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Mandy Harling JAKES Coordinator |
Creating leaders
You host JAKES events because you love the outdoors and want to share your passion for it with the children in your community. But have you ever thought that the youth attending your events could be the future’s committee chairmen, local chapter presidents, state chapter board members and overall conservationists we need to keep our organization and mission alive for the next generation?
When I asked regional staff and Federation volunteers if they knew of former JAKES members who are now NWTF leaders, the response was overwhelming. Not only are they NWTF chapter leaders, they hold leadership positions across the United States, ranging from school systems to Capitol Hill. Flip the page for some of the many JAKES success stories. It’s kind of a “Where are they now?” hall of fame for our program.
The JAKES attending your events today will remember what they learned there as they grow taller and get older. Not all of them will become hunters or NWTF leaders, but most of them will be voters. If you’ve taken the opportunity to explain the role hunters play in wildlife conservation, they’ll remember it when they hit the polls. They also will be more likely to attend Hunting Heritage Super Fund banquets and support the NWTF — the people who provided them such fond childhood memories at JAKES days.
attending your events today will remember what they learned there as they grow taller and get older.
My child’s elementary school held their annual career day, and each student was encouraged to dress as what they’d like to be when they grow up. My son’s classmates came as teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians and professional athletes. I even saw a chef lugging his books to class. However, my 6 year old wore camo, since Mommy and Daddy both make a living in the outdoors industry.
It made me realize how diverse those children’s dreams are. And as I surveyed the classroom, I noted that most of them have attended our local JAKES event where they learned about conservation. My hope is that each of them will take a little of that event with them wherever they go in life.
The future teacher may talk about turkeys one day; the politician may use his or her knowledge of conservation to make educated decisions. And maybe the chef will put wild game dishes on the menu.
If your chapter hosts a JAKES event, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing your part to make an impact on the future of conservation and hunting. If not, call me, and I’ll help you get started. You never know, your future local chapter president or state senator just might attend. — Mandy