"Why should I become a member of the Texas Nationalist Movement? I'm already a Texan and already believe that we should be independent?"
There are several reasons to be an official member of the Texas Nationalist Movement. Here are a few of them:
Membership shows that you have a vision for Texas. Having a vision is the first step to understanding membership in the Texas Nationalist Movement. Our vision is simple: To be the leaders of an independent Texas built on the values of Texas nationalism. If you want freedom and independence then you have to embrace this vision and it is a vision shared by members of the Texas Nationalist Movement.
Membership counts me in on the mission of the Texas Nationalist Movement.
Author Bill Craig has written:
"Membership is our way of saying, 'Count me in. I'm not just a spectator; I'm on the team now. I'm ready to get involved now. I want to work with the rest of you by making this mission my mission, our mission.'"
Membership allows the leadership to know who they can count on. One of the analogies often attributed to the Texas Nationalist Movement is that of Sam Houston's army in the Texas Revolution. Any army must know who is fighting before it goes to battle. This is no different for TNM. With so many organizations and groups pulling in so many different directions, we need a formal way of knowing who is "fighting in the army." We need to know who can really be counted on. Effective action toward our goal means the proper application of people and resources at the point that achieves the best outcome toward our goal. To make those decisions the leaders must now beyond a shadow of a doubt who can be counted on when the bugle sounds.
Membership commits me to a community of mutually committed people. Community is extremely important to members of the Texas Nationalist Movement. Our members have made life-long friendships with other members of the Texas Nationalist Movement. We learn from and care for one another. In a society that is trying to tear Texans apart, our members enjoy a community building ties with one another as true Texans should. If you commit to us, we commit to you.
Membership helps TNM keep expectations clear and gives the accountability necessary for growth. As an organization that is publicly open to new members, a well defined membership helps us to be very clear on what we expect of members versus nonmembers. We welcome interested, non-committed people to attend our meetings, visit our website and explore all of the resources that we make available to non-members. Since these people are not yet members of TNM, we do not expect them to know and understand the issues of freedom and Texas independence as we do. They haven't completed their journey. We meet them where they are and help them to acquire the information necessary to complete the journey. However, we do expect our members to be Texas Nationalists. We understand that it is a process for everyone but the expectation is to put in the time and effort required to be the best Texas Nationalists that we can be. Nothing short of this will gain us our freedom and independence. Membership helps define these expectations.
Membership affirms that we hold to similar values and beliefs. By defining and asking members to affirm our various statements, we are seeking to assure that we are all "singing from the same hymn book" and "building from the same set of blueprints." This gives us a strong, shared foundation from which to work to achieve our goal.
Membership places you under the protective umbrella of TNM. When working for an independent Texas there will be resistance. Whether it's from friends, family and co-workers or from well-organized opposition groups it will happen. And the closer we get to our goal the stronger it will be. As a free agent you are on your own. As part of TNM you enjoy the benefits of the old adage: There is strength in numbers.
Membership provides encouragement and challenges you in your journey and a network of support to share the burdens of the daily fight for independence. This is an incredible benefit of putting forth the effort to really be involved in and committed to TNM. It is easy to just show up for an occasional meeting but sometimes difficult and painful to really get involved. However, committed and active membership allows us to build relationships with people who will help us greatly on the road to an independent Texas.
Membership opens the door for different leadership roles. We believe that leadership roles in TNM are a privilege that comes with accountability. In order for us to have the proper accountability, a person must be a member in order to lead in TNM. Also, it is important that someone be in agreement with the vision, mission, goals and values of TNM if they are going to lead so membership is necessary for that reason.
Members understand their role and use their gifts, talents, and abilities accordingly. In many organizations, the members are the customers and the leadership are the staff who are hired and expected to meet the needs of the members. In the Texas Nationalist Movement, there are no paid staff. The members are the staff, not expecting to be served but to serve. Our members are equipped by the leadership team to serve one another as volunteer staff and to reach out to others. By having a defined membership, we know who is on the team, and we can be sure they find the best "position" on the team - the place where they will be most effective and fulfilled as we work together to reach our team objective.
Becoming a member of the Texas Nationalist Movement further affirms your commitment to establish a legacy of freedom and independence for Texas. You get the satisfaction of knowing that you took concrete action to reclaim our heritage. As a full member you are part of an organization that stands up for Texas and Texans in issues that matter – our economy, our culture and our freedom.
We, as an organization, are passionately committed both to the restoration of independence and freedom and the belief that privileges in the organization are earned by fulfilling duties. This is why responsibilities in the Texas Nationalist Movement have to be earned by sustained activism, financial support and commitment to our core values.
You can join by clicking here: http://my.texasnationalist.com/index.php/join/monthly-installments
