Mission, Vision & History Built by Royalty Owners. Still Fighting for Royalty Owners.NARO began when ordinary Americans with mineral rights realized they needed more than royalty checks. They needed knowledge, protection, and a voice. Our Mission Helping mineral and royalty owners protect what they own.NARO exists to educate, connect, and represent mineral and royalty owners so they can make informed decisions, protect private property rights, and preserve their mineral legacy for future generations. Our Vision A future where every mineral owner is informed, empowered, and represented.Empowered OwnersNARO helps owners understand leases, royalties, deductions, division orders, taxes, records, and ownership questions at every stage. Strong AdvocacyNARO works to ensure royalty owners are heard before Congress, state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders. A Lasting LegacyNARO is building a trusted national framework to help families preserve and transfer mineral wealth across generations. Our History We are not “Big Oil.”From the beginning, NARO made one thing clear: royalty owners are ordinary citizens, not multinational corporations. They are teachers, farmers, homemakers, retirees, small business owners, ranchers, widows, heirs, and families managing mineral interests beneath American soil. When a well declines, a royalty owner cannot simply move it or replace the minerals. When production is gone, the income is gone. That is why knowledge, fair treatment, and property rights matter.  What NARO does for royalty ownersEducationWebinars, conferences, chapter programs, and mineral management education help owners ask better questions and avoid costly mistakes. RepresentationNARO advocates for royalty owners in public policy conversations affecting private property, taxation, regulation, and domestic energy. CommunityNARO connects owners with others facing the same questions about leases, checks, family minerals, records, and inherited property.  Our Founders Jim and Sandra Stafford helped turn concern into a national movement.James L. “Jim” Stafford and Sandra Stafford helped organize royalty owners into a national association dedicated to education, advocacy, and responsible mineral ownership. Jim brought decades of experience in communications, public affairs, energy policy, and grassroots organizing. His practical resources, including Look Before You Lease, reflected a belief that still guides NARO today: informed owners make stronger decisions. The original message still matters.NARO’s early grassroots materials told the real story of royalty ownership: families relying on modest checks, landowners protecting what previous generations built, and citizens asking to be treated fairly. That same mission continues through education, chapter events, legislative advocacy, digital resources, and practical tools for mineral and royalty owners.  Why this matters to youMineral ownership can be valuable, but confusing. A lease clause, deduction, division order, title problem, tax question, or missing record can affect family income for years.
Am I being paid correctly?
What does this lease mean?
Why are deductions being taken?
How do I protect inherited minerals?
National Unity. Local Strength.NARO chapters bring education, events, networking, and issue advocacy closer to the owners who need it most. Education for Every StageThrough the Mineral Management Program, webinars, and growing online resources, NARO helps both new and experienced owners continue learning. Built for the FutureNARO is growing its digital presence, educational tools, and communications so today’s owners and the next generation can stay informed and engaged. Your mineral rights are valuable.Your knowledge should be, too.Joining NARO is an investment in your family’s property, your royalty income, and your ability to make informed decisions. Become a NARO Member |