The Militant Membership

One sign of the organization's robust health is that NA leaders around the country have been holding frequent meetings, lectures and social gatherings for members and potential recruits. These events, which have been relatively well attended, have become a standard part of the NA's program, suggesting a committed and energetic flock of adherents, who are willing to devote their time and money to the cause of hate.

In 11 states around the country, NA members operate as part of official "local units," which are headed by "unit coordinators." Members of these units generally meet regularly, in secret. The discussions vary slightly from one unit to the next, but common themes include white supremacy and William Pierce's novel, The Turner Diaries. Twice each year, Pierce selects about 50 NA members with "leadership potential" to attend a private, national "Leadership Conference" at the organization's headquarters.

Using Technology

Around the country, NA members, some affiliated with local units and others acting alone, operate 21 telephone hotlines, which serve as regional National Alliance propaganda centers. The hotlines feature a standard message of introduction to the NA's ideology, followed by an invitation for the caller to leave his name and phone number. Some NA members have drawn attention to their hotlines by harassing beeper users with unsolicited calls. These activists program computers to place random calls to area beepers and leave the NA hotline as the number to call back. People who return the calls are greeted with an earful of National Alliance propaganda.

Diverse Membership

While other extremist hate groups appeal to a narrower range of followers, the NA's membership varies widely in terms of class and age. Some of the group's followers are young racist Skinheads, while others are middle-aged, upper-middle-class men or couples. Moreover, Pierce has boasted that there are several judges and professors within the organization's ranks.

Some of these professionals and "respectable" members may be initially attracted to the National Alliance as opposed to other hate groups because the organization has little name recognition among the general public, yet provides ample opportunity for stealth "activism." The NA does not demand high visibility from its members; in fact, many followers are known to their fellow activists only by their first names and last initial. This policy enables people with rabidly anti-Semitic and racist beliefs to join like-minded individuals without calling unwanted attention to themselves.