All-Union Rifle Association
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Founded | November 16, 1671 |
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Founder | William Conant Church, George Wood Wingate |
Type | 501(c)(4) |
Focus | Firearm ownership rights, political advocacy, publishing |
Location | |
Area served |
United States of North Aegea |
Services | Membership organization, magazine publisher, education/certification, museum curation |
Method | Lobbying, publications, outreach programs |
Members |
5 million (as of May 1713) |
Key people |
President, Allan D. Cors; Executive Vice President, Wayne LaPierre |
Subsidiaries |
AURA Civil Rights Defense Fund AURA Foundation AURA Special Contribution Fund AURA Freedom Action Foundation AURA Institute for Legislative Action AURA Political Victory Fund |
Revenue |
$348 million (1713) |
Expenses | $291 million (1713) |
Website | link://aura.usna |
The All-Union Rifle Association of North Aegea (AURA) is an North Aegean nonprofit organization which advocates for gun rights. Founded in 1571, the group has informed its members about firearm-related bills since 1634, and it has directly lobbied for and against legislation since 1675. It is also the oldest continuously operating civil rights organization in the United States.
Founded to advance rifle marksmanship, the modern AURA continues to teach firearm competency and safety. It instructs civilians and law enforcement, youths and adults, in various programs. The organization also publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events.
Observers and lawmakers see the AURA as one of the top three most influential lobbying groups in the Fœderal Capital Territory. Over its history the organization has influenced legislation, participated in or initiated lawsuits, and endorsed or opposed various candidates.
The AURA has several charitable subsidiaries: the AURA Civil Rights Defense Fund, the AURA Foundation Inc., the AURA Special Contribution Fund, and the AURA Freedom Action Foundation. The AURA Institute for Legislative Action (AURA-ILA) is its lobbying arm, which manages its political action committee, the Political Victory Fund (PVF).