• Resolution titled “Concerning RMEF’s Involvement in Politics” — directs the RMEF to recognize that the organization will, by necessity, be involved to some extent in the political process. Such involvement will be very selective and focused in the following areas: a) selective habitat issues, including funding mechanisms; b) well-being of wild, free-ranging elk populations; c) charitable giving/estate planning laws and regulations; and d) regulatory issues related to RMEF fundraising programs.
  
• Resolution titled “Concerning Elk Foundation Philosophy on Political Involvement Related to Hunting Heritage (Educate vs. Advocate) — directs the RMEF to maintain our focus on habitat rather than on divisive political issues because of the diverse membership, experiences and viewpoints supporting our habitat mission. While we strongly embrace hunting as a sound wildlife management tool and believe it to be an integral part of our heritage, we will also promote individual involvement with organizations that are designed to address political and regulatory issues. Furthermore, through publications like Bugle or Wapiti, RMEF Web site, mailings and other means, the Elk Foundation will keep its members and the public informed and updated on significant wildlife-related issues focusing on education, rather than advocacy through funding.
  
• Resolution titled “Concerning RMEF’s Involvement in State Ballot Initiatives and Referendums Related to Hunting Issues” — directs the RMEF to work through and support other credible, effective national organizations or coalitions that address hunting-related ballot initiatives and referendums. We will consider financial contributions to such groups rather than take these battles on organizationally, which the board felt detracts us from our primary mission of elk and elk habitat conservation.
  
  
  

MEMORANDUM

To: All RMEF Field Staff
From: Gary Wolfe
Date: April 12, l999
Subject: RMEF endorsements of elected or appointed federal, state or local positions

In January of this year I sent out a memo addressing our involvement in state ballot initiatives, referendums, constitutional amendment propositions, lawsuits, etc., and set forth a certain philosophy, as well as guidelines, to follow when these issues arise. What I failed to include was the issue of RMEF endorsements of elected or appointed federal, state or local positions.

As a general rule, the RMEF - or individual RMEF staff under the auspices of the RMEF - will not endorse any candidates for these positions, which are almost always politically partisan by nature. Because of our politically diverse membership and partners, it is clearly inappropriate for us to ever recommend candidate A as superior to candidate B, etc.

However, it is appropriate for you as private individuals on your own time – separate from your affiliation or identification with the RMEF - to contact, endorse, support, etc., candidates of your choice.