members.  The more members we have, the more "clout" we can have, politically and legislatively.  Increased membership means more programs to benefit the law abiding gun owner.  During the past few years, a number of clubs in Massachusetts have taken steps to ensure the continued success of GOAL by requiring GOAL membership of all new members, or of all club members. 

If you would like to know how many of your club members are current members of GOAL, you may submit a list of names and addresses of club members to our membership secretary.

In all cases, we feel that the appropriate governing body, or the general club membership, should vote to approve any such bylaw changes.  If you would like a speaker from GOAL to come address your club on the benefits of requiring GOAL membership, please let us know.

Requiring New Club Members to Join GOAL

This is usually done in one of two ways.

1. The initiation or application fee for members is increased by the amount of one year individual GOAL dues (currently $30). The club secretary then sends GOAL a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers for all members, with one check for the entire group of new members.

2. The application states that it must be submitted to the club with proof of GOAL membership (photocopy of membership card).

Requiring 100% GOAL membership

This step is usually taken only after a healthy discussion, and a vote of the general membership at a meeting. The requirement becomes effective with the next club dues renewal.

Once agreed upon, the requirement becomes a simple thing to check. Members are required to submit proof of GOAL membership (photocopy of membership card is acceptable) before renewing. The club membership secretary would not issue a new card or key until such proof has been shown. Those clubs with a computerized database can make note of GOAL life members, and cut down on the process of checking.

One club decided to increase their dues by $30, the amount of GOAL dues.  GOAL life members and multi-year members were given a refund of this amount.  The Club Secretary then sent in one check, along with a list of members, to GOAL. Persons who objected to becoming members of GOAL were not forced to join, but did not get a refund of this amount.