The National African American RVers Association (NAARVA) is seeking RV industry partners to promote the association’s mission of providing community and inclusion for RVers.
NAARVA is a nationwide consumer association that hosts multiple rallies a year. Starting in 1994 by a group of RV enthusiasts, NAARVA has grown immensely. Today, the association has 1,843 members and 38 chapters.
NAARVA works towards promoting outdoor recreational activities among families, and providing a platform for education, community service and cultural exchange. Through its events, initiatives and partnerships, NAARVA advocates for diversity and inclusion within the RVing community.
The association hosts four regional rallies, Central, Eastern, Southern and Western, and a biannual national rally. The organization’s 32nd National Rally is happening this summer in Michigan.
Dealers, manufacturers and suppliers attend the rallies as vendors to promote their products and offer exclusive deals for association members. Even outside the rallies, some partners offer
discounts to members. Newmar, Tiffin, Winnebago, Dometic and Camping World have become NAARVA sponsors.
Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Winnebago vice president of corporate responsibility and inclusion, said the partnership enables Winnebago to gain invaluable insights that help it better serve a broad range of RVers.
“Our partnership with NAARVA reflects our commitment to fostering a more inclusive outdoor community,” Bostick said. “NAARVA’s mission to create space, connection and representation for black RVers aligns with our values of building community.”
At the upcoming rally an RV dealer will bring its vehicles for members to tour, with the possibility of purchasing.
NAARVA General Secretary Elaine Standifer said, “This rally will have an RV dealer that is going to
be on site. If there are members who are interested in upgrading, they have the opportunity to purchase a new RV at the rally.”
Standifer said the rallies offer a win-win for industry businesses and rally attendees. As NAARVA grows its membership, industry businesses can reach many consumers. Association members would also grow trust with their sponsors and continue to purchase from them.
NAARVA Public Relations Coordinator Mila Turner said, “We are an under-tapped market, but we are growing. We are getting bigger and better every year, so it is good to partner.”
The organization grew by spreading its message to fellow RVers and being a supportive network. Turner said NAARVA adds unparalleled value to people of color in the RVing community.
“There are not a lot of people who look like us who are RVing,” Turner said. “When you can come into a community that can give you tips about everything from mechanical information to friendly places to go, it adds value.”
NAARVA is committed to giving back by donating to local non-profits during the rally’s worship service in each city it visits. NAARVA awards scholarships after an application review process each year to college bound high school graduates whose relatives are members of the association.
Standifer said, “We are really community involved, and we want to assist wherever we can.”
The upcoming national rally will offer seminars about RV maintenance care and technical advice. Cooking, outdoor activities, technology and other RVer focused seminars will be offered.
Prior to the opening ceremony, the rally will hold a parade inviting the city’s mayor. Family focused activities will take place including talent shows, games, sports competitions, ice cream socials and much more.
NAARVA’s 32nd National Camp Rally will take place July 13-20. The rally will be held at Allegan County Fairground at 150 Allegan County Fair Drive, Allegan, MI 49010. For more information, click here.
