I know that everything with SCI is far from perfect. I have been outspoken on some of the areas that I think the national office has been insensitive to in the past. That said, like many things on AR we tend to want to paint them black or white. Often that makes for a more spirited debate and frankly keeps things interesting. But the reality is that most things, including SCI, are not black or white but some shade of gray. Particularly when it comes to the work of the local chapters of SCI.

On December 17, SCI Houston served dinner to more than 300 of Houston's homeless community at the Star of Hope Mission in downtown Houston. The dinner was made more interesting since the meat served for dinner (more than 160 pounds) was venison provided by members of the chapter. In addition to providing the venison and volunteering, the chapter also donated $2500.00 to the Star of Hope. That donation had a AR connection. The proceeds of the rifle raffle that I solicited funds for several months ago were used to make the donation. Many generous AR members bought raffle tickets, unfortunately, someone other than an AR member won the raffle. (Don't fret I will soon be announcing a raffle for this year's rifle!)

My point is really twofold. One, we need to bear in mind that even when we are critical of organizations like SCI, the members of that organization and others do much to represent hunters in a positive light. Two, we all need to remember (present company included) that we can disagree on AR without be disagreeable.

Merry Christmas!




[From the left to right: Carter Robinson (Kent's son), Kent Robinson (former Chapter President), Brad Bull (Treasurer), Oscar Taylor, Holly Mathews, John Mathews, Yours Truly, Dick Druary (Star of Hope Director), Kathrin Yokubaitis (Star of Hope Manager of Community Relations)]



[Kathrin Yokubaitis, Linda Wright (Star of Hope Kitchen Manager)]

Great thread Mike. Always a guy with good advice.

Very nice hunter Jines! Merry Christmas.

Feels good to help! Nice job.

Good job Mike & well said.

Great Stuff Mike!

Jeff

Mike,
Well said, and well done! Merry Christmas to you, and your family.

Best regards,
Butch

We have done similar things here in Las Vegas with the Desert Chapter. Never gets reported as we don't see the need for the publicity, but the feeling of doing something like this is heartwarming. Thanks Mike for the pics and your efforts. There are many things that SCI chapters do that isn't part of the mainstream media efforts for the international organization.

Nice work MJ. Well done!

Nice job guys!! Bravo!!

that is the embodiment of the Christmas spirit- well done to all who helped and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Awesome job Mike!

BTW, I recognize your movie-star good looks but it would be nice if you could add captions to your photos to honor those who helped out. Maybe you could mention the position they hold in each organization.

You and your chapter are a great model for the rest of us.

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
. . . it would be nice if you could add captions to your photos to honor those who helped out. Maybe you could mention the position they hold in each organization.

Great point. I added two captions to the pictures. We had two other members show up that are not shown in these pictures, our current President Bill Pullen and Will Correa. It has been an honor to work with and get to know each of these fine folks.

Nice post. We do many things here in Chattanooga through SCI that supports the local community, and hunting in general. Our most important item is our "Hunt for Warriors", in which soldiers are selected to conduct a hunt at Enterprise South (an industrial complex overpopulated with deer), many of whom are amputees, and we've also had double amputees. Many of these soldiers had never hunted before. All deer shot are processed at no charge by a local processor, and then the meat is given to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, which feeds the needy and the homeless.

Supporting the Community Kitchen is a big part of our local mission.

SCI has the ability to affect areas where other hunting charities either cannot or won't. SCI is the most important hunting organization we have at the local level. Arguments on the national level will continue.

Will done Mike, and The Houston Chapter of SCI too.

The people behind the camera are always forgotten . . . David Kelly, the Chapter Secretary, took all the pictures.

As others have pointed out, there are chapters all across the country that make a difference in their communities and do so in a way that presents hunters in a positive light. The strength of any organization comes from the grass roots efforts of its members.

Good post, Mike. And good job on the community service work, both for the value to the homeless and the positive image for hunter.

Tom

Mike, Well done and there is always good out there. Many times it goes unnoticed. Kudos to all involved.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
We have done similar things here in Las Vegas with the Desert Chapter. Never gets reported as we don't see the need for the publicity, but the feeling of doing something like this is heartwarming.

