By Bruce Ross, Executive Director

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April 22, 2020 Volunteer Newsletter edition.

There is no question the current reality imposed by COVID-19 is stress-testing WWA.  But, this is also a golden opportunity to re-create a more impactful WWA – something we’re labeling “WWA 2.0”.  For example, we are forced to adopt more technology to connect with our members and patrons; this is a competency that won’t go away when COVID is in our rear-view mirror.

We have seen a four-fold increase in the numbers of new and enthusiastic volunteers raising their hands to play a role with a new and enthusiastic WWA.  Twiddling your thumbs at home is powerful incentive to contemplate how you are making a difference in this world, and quite a few of them are looking towards WWA.  Absorbing this surge of interested volunteers – and on-boarding them effectively and then helping them find their passion – well, that requires more energy from WWA.  You who have been through that process may be able to help.  And our state-level committees offer some exciting new opportunities to make a difference.

Need some help at your chapter?  Place a no-cost “ad”  in our e-news… “Now looking for swamp busters in the Appleton area…”.   Just give Kelcy your advertisement.

For events planned or rescheduled later this year: please keep planning your events, but recognize there may be fewer attendees and control costs accordingly.  Stay abreast of local health advisories and put in place the safety precautions needed to make guests comfortable.

As we gradually emerge from these stay-at-home orders, and can again contemplate holding events, we will likely find a slightly different fundraising landscape – numbers of people may be limited at events and attendees may not have the financial wherewithal they did only a few months ago.  How do we address that?  Consider smaller, bash-type events – even if you’ve already put on an event recently.  More frequent, but smaller events – faster, better, cheaper – may be our model for the foreseeable future. Old habits are hard to break, but we may need to play small ball.  Food for thought – your creative ideas are more than welcome!! [email]bruceross@wi.rr.com[/email]