ihmsa forums

Hey all,

I'm getting kind of settled in here as the new IHMSA News editor (please don't judge me on my first issue when you get it in May--ha ha!).

First of all, I appreciate all the kind words from many of my IHMSA friends out there, and look forward to this position. I don't see myself being just a "cut & paste" kind of person. I like writing, I travel quite a bit and have gotten to have a lot of great IHMSA experiences over the past few years and met a lot of great people around the country.

One monthly segment I am going to have in the IHMSA News is "IHMSA Is Growing Because…". We do have a lot of great things going on in IHMSA. We all know membership has declined in recent years, but it is also growing in certain places. Ole95 brought this up as an idea to me, and anyone who knows him enjoys the kind of outgoing, forward-thinking person he is.

Maybe there is a particular range or gun club you know of that is doing great things (I know of 2 new ranges being put in right now--that is great to hear since we usually hear about ranges closing more than opening). Maybe there is a certain event that is doing a great job--I look at the ECC and think what a great effort and addition that is--can't wait to hear what the final results are from that. Maybe you know of a particular individual who is doing something exceptional and is a great asset to IHMSA (I can think of a bunch of those!). Our international friends are always such as joy to talk to at the World Championships because I get to hear a totally different perspective with the various political laws they have to overcome. For instance, Paraguay has been represented at the World Championships the past two years, and what great stories those guys have! There are a lot of great success stories going on out there right now with IHMSA, and we should acknowledge those people and efforts. So if you go through the season and see or think of something that might be fitting for this segment, we would love to hear the story. If you are a writer, create an article (pictures are always good too) and send it to ihmsaeditorjoe@gmail.com

If you are not a writer or maybe need somebody to do some word-smithing, feel free to send the idea for the article via email or give me a call and we can work together to get something punched out.

I often hear how the IHMSA News has gotten smaller over the years, and I have certainly seen that just in the 7 years I have been a member--I remember it having two sections when I first got into this game). Being a volunteer organization, we don't hire writers and one person can't author a 30 page periodical every month. But we have a bunch of people out there with great information, experiences, and stories. I've always believed that everybody out there has a great book somewhere inside of them that may never get written, or a top-notch song that they may never sing. With all the talented and engaging people I have met through IHMSA, I encourage anybody out there who has had an idea of something for a story or article and never submitted it, to please do so. There are many interesting people and great happenings going on out there in IHMSA that should be shared with others.

If you have any thoughts, ideas, or questions, please send them to ihmsaeditorjoe@gmail.com

Joe thanks for taking this over
I look forward to not only your articles. But hopefully those by local, state and regional director promoting their matches. With a “let me tell you about my grandkids” attitude that would make me loaded up the wife, guns and head that way! Do I think this will save IHMSA no but sometimes the terminally ill get tired of hearing what wrong with them and like seeing a smiling face telling them what’s right with them.
Hopefully someone will tell us what’s right with IHMSA and put a smile on our face

Have I told you about my grandkids!!