I was taught that you never tell of the good things you did in life, but is it right? In todays world where we as hunters are accused of a lot of bad things and being crucified for doing what we love, isn't it the right thing to start telling the world of all the other things that we do in the community.

I think we must get more verbal and spread the news of all the effort hunters and hunters organisations put into communities. Overall hunters are very caring, giving and honest people, we should get this efforts published and inform the communities of our involvement. Isn't it our duty to do this to change the view of hunters in the eyes of the uninformed public.

Job well done Mike.

If we as hunters and sportsmen do not spread the word of what we do in the community, who will? The social progressives are shameless in spreading their anti-hunting, anti-shooting message. For example, the PETA events where they have models protesting in the nude against fur trapping.

I see no harm, and just benefit, in sharing stories of sportsmen giving back. I do not view it as self-promotion, immodesty or vanity, it is simply letting folks know that hunters and sportsmen care about conservation and their communities and are very giving with their time, talents and dollars. In connection with this event, we did a press release, several radio interviews and tried, unsuccessfully, to get the television media interested. I say let's toot our horn.

I wish SCI national would do a better job of sharing what the local chapters do instead of simply touting auctions and begging for legislative dollars. That would do two things, it would give other chapters incentives and ideas to do things and help spread the word on the good work the chapters do.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
If we as hunters and sportsmen do not spread the word of what we do in the community, who will? The social progressives are shameless in spreading their anti-hunting, anti-shooting message. For example, the PETA events where they have models protesting in the nude against fur trapping.

I see no harm, and just benefit, in sharing stories of sportsmen giving back. I do not view it as self-promotion, immodesty or vanity, it is simply letting folks know that hunters and sportsmen care about conservation and their communities and are very giving with their time, talents and dollars. In connection with this event, we did a press release, several radio interviews and tried, unsuccessfully, to get the television media interested. I say let's toot our horn.

I wish SCI national would do a better job of sharing what the local chapters do instead of simply touting auctions and begging for legislative dollars. That would do two things, it would give other chapters incentives and ideas to do things and help spread the word on the good work the chapters do.

+1

I know it's nitpicking but to say, "I wish SCI national would do a better job"???
Well since there is NO "SCI National" it's hard for them to a better job at anything, huh?

Maybe directing comments to SCI International might get more response. Just saying.

Good on you and your group Mjines. I am sure you helped lots of good folks with your efforts.

Larry Sellers
SCI (International) Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
If we as hunters and sportsmen do not spread the word of what we do in the community, who will? The social progressives are shameless in spreading their anti-hunting, anti-shooting message. For example, the PETA events where they have models protesting in the nude against fur trapping.

I see no harm, and just benefit, in sharing stories of sportsmen giving back. I do not view it as self-promotion, immodesty or vanity, it is simply letting folks know that hunters and sportsmen care about conservation and their communities and are very giving with their time, talents and dollars. In connection with this event, we did a press release, several radio interviews and tried, unsuccessfully, to get the television media interested. I say let's toot our horn.

I wish SCI national would do a better job of sharing what the local chapters do instead of simply touting auctions and begging for legislative dollars. That would do two things, it would give other chapters incentives and ideas to do things and help spread the word on the good work the chapters do.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
I know it's nitpicking but to say, "I wish SCI national would do a better job"???
Well since there is NO "SCI National" it's hard for them to a better job at anything, huh?

Maybe directing comments to SCI International might get more response. Just saying.

Good on you and your group Mjines. I am sure you helped lots of good folks with your efforts.

Larry Sellers
SCI (International) Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
If we as hunters and sportsmen do not spread the word of what we do in the community, who will? The social progressives are shameless in spreading their anti-hunting, anti-shooting message. For example, the PETA events where they have models protesting in the nude against fur trapping.

I see no harm, and just benefit, in sharing stories of sportsmen giving back. I do not view it as self-promotion, immodesty or vanity, it is simply letting folks know that hunters and sportsmen care about conservation and their communities and are very giving with their time, talents and dollars. In connection with this event, we did a press release, several radio interviews and tried, unsuccessfully, to get the television media interested. I say let's toot our horn.

