By Susan Laws

Women love to talk and most observers would agree the fair sex is pretty good at it. Female gun owners frequently find themselves engaged in casual conversation about Gun Control and Second Amendment issues. Under friendly fire from like-minded souls, they can verbalize their own brand of pro-gun sentiment with some semblance of coherency. The difficulty comes in presenting the gun issue to a hostile audience. Conscientious women gun owners have an inherent responsibility to be effective advocates when the need arises. Sue King, the NRA and the TSRA (Texas State Rifle Association) are out to help.

The first TSRA Media Training Seminar for Women was held at the beautiful Joshua Creek Ranch on October 12-13, 2001 in the breathtaking Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio. The working weekend was funded by the TSRA and conducted by NRA board member Sue King and past TSRA Women's Issues Director, Vicki Huyge. Course content was based on information produced by the Communications Department of the NRA Community Service Programs Division.

Seminar participants represented a cross section of women gun owners from a variety of backgrounds. The common thread was a proven personal commitment to firearms ownership in one form or another. Each woman had her own unique agenda and each received tools and training to better promote that agenda with greater competence and confidence.

Welcome Lunch
Following a tasty "welcome" luncheon, the seminar officially got underway with a greeting from Sue King and personal introductory words from each of the trainees. Next, Tara Reilly Mica, currently serving as NRA-ILA Texas State Liaison, presented an in-depth look at the inner workings of the State Legislature. Tara provided firsthand knowledge of the latest gun rights issues along with insight into the legislative process through which these issues move. Her thoughtful presentation informed and inspired the group, many of whom expressed interest in working closer with lobbyists in a supportive capacity.

The core objective of the seminar was to inspire and enable grassroots leadership. Together, Sue King and Vicki Huyge helped participants get comfortable with the challenges of becoming more pro-active. Emphasis was placed on developing a positive approach to encounters with the mainstream media. While much of the course material covered by Vicki came directly from the valuable NRA Media Relations Handbook, Sue's spontaneous input was based on a lifetime of successful activism.

Diabolical Confrontation
Sue King interjected another aspect into the weekend program which might be construed as a bit diabolical by the faint of heart. It was the "ambush interview" in which she portrayed the ruthless reporter-from-hell as she confronted each timid seminar victim with a surprise, on-camera interview. I was among the ambushed. Only minutes after my arrival at the ranch, I found myself standing unwittingly before a camera. In her most menacing voice, Sue asked me the following question: "Every American remembers the vicious, violent use of guns to wantonly kill students at Columbine High School. As someone who actively promotes weapon ownership, what words of comfort can you offer to the mothers and fathers of those youngsters killed in the prime of their life?"

I remember a long pause and some stammering and then a lot of words coming out. Whatever I said was most assuredly from the heart but certainly would not have served me well on the Six O'clock news. As a pro-gun journalist, I am in the habit of relying on rewrite time and a capable editor. As a pro-gun spokesperson, I quickly discovered that I had much to learn. The wildly effective mock interviews (there were three) provided the heart and soul of the learning experience. That, after all, is what media training is all about.

Performance Critique
Each of our interview performances was meticulously critiqued. Along with verbal content, we were coached on body language, eye movement, gestures and overall impression. The interview process was intense and challenging but provided significant opportunity for growth. Other items on the instructional agenda included networking, developing media contacts, approaching the media, pitching a story and preparing for an interview. We were given a wealth of information, much of which I am still digesting.

For me, the underlying message for the weekend was "be prepared." There is no substitute for knowledge of the issues. During my third interview, I was asked to defend the Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program and explain why it was not simply a ploy to indoctrinate children into the "gun culture." I attempted to answer without truly knowing the specifics of the program. It would have been a damaging mistake in another setting. In this case, my response should simply have reflected the truth; that I was not an authority on the subject. But ignorance of issues can haunt even the most well-intentioned advocate.

The Texas State Rifle Association is an active, vibrant, vigilant group. To its credit, the organization had the foresight to name Sue King as their Women's Issues Director. Sue is an extraordinary person and a notable force in the pro-gun arena. Her lifetime achievements, which include the prestigious NRA Women's Freedom Award, could fill this magazine. But Sue King marches on, not only carrying the gun rights banner herself, but also inspiring others to do the same.

Generals, Not Soldiers
After a particularly grueling interview, one media trainee remarked: "It's hard to be a soldier in the pro-gun cause." Sue responded firmly. "It's time for you to stop being a soldier and start being a General. Find your passion and lead the charge." I can safely say that seminar attendees left with a renewed resolve to make a difference.

Sue King is no stranger to innovation and the TSRA Media Training Seminar for Women was another of her rousing successes. She was pleased with the outcome of the inaugural session and confessed that the event far exceeded her expectations. We (her faithful subjects) agreed. The TSRA organization is to be commended for their foresight and generous support of women gun owners.

Since the events of September 11, the political climate throughout the country has been somewhat calm and the gun control crowd, including the mainstream media, has been deceptively quiet. But make no mistake. They will be back in full force, usurping our freedom at every opportunity. It is imperative that we be prepared. Sue King, the NRA and the TSRA are working hard to empower women in the imposing battle to preserve and protect the Second Amendment. Their efforts are deeply appreciated.