SCOPE President Activities in April 2025
1. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, approximately 110 members attended the SCOPE Annual Members Meeting, where important updates, strategic goals, and initiatives were shared. The guest speaker, Bobby Anne Cox, a civil rights attorney from Westchester County, New York, delivered a compelling message emphasizing that conservatives can no longer rely solely on the courts to advance their positions; instead, she urged that increasing conservative voter turnout must become a priority. Cox stressed that efforts to educate voters and mobilize turnout must begin immediately. The SCOPE President delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation measuring the organization's progress using seven key metrics: individual and chapter membership, funds raised, lawsuits supported, pro-Second Amendment bills backed, gun raffles conducted and revenue generated, and whether a banquet was held and the proceeds earned. Of these metrics, five showed improvement over the previous year, one declined, and one remained unchanged. A prototype "Alert Message" system was also demonstrated to the audience, highlighting advancements in communication. Several new initiatives were introduced, including the development of a social media plan, a merchandise strategy, a SCOPE firearms safety course, and a proposal to offer a one-year free membership to graduates of that course. In closing, the SCOPE President called on members for increased chapter participation in gun raffles and quarterly board meetings, more contributions to Firing Lines, volunteers for committee work, and help in filling six vacant At-large Director positions.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025 (1:00PM) the SCOPE board of directors meeting alongside the Annual Members meeting. A key accomplishment of the session was the approval of the updated SCOPE by-law, making a significant step forward in the organization’s governance. Planning for the upcoming 2025 banquet, scheduled for Saturday September 27, 2025, at the Palmyra VFW in Palmyra, New York, was also discussed, including consideration of several prominent national figures as potential guest speakers. During the meeting, elections for corporate officers were held, resulting in all current officers being re-elected, with the addition of Jim Krywalski as the new 2nd Vice President. The board also reviewed SCOPE’s Top Ten Most Egregious firearms legislation, areas where SCOPE needs additional help and explored ways the organization can improve its operations and outreach. The next board of directors meeting is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
2. In April, the SCOPE President continued outreach efforts by visiting the Yates, Cattaraugus, and Monroe County Chapters of SCOPE. During these visits, discussions centered around SCOPE's top five priorities: coordinating efforts with other Second Amendment organizations, boosting both individual and chapter memberships, educating politicians and the public on firearms legislation, developing pro-Second Amendment bills, and supporting high school shooting sports through donations. Additionally, the SCOPE President addressed the organization’s “Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Laws” currently being debated in Albany, New York, emphasizing the importance of grassroots advocacy in defending Second Amendment rights across the state.
3. The President of SCOPE, in collaboration with the Jefferson/Lewis Chapter of SCOPE, recently met with New York State Senator Mark Walcyzk's Chief of Staff and Assemblyman Scott Gray to provide a detailed briefing on SCOPE's Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Legislation currently under debate in the New York State Legislature. During the meeting, the group highlighted key concerns regarding the potential impact of these legislative proposals on Second Amendment rights. In addition, plans were coordinated to brief New York State Senate Minority Leader Senator Rob Ortt, along with other members of the SCOPE corporation, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to further discuss the organization's legislative priorities and opposition. It is extremely important that every county chapter chairman or his representative brief his or her state Senator and Assemblyman or woman on the Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms legislation now because the State budget is finalized, and it is time for the legislature to act on other bills such as firearms legislation.
4. Coordination continues developing the SCOPE banquet scheduled for Saturday September 27, 2025.
5. Time was dedicated to forming specialized committees focused on key areas of development, including the creation of a comprehensive social media strategy, the planning and execution of a merchandise program, and the design of a SCOPE firearms instructor’s course. Each committee was tasked with outlining objectives, identifying resources, and establishing timelines to ensure effective implementation and alignment with the organization’s broader goals.