I wish SCI national would do a better job of sharing what the local chapters do instead of simply touting auctions and begging for legislative dollars. That would do two things, it would give other chapters incentives and ideas to do things and help spread the word on the good work the chapters do.

Come on Larry.

Comparing some of the great things individual SCI Chapter do to the silly shenanigans those at SCI headquarter do is like comparing chalk and cheese!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Come on Larry.

Comparing some of the great things individual SCI Chapter do to the silly shenanigans those at SCI headquarter do is like comparing chalk and cheese!

This makes ZERO sense. Without the main parent body - the chapters do not exist.

MG:

quote:

This makes ZERO sense. Without the main parent body - the chapters do not exist.

If the Chapters were to rely on the "Main Parent Body" not much would be achieved. In this particular instance it would appear the contribution was made by several selfless individuals who deemed a good turn was in the offing for the less fortunate people in their midst.

I wonder how much the MPB contributes towards your own or other Chapter?

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Come on Larry.

Comparing some of the great things individual SCI Chapter do to the silly shenanigans those at SCI headquarter do is like comparing chalk and cheese!

This makes ZERO sense. Without the main parent body - the chapters do not exist.

Matt,

Just imagine a government.

That is how SCI headquarters are behaving - just like a banana republic.

In that country, there are individuals and organizations who do great things, despite what the politicians in the government do.

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Come on Larry.

Comparing some of the great things individual SCI Chapter do to the silly shenanigans those at SCI headquarter do is like comparing chalk and cheese!

This makes ZERO sense. Without the main parent body - the chapters do not exist.

When was the last time you read an SCI Intergalactic publication, whether the magazine or the newsletter, that highlighted the good works of the chapters? When was the last time you read an SCI Intergalactic publication, whether the magazine or the newsletter, that touted, listed, detailed and explained every auction item for the convention in minute detail? The main page of the website has tabs for Events and the Record Book, but to find Humanitarian Services you have to look under Membership and Chapters and then it has one page. Now answer this question, for the public at large, what is going to present SCI Intergalactic in a more positive light, the fact that they have a record book and give awards for dead animals or the Sportsman Against Hunger program? I understand that the organization is for its members and the record book, etc. may be important to certain of its members, but the organization also has missions to advocate and represent the image for hunters. I just think they -- the Intergalactic leadership -- have their priorities all messed up.

Nice Mike! Well done... despite the rhetoric both the national and local chapters do alot we never see unless someone brings it to our attention. Thanks for sharing.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:
This makes ZERO sense. Without the main parent body - the chapters do not exist.

When was the last time you read an SCI Intergalactic publication, whether the magazine or the newsletter, that highlighted the good works of the chapters? When was the last time you read an SCI Intergalactic publication, whether the magazine or the newsletter, that touted, listed, detailed and explained every auction item for the convention in minute detail? The main page of the website has tabs for Events and the Record Book, but to find Humanitarian Services you have to look under Membership and Chapters and then it has one page. Now answer this question, for the public at large, what is going to present SCI Intergalactic in a more positive light, the fact that they have a record book and give awards for dead animals or the Sportsman Against Hunger program? I understand that the organization is for its members and the record book, etc. may be important to certain of its members, but the organization also has missions to advocate and represent the image for hunters. I just think they -- the Intergalactic leadership -- have their priorities all messed up.

I didnt say they were perfect Mike. Was something I said incorrect?

I was simply raising the issue of whether the main parent body exists at the will of the chapters and should be beholden to the chapters or whether the chapters exist at the will of the main parent body and should be beholden to the main parent body. You seem to suggest (or at least I took it that way) the latter, I believe it should be the former. To me, the more disconnected the leadership of any organization becomes from its members, the greater the likelihood of serious problems . . . just look at the government in the United States if you want an example. If I misconstrued your intent, apologies.

