2014 – 2019
The mission of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is to: Improve the conservation and sustainability of Oregon fishery resources and their aquatic ecosystems for long-term public benefit by advancing science, education, and public discourse concerning fisheries and aquatic science and by promoting the development of fisheries professionals.
In order to serve our membership and operate in a productive manner, this five-year strategic plan provides overarching goals consistent with the chapter’s mission and provides guidance for the development of annual chapter work plans:
1. Develop programs that advance understanding of fishery science and responsible stewardship of fishery resources.
1.1. Host high-quality annual meetings.
1.2. Host workshops as part of annual meetings and as stand-alone events.
1.3. Sponsor and support other groups and organizations workshops, events, trainings that meet the mission of the Oregon Chapter.
1.4. Connect members with opportunities to participate in regional and national fishery events and activities through our newsletter, website, and social media platforms.
1.5. Connect members with opportunities to publish and present scientific findings in appropriate forums through our newsletter, website, and social media platforms.
1.6. With Western Division, host the 2015 AFS Meeting in Portland, OR.
1.7. Actively consider hosting Western Division AFS meetings in 2018 or 2019.
2. Advocate policies and laws that benefit the conservation and sustainability of Oregon fishery resources and their aquatic ecosystems.
2.1. Maintain a presence in the Oregon legislative process and subsequent development of administrative rules by contracting a legislative liaison and keeping an active legislative external committee.
2.2. Maintain awareness of and ability to respond to policies developed for use by fishery managers at local, state, and federal levels. Coordinate with chapter external committees and/or membership to respond orally or in writing when appropriate.
2.3. Inform members through our newsletter, website, list serve, and social media platforms regarding opportunities to make personal contact with their local decision makers and volunteer their expertise.
3. Increase public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of fishery resources amongst chapter members and the general public.
3.1. Ensure that resources are available to assist and promote fishery and aquatic education in schools, and maintain and update education materials as needed.
3.2. Maintain a user-friendly web page and an active presence amongst appropriate social media platforms.
3.3. Utilize social media platforms consistent with the chapter’s social media policy.
3.4. Participate in public forums to promote well-reasoned policies that maintain and enhance fishery and aquatic resources.
3.5. Advertise and promote nominations for chapter awards amongst members of the general fisheries and aquatics community.
4. Promote development of fishery and aquatic science students.
4.1. Provide competitive scholarships to student candidates.
4.2. Encourage participation of students in annual meetings by offering cost-effective attendance options as well as events that facilitate interactions between students and fisheries professionals.
4.3. Outreach with Oregon colleges and universities with fishery, aquatics, and environmental programs with opportunities for students to participate in the chapter.
4.4. Support a student subunit and encourage new members from diverse backgrounds and fields of study.
4.5. Encourage and promote active participation in the Oregon Chapter student subunit.
4.6. Maintain a portion of the web page that advertises career opportunities for students and young professionals.
4.7. Establish and refine a mentorship program between students and chapter members.
5. Support and encourage development of professional members.
5.1. Maintain a portion of the web page that supports professionals through information exchange.
5.2. Maintain a portion of the web page that advertises career opportunities.
5.3. Support and encourage member participation in the AFS professional certification program.
5.4. Offer fish-out-of-water waivers to provide cost-effective options for young professionals and members without financial support to attend annual meetings.
5.5. Advertise and promote nominations for chapter awards for deserving professionals.
6. Maintain an active and diverse membership.
6.1. Maintain an informative quarterly newsletter.
6.2. Promote membership to fishery and aquatic scientists from a variety of disciplines of the profession.
6.3. Target under-represented groups (gender, ethnicity, fishery specialty, etc.) and encourage participation.
6.4. Maintain and update recruiting tools to promote the benefits of membership at diverse and appropriate venues.
6.5. Actively recruit a diverse group of candidates for ExCom positions.
7. Fiscal Responsibility and Investments.
7.1. Develop and implement a five-year chapter financial strategy that promotes annual budget solvency and long-term chapter fiscal sustainability.
7.2. Plan annual budgets to maintain two years of operating expenses in reserve.
7.3. Identify profitable but prudent options for utilizing chapter savings and other budget surpluses to further the chapter mission without risking solvency.
7.4. Develop a five-year investment plan consistent with 7.2 above.
8. Regularly assess Executive Committee operational structure to optimize chapter productivity and efficiency.
8.1. Annually update Oregon Chapter AFS Administrative Handbook.
8.2. Update by-laws when appropriate and needed to meet chapter objectives.
Approved by ExCom 4/27/14