April 2002

Missouri Chapter - American Fisheries Society    Est. 1965

I didn’t want to write this column.  When I agreed to become a candidate for our Chapter’s office of President, this is the one anticipated duty that almost made me say “no”.  For 22 years I have read columns written by Chapter, Division, and Parent Society Presidents.  Frankly, very few of those columns stood out as particularly insightful or motivational, because many contained the same messages.  This one won’t stand out, either.  I’ll simply try to provide the membership with some of my observations to date. 

Prior to assuming this position, I (like many of you) had several notions about our Chapter, including the following:  1) We have an active and outspoken A.F.S. Chapter compared to many others, and 2) like many organizations, our Chapter’s activities and programs are largely carried out by a relatively small percent of our membership.  After four months I can report I have learned that these observations are truths, and I have learned a few other important things about the Chapter.

Regarding the first observation, you really can be proud of your Chapter and feel good about your membership.  For a mere $5.00 per member and a lot of volunteered time, our Chapter remains very active in a wide variety of positive endeavors including persistent advocacy for fisheries resources, strong support for students, assistance for disabled anglers, and professional development activities such as sponsorship for conferences.  We really are doing many good things.  Much of my personal duties are not very dramatic nor impressive, but mostly involve keeping tabs on the Chapter’s many ongoing activities and programs and helping to insure these have the people and funds to persist.  And writing letters, lots of letters.

Regarding the second observation, I was always appreciative of the most active folks who carry out many of the Chapter’s tasks, and now that I have more perspective I am even more appreciative.  However, I have also become more appreciative of the majority of the membership who contribute in less “visible” ways, including those who choose to lay low and simply pay their annual dues.  I am more appreciative now because I fully realize that those individuals, simply by being members, have provided important support for and trust in our Chapter.  Our Chapter Officers and Committee Chairs are often required to write letters and/or make decisions that represent and/or affect the entire membership.  That is a large responsibility, and for those with a conscience, it can be quite tough at times.  Already, I have been involved with several such situations that challenged my confidence.  I was able to work through those situations because I knew I had backing from more than 200 of you, even if some might not have personally agreed with how I handled a specific situation.  My point is that your elected officers appreciate all levels of contribution from you members, and at the very heart of that is the support you provide by maintaining your interest and membership.  Thanks for that.  As your President, I will continue to take your support seriously.

Bob DiStefano