Finnman, Not sure of any disadavatages, but there are quite a few advatages. You get to meet a great group of people that are interested in the same thing as you. Quite a few of them are extremely knowledgable and there are plenty of oppurtunities to learn from them. There are always events that include such things as River clean up with SOLV, Fish alongs, Fish fin clipping, Fish surveys, Free fish day with disadvataged kids. There are even discounts at area Gi Joes. For Me personnally the best advatage is belonging to a group of people that have the same beliefs as me and that is to preserve the outdoors and preserve our fisheries for future generations. I'm not a spokesperson for them i just happen to belong to the Tualatin Valley chapter, and i have really enjoyed being a part of that group. As far as being sponsored the answer is no. It just takes $30.00 a year ( which is tax deductable ). I'm not sure, but i believe there is a chapter near you. Maybe someone else can answer that? Hope this helps K-Dog