Turning a negative into a positive!

[dogfishboy]

Hey Jen and RT,

I first posted this under the "Collection for Os" thread, but after awhile felt so good about the possibilities I thought it might deserve some additional attention.

We could all contribute to a collection of rods, reels and tackle that could be used as loaners for people who find themselves in Os unfortunate situation. This would help people along untill they get back on their feet. You would still need a council who sets some ground rules - loan period, amount, etc. - and distributes. A very worthwhile endeavor.

This topic has got me thinking. In the holiday spirit this concept could be carried even further. Ifish could collect money to buy fishing gear for kids and distribute it around the hoildays. Businesses and individuals could be approached to donate equipment . This could be a wonderful annual event. Santa RT and the Ifish elves could ride around town in a wood drifter and distribute the goodies. I'm serious! The possibilities are endless. It makes me feel good just thinking about it. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ifish could also select different kid, senior and handicapped oragnizations each year and Ifishers could have a "Fishing with Future Fishers Day." The loaner collection could be use for these events.

Maybe an "Ifish-Icare" organization is needed that would organize and oversee these activities? Community and corporate participation would be fairly easy for these kinds of activites and events. Planning and organizing could start now with the intent to do things next year. lead time is crucial for these kinds of activities.

I would love to be involved in this kind of project and would contribute time and energy. Don't know how others feel about this?

David.

[Deleted User]

Excellant idea David. This has been suggested before but you have put it into more detailed ideas. I would love to see Ifish become more proactive in worthwhile projects and events. Both for fishery enhancement projects, such as the recent salmon fling event, and also community help/giveback events such as less fortunate kids fishing days. This will take a lot of time and organiztion. Right now, like many members, I am on overload and will be until I get my overdue book finished. I will still find time to contribute. We need an organizational leader with the time to delagate efforts from among volunteers. I would think there would be a lot of time available from retirees, and many working people will find some amount of time to contribute. One of my favorite things to get involved in would be to have multiboat fishing days for kids; such as in T-Bay (a little late for that one now), lower Wilson driftboat day, Willamette springer day in the same area together; where we can be near each other for appropriateness and fun. There is no shortage of needed stream enhancement projects that the ODFW can direct us to. And I'm sure a lot of Ifishers, including myself, can donate older less used rods and reels as loaners and also for kids events, etc. We could maybe store them at a convenient location such as Tillamook Bait Shop (only if you have the room Marie, of course, and borrowers would sign for the loaners and make a small contribution to TBC and charitable events) for NW Oregon anglers; and a like shop up around Olympia for that region (suggestions guys). Lets have more ideas and opinion input here members. And those who have a little more time outside of work can list there names or monikers and amount of time availability here for starters, with out it being a concrete committment, too gage how many volunteers we might be able to come up with. First up for a leadership roll? How are you for time availability David? I am avialable to contribute BB anouncements and be on hand for events. I don't have the time right now to be the main organizer. Bring the feedback members. Thanks David. - RT

[dogfishboy]

RT,
I'm in! I can easily commit to 30 to 40 hours a month. But I think as the project develops and the feel-good-factor kicks in more could be forthcoming.

Your right, time is always an issue for many people. I think if we are able to put together a core group - less than a dozen - of motivated individuals and brainstorm direction and goals this is very doable. As you mentioned, we could then use volunteers to assist in various aspects of the organization. This could have far reaching benefits for other Ifish endeavors and personally extremely rewarding. The initial start-up period is the most time intensive. As people come on board and the organization develops it gets a little easier.

Jen, I'm very interested to get some feed back from you on this, since Ifish is your baby- or should I say young adult now.

David

[Jennie@ifish]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS IDEA!

How do we start? Where do we go with it?
Let's hold a cyber meeting on chat some night?
I could start a page with donaters names, and head coordinators. We could call and find out how/who to donate these to.
We could have an application process for kids parents to fill out, or a contest for kids.
We could either accept donations, or charge a certain monthly or yearly membership fee and have those sponsors named on pages.
We would have to look into coppa policies.. Childrens online privacy policies. It has also been brought to my attention that a kids board would be cool. I have to watch out for the safety of the children in this issue.
We also have to look into the safety of the children should we take them fishing.
I took an anglers ed class from ODFW, and I think that it would be best for those volunteering time to take this class. It brings up issues such as sexual harassment and how to avoid any of that. Very scary, and you have to consider this before you volunteer your time.
Anyway.... lots to think of, big project.
These are my ideas and inputs, and as more come up, I will post them. If it were as easy as 1,2,3 Id do it tonight, but I have to watch out for myself. Ifish could be liable. That would be ME. ARGH!
Anyway.... lovely idea.. lets get it started if it is really worth it to you!
It might be easiest just to donate rods/reels... which we could probably get at a good price if the dealer knew what we were doing. So that would be a matter of simply collecting donations from our subscribers. Maybe we should start small, and do this for this Christmas????
Jen

[Deleted User]

Hey cool David. Your idea, you're the unofficial leader of this good endeavor. You just let me know how I can help, both in posts and by e-mail. ... I have some Fenwick glass rods and older working reels that I donate right now; just let me know what you come up with for storage and usage policies. As for taking kids fishing, there are numerous children's charitable organizations (Make A Wish Foundation is one of many) that can help with liability waiver forms and proper protocol for events. This is so nice! Thanks David and Jen. - RT - Edit: Just thought of this. Anyone with worthwhile charitable event or fish enhancement project proposals, please send the idea on to David (dogfishboy) at his posted e-mail envelope icon above his posts (our1world@earthlink.com). Or to Jen. David, Jen, and I, plus member's feedback, can decide on feasability (until a committee might be formed) and if it's a go we'll get after it. Thanks.




[This message has been edited by RT (edited 11-22-2000).]

[dogfishboy]

Jen and RT,

I very excited your both into this. LETS GO!
RT, my email address is our1world@earthlink.net.

I think we need to involve Ifishers in this as much as possible. We could start by collecting rods and reels for the loaner program, I agree TBC would be a wonderful and logical place to store the loaner items. Marie, what do you think?

Jen, your idea of a page for the loaner and/ or charitable activities is excellent. If this takes off as I hope it will the ideas,suggestions and support could easily overwhelm us. We need to asap select a core group of individuals that can set some parameters for our activities. The better organized we are the better chance this has of being more than just a one shot activity.

Jen, having a cyber meeting on Ichat is a good idea and would allow ifishers to participate. I must confess that darn chat room the way it works drives me crazy, but I'll give it another try.

RT, I would love for you to give me all your gear ...I mean donate it to the loaner program. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jen, as far as the kids part of this you raise some very important concerns. I agree with your suggestion about the ODFW classes... good idea.

There are many issues that need to be discussed and resolved before we venture too far into the middle of the river...so to speak.

RT, Jen, If you could find some time in the near future I would very much like for the three of us to get together asap to discuss this. I'll email both of you with some phone #s for me.

[fish_on]

Has anyone contacted Marie to see if we can drop off rods? I have one that is taking up space and not getting used.

[dogfishboy]

Morn'in Fish_on,

Glad you want to contribute to the program. I will hopefully be talking to Jen today and then we can get things going. I dont't want to do anything until we've talked. Stay tuned for details.