If you are buying from outfits merely because they’re cheap and not checking to see if they support landuse, you might as well give a similar amount of money to the Sierra Club or other anti-access groups trying EVERY DAY to shut us down. It’s that simple.
So what can we do to make sure we ARE buying from outfits that are in the game. Here’s the simple process:
Ask them if and how they support landuse.
- Find out what events they show up at and if they are donating to the event raffle --- that raffle hopefully supports landuse in some way and not just some warm and fuzzy cause solely.
- Look at their website to see what links they offer in the landuse world (United 4WDA, BlueRibbon Coalition, state organizations, AMA, ASA, etc.); and…
- Check out your state association and regional off-road groups to see what businesses THEY claim as members and supporters (on their website and in their newsletter where some list levels of sponsorship even).
Now let’s say you really love a company but they failed on all the above checks….just get in touch and give them a chance to “convert” to supporting pro-access efforts. Get a few buddies to jump in with you. Be fair. If they don’t covert, STOP buying from them and let them know why. You will be helping to SAVE our sports and keep our trails open by doing that.
On the other hand, let’s say you buy from an outfit that is ALWAYS showing up with product donations to raffles, giving to landuse organizations, supporting the cause of access on their website and in their newsletters…..GIVE THEM A HUG – publicly! Say so on forums when it’s appropriate. Let your buddies know about the “good guys.” Be outspoken why YOU buy from the businesses who support keeping our trails open. This has to go two ways -- love the one you’re with and let the others you’re not with know WHY!
Article by: By Del & Stacie Albright
