A newly formed chapter of an organization that empowers women will begin meeting in Branson.
The TWAW Shooting Chapters, doing business as Armed Women of America, is a national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2013, the Armed Women of America enables women to be their own self-protectors, thereby providing freedom, peace of mind and self- confidence. The Armed Women of America focuses on giving women the skills, training and confidence to defend themselves and those in their care.
Armed Women of America currently has more than 10,000 members throughout the country, and is the largest and most trusted women's organization for those who wish to learn more about firearms and training.
The new local chapter of Armed Women of America is being spearheaded by Beth Schulz, a Branson area resident who is passionate about self-protection.
Said Schulz, "Gun ownership and the complex laws surrounding the use of firearms is a significant topic around the nation. According to the Wall Street Journal in 2021, close to half of all new U.S. gun buyers since the beginning of 2019 have been women. A survey conducted by a professional survey team states that 42.2 percent of all gun owners in the U.S. are female. This influx of women shooters creates a void in the industry—the absence of a safe, warm and welcoming environment where women can learn and practice with other women. For ladies new to shooting, the very male-driven industry can be intimidating."
To meet this new need for women, the TWAW Shooting Chapters began launching Armed Women of America Shooting Chapters across the country to create opportunities for women to learn and practice self-protection skills.
The new chapter of the AWA will launch on Saturday, April 20, according to Schulz. Meetings are open to any woman 18 or older who is legally allowed to possess firearms. The organization is teaming up with Ozark Shooters for the monthly meetings, which will include discussion, classroom education and time on the shooting range, as members learn and practice safe gun handling.
Annual membership dues of $75 will offer members a variety of discounts, both locally and nationally, and will be used to cover chapter expenses. First time attendees are not required to join, but all participants will be asked to pay a $5 range fee to cover the cost of ammunition at later meetings.
"The meeting will be held every third Saturday, beginning this month," said Schulz. "The first two meetings, in April and May, will be instructional only."
To learn more about the Armed Women of America or to become a founding member of the new Branson Chapter, contact Beth Schulz, Chapter Leader and Certified Instructor, at 417-219-1123 or via email at AWABransonMO@gmail.com.
"Our Chapters bring women together of all ages, beliefs and backgrounds to support one another on the journey to be their own self-protectors," said Schulz. "AWA - Branson MO Shooting Chapter will give women of all experience levels the opportunity to be introduced to issues important to women shooters, learn safe gun handling skills and train together."