quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:

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!

Let me make it easier for you. Go and check on the website 'Chapters' section and read about the ways SCI helps the chapters with membership, fundraising, grants and a host of other items. Very often, Chapters have to actually ask for extra assistance too. This was bought to light (to me) a couple years ago, when I asked my regional rep why we don't see any of the Grant money down here in Australia - his reply - "the local chapter doesnt apply for it!! "

http://www.scifirstforhunters.org/membership

I did not intend to, nor did I, suggest that the Intergalactic office does not support or work with the chapters. They certainly do. I just think that the priorities of the two are very different in many important respects.

That said, the main purpose of the thread was to show that for all the bashing of SCI that goes on, SCI and its chapters do many things that go unreported and largely unknown that help portray hunters and sportsmen in a positive light. I guess the other point of the thread is to point out that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. If the extent of your involvement in SCI is throwing rocks at SCI (candidly, my former role), then it is hard to see how you are addressing or can help address the issues you would like to see change at SCI.

Good post Mike!!

Matt, you must remember the local chapter retains 70% of what they earn only 30% goes to the International organization. Therefore you have lots of money for local use.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
Matt, you must remember the local chapter retains 70% of what they earn only 30% goes to the International organization. Therefore you have lots of money for local use.

I knew that!!

When I was a Chapter President and involved with Chapter administration, I know the Chapter folks, took the 70% of money raised by "their" efforts and did lots of great things with it. I was a small part of the effort for sure, as our members busted their butts and gave lots of their time in all these projects.

This included but not limited to such things as helping the Game Department in their Big Horn Sheep restoration, building water drinkers in the desert areas for wildlife, sending local teachers to the SCI Leadership School in Wyoming, gathering school and medical supplies (a complete shipping container full) and sending it to Zim, feeding 100's of needy people, especially around the Holidays, sending handicapped kids on hunts of a lifetime around New Mexico, weekend events to introduce kids and non hunting/shooting adults into our passion, sending SCI Blue Bags full of education and medical supplies with hunters going to Africa and other places Worldwide. Lots more but you get the idea. SCI is a combination of the International Headquarters and their Chapters working TOGETHER to safeguard our Sport and our way of life. I know I was proud of all the Members efforts and still look back at all these things accomplished by the Chapter membership. Not many other groups out there can claim this kind of accomplishment that SCI Chapter members provide. SCI and it's International administration is the base for all that happens within this organization. Like them or not, this is how it works and this is how all the good things get done.

Larry Sellers
SCI (International) Life Member

What everyone seems to forget is that SCI and its chapters are like the proverbial chicken and egg. Without SCI there would be no chapters, and without the chapters there would be no SCI.

More important to this debate is the fact that a representative of each chapter is a member of the board of directors that determines SCI's policies and elects its leaders.

If the international organization is as awful and corrupt as Saeed and a handful of AR members are convinced it is, then the blame rests squarely on those chapter representatives.

Bill Quimby

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
I did not intend to, nor did I, suggest that the Intergalactic office does not support or work with the chapters. They certainly do. I just think that the priorities of the two are very different in many important respects.

This is an astute statment and just as I would like it to remain. The International organization should focus on what goes on in Washington, DC and other world capitols with regards to hunting. Way too much graft/greed/ corruption currently having a negative affect on hunters and their pursuit of LEGAL activities. Most glaring in this regard is the USF&W disregard for CITES, a good treaty that the USA is a signator of.

The local Chapters need to focus on local issues, esp at the state level, that have a negative affect.

Lots of my friends say that they don't want to be involved in politics. I always reply with a quote from my Grandfather - "Everyone is a politician. Some folks are better at it than others." Therefore, we all need to get involved in the politics of the situation, at the local Chapter level, at the Safari Club International level, and at the county/state/ national level to preserve the rights we espouse. Many won't get involved because it is a lot of WORK, a dirty 4 letter word. Which brings me to my 2d favorite quote, "90% of the work is done by 10% of the people. I always want to be in the top 10%."

So I ask all on this forum, be involved in any way you can. Ask youself if you're a good politician or a bad one? But know that you are one.