It’s that time of year again. We are seeking contributions to help fund our advocacy efforts for 2020 to benefit cruisers' rights to anchor while cruising.
For more information on recent advocacy history and why funds are important for 2020, read this document.
The SSCA CANNOT and DOES NOT lobby or spend any general funds on lobbying .
But, SSCA volunteers have come forward to help cruisers.
A coalition (which includes the America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association, Defever Cruisers, MTOA, and individuals from SSCA), has been instrumental in supporting boaters’ rights in various areas in the past 12 months. A few of our efforts on your behalf are:
• Helped prevent additional Florida municipalities from being added to the “anchoring restriction zones” where overnight anchoring is prohibited
• Helped prevent boaters from needing a permit to anchor in waterways in Georgia
• Provided feedback at a meeting of the “Re-imagining the Erie Canal” task force subcommittee
• Helped prevent Newport, RI from adopting a plan restricting cruising boats anchoring rights
The largest single cost for our advocacy efforts is retaining a lobbyist in Florida, where each year, municipalities lobby the legislature to ban overnight anchoring in their waters. Our ultimate goal is to reach a compromise with those in Florida who want to limit the right to anchor so that we’re not forced to raise big dollars to fight this year after year. We are making progress, but we’re not there yet, and more cities are already gearing up to be added to the list during the 2020 legislative session.
It is a quiet battle fought and best won with a sophisticated plan. Florida is a forerunner for other states' legislative restrictions.
Our coalition’s fundraising goal for 2020 is $20,000. We have once again decided not to use money from our general fund to support these efforts, as we know that not all members fall on the same side of the issues. Therefore, we’re asking those of you who want to support our advocacy efforts to contribute. Please let your non-member boating friends know as well. You don’t have to be an SSCA member to contribute, nor to reap the benefits of our efforts!
Advocacy Fund Donation