I need to get off some steam about something that happened last night.
Quick background: I was one of a handful who started the process of establishing a local chapter of the FFF. However, when it did get established, and I saw that the group had other goals then the ones I had in mind, I did not join. That was 4 years ago. Since then I have continued a limited association with the group. I attend most meetings, am often asked to provide information and/or guidance, participate in some programs, help out most of the time and have volunteered many hours. All this even though I am a non-voting ‘guest’ at their meetings.
So, at the meeting last night, this is what happened: There is a full day educational program coming up and plans are being made. Within that program will be door prizes and I brought something to donate for that purpose. Before I made that donation however, there was an agenda passed out describing some up-coming events. I noticed that a ‘guest speaker’ was being scheduled for an up-coming meeting and he was going to be paid a nice chunk of money. I mentioned to one of the members that I don’t think we should pay that money. (BTW, we don’t pay local people, some very knowledgeable, who make similar presentations)
He got a little ticked and told me, “How we spend our money is none of your f***ing business. You’re not a member!” Well, I didn’t say another word about it or anything else during the meeting I also put the item I had intended to donate back in my jacket pocket. I will honor the commitment I made to participate in this up-coming educational program but that’s it.
That’s my rant. Now, here’s my question: As a non-member, should I speak to the club president about this?
Allan
[This message has been edited by tyeflies (edited 08 March 2005).]
Allan,
In my experience with a number of groups, you are probably more active, hence more valuable, than many of the "voting members. The other part is “respect”. NO one deserves a response like you got, and I would certainly say something. Micus is right, that person’s approach doesn’t sound like a very good member recruitment approach.
Mike
I think you should speak out. Was the person who told you to be quiet speaking for himself or was he expressing the FFF policy. If you do not get satisfaction I think that the following logic would work wonders re-establish your relationship with them.
If they are paying the guest speaker, and not you, from now on you should demand pay as well. Both you and the other guest call into the same category (non-members). Whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
jed
[This message has been edited by Jed (edited 08 March 2005).]
Appreciate the thought. No, I haven’t been a guest speaker. Last year this organization paid one about $300 plus travel. Among other comments I heard were, “not worth it” and “waste of time”. Now they are going to pay another speaker $250 (he may well be worth it). However, the group has a couple of members who will be giving lengthly presentations and they will not be paid. I don’t think this is necessarily fair.
Allan, I’d tell the prez. Perhaps he could take this guy to school about “how we treat our guests” or at least he’d become aware of a potential problem in the group. Knowing him a little, I’d say he’d like to know.
I’ve always been amazed at how willing groups are to part with their money one day and completely unwilling the next. Amazed, but not surprised.
Which brings me to this. A guy once suggested a policy to me that I’m trying to follow. Criticize me if you want, but it helps my sanity. “Never go to an indoor meeting about an outdoor hobby.”
Aren’t fishing groups fun? That is why I do not belong to any of them. I donate to them when asked but other than that I do not want any part of it. Been there done that. I will go and help them on river clean ups and such and like I said donate flies and other things to them but will not be a member of them. To much back biting for me. Ron
As a member and a master, I am a bit embareasssssed you were treated that way.unfortunatly your club has big shot idous and think they get more if they spend more.(dumb) in every place I have ever been there is as much (sometimes more) talant close by as you can hire from out side. but the expert is always from out of town. But I will say if you want it changed, join up run for office and change it!!! it is kinda like bithing about goverment and not voting.
You are a better man than I am, that is for certain. When he told me it was none of my f*&#%ing business I think I would have snapped a 12 weight rod off in his a**.
I applaude your control. You know the president, so you would know if it would accomplish anything speaking with him.
My 02? This group has gone way past fly fishing and to a state of “Hey look at us” Forgive me, sounds like snobs. That ain’t got nothin to do with fly fishing. I would close the door as I left and looked for some folks who where interested in learning more, and enjoying each others company on, and off the water.Catching fish, not catching attention…
Here is my take on your situation. Right in the beginning, you had policy issues with this group, but you stayed with them while performing membership duties but remained a nonmember. At this point, there are two options. One is to just leave. Two, would be to join, then make some friends and allies, and then have your friends and you run for Office. Once in Office, your group sets the goals!
I appreciate your suggestion and I considered taking that tact at the very onset of the organization. However, if I did, I’d be pursuing, participating and coveting the very things I wanted to avoid.
I’ve opted to take your ‘option #1’ after fulfilling my commitment to the educational program that takes place later this month.
I have to say, Allan, you must be one cool cat to keep from punching that guy in the snot locker. My hat is off to you, man. I would go to the president, tell him what happened, give him your opinion, remind him of how much you have done for them and then walk out the door. Make them ask you to come back. Hey, maybe you can start your own local organization.
tyeflies,
Seems like the world is full of people who want to help. Seems like you ran across one who wants to help…himself!
You on the other hand deserve much commendation in your desire to help others. More of you are needed.
Clubs seem to be gathering spots for BOTH kinds.
…lee s.
PS,
I agree with your view as to “paying” travelling gurus instead of local knowledge. I too, would rather support my neighbor. However, many times “local knowledge” is not comfortable or maybe not perceived capable of presenting their knowledge in group settings.
The club should be lucky enough to have a “local” wanting to use the club setting for develope their presentation skills…
…me again.
I see how you are ped off about things! My gut reation would be to say f 'em, and just walk away from them. I might then contact the pres and let him know how much they are missing out on without your involvement, member or not. If they value this you will know about it, if not, let them be the loser.
Good decision. You have taken the high road in fulfilling your commitment. Considering how the Club treated you, you would have been more than justified in just walking away at the time of the insult.
So far I have come to the conclusion that most haven’t belonged to a fly fishing club and especially managed one. Tieflies should join and become a board member and voice his opinion where it counts. I’ve done that over ten years. We choose the guest speakers and pay what their worth. We pay over that $300 for some (600 miles travel)–what do you think Bob Clouser will cost us in his fee and air fare next month? To pay for his night we will charge more for non-members.
Our speaker fee money is raised by our yearly auction where members donate items. This year I’m putting in three rods 2 blanks and one tying bench. One member gave a new bamboo rod. All of our local net makers, rod builders and tyers are not payed. They do it once a year.
Nothing in a local club is controled by the FFF-someone said is that a FFF policy?
Fishcreek said he should used his 12 wt around his a" and Nighthawk added he should have punch the man—that would lead to assault and jail time.
That is why I do not belong to any of them. I donate to them when asked but other than that I do not want any part of it. Been there done that. I will go and help them on river clean ups and such and like I said donate flies and other things to them but will not be a member of them. To much back biting for me. Ron