Hey guys. I am not trying to stand up for or put down the SCI Chapters or the International Headquarters. As a former Chapter President I am fully aware of the good Chapters are doing now and in the past. I also know that the International Headquarters doesn't always do everything on the straight and narrow.

You have missed my point altogether. I am simply trying to point out that there is "NO NATIONAL" headquarters in/at Safari Club International. They don't have a "NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS" anywhere, anyplace, period. SCI is an International organization with it's "INTERNATIONAL" headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Hope this clarifies what I am talking about?

Have a great Holiday Season.

Larry Sellers
SCI (International) Life Member

Way to go SCI Houston, well done.

Great job Mike and the Houston Chapter!

One thing that is great about AR is that it is never predictable. SCI is finally getting some well deserved praise and two of its more ardent supporters seem intent on turning this into another worthless pissing match.

Mike is absolutely right.
I know a lot of the members and those on hear do things but don’t look for recognition. This is generally a good thing but in the advancement the cause of the sportsman it needs to change a little. We all need to do what ever we can to get a positive message out about shooting and the hunting sports.
Bill

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
I was simply raising the issue of whether the main parent body exists at the will of the chapters and should be beholden to the chapters or whether the chapters exist at the will of the main parent body and should be beholden to the main parent body. You seem to suggest (or at least I took it that way) the latter, I believe it should be the former.

No, why does it have to be one or the other? The truth is somewhere in between. They both support each other. The headquarters is the 'launch-pad' and thhe chapters do most of the groundwork.

Don't Chapters by and large have to fend for themselves in promoting their activities as part of the "privilege" in representing SCI or do they receive financial support from the Main Parent Body?

I heard from several Chapter Presidents that SCI HQ only provided the very basic "instruments of office" which would qualify the Chapter as being an official representative.

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
Don't Chapters by and large have to fend for themselves in promoting their activities as part of the "privilege" in representing SCI or do they receive financial support from the Main Parent Body?

I heard from several Chapter Presidents that SCI HQ only provided the very basic "instruments of office" which would qualify the Chapter as being an official representative.

They have a whole Chapter Services department and regional representatives to assist the chapters. Like I said - they also provide the launch pad for membership - SCI publications and the annual convention. Without the parent body the chapters wouldnt exist as they are, they would just be local hunt clubs.

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
Don't Chapters by and large have to fend for themselves in promoting their activities as part of the "privilege" in representing SCI or do they receive financial support from the Main Parent Body?

I heard from several Chapter Presidents that SCI HQ only provided the very basic "instruments of office" which would qualify the Chapter as being an official representative.

They have a whole Chapter Services department and regional representatives to assist the chapters. Like I said - they also provide the launch pad for membership - SCI publications and the annual convention. Without the parent body the chapters wouldnt exist as they are, they would just be local hunt clubs.

"Local hunt chapter" but doing a lot of good work, without being let down and having to defend a bunch of nincompoops whose only aim in life is to glorify each other, regardless of how negatively that affects us all as hunters.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

"Local hunt chapter" but doing a lot of good work, without being let down and having to defend a bunch of nincompoops whose only aim in life is to glorify each other, regardless of how negatively that affects us all as hunters.

Of course they do a lot of good work but the rest of your post is just fanciful. SCI isnt perfect and the chapters are far from perfect too.

Is this your latest SCI bandwagon Saeed? ... SCI's neglect of it's Chapters? It isnt hard to find something bad to say about SCI (everyone has one complaint or another about them) - just watch that complaint grow, mulitply and exaggerate on AR!!!

quote:

SCI isnt perfect and the chapters are far from perfect too.

I'd bet an eyeball that if the Chapters had a fraction of the funds the MPB had they (chapters) would be able to do a whole lot more in every field to promote hunting and what it stands for.

At present these chapters rely mainly on self-funding to get their projects on the road and because of insufficient funds, are basically hampered/limited in doing/giving more.
I have a gut feeling a lot of these chapters are also supported (in part) by personal funds and/or donations by generous supporters.

I gather the only contributions by the MPB are the SCI Chapter seals and a certificate of appointment for the privilege to represent or does each chapter also receive monies according towards its projected annual budget?

Please say its not true!