By Bruce Ross, Executive Director
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April 22, 2020 Volunteer Newsletter edition.
Hope this note finds you all well. It feels like a really looonngg month since I’ve “spoken” to you through these pages. But if you’ve been missing my words (hah!) then I hope too that you’ve been reading our regular e-news for WWA happenings and my thoughts.
I try to be upbeat but direct in sharing my thoughts about the impact these strange times have on our WWA. And with you, the most committed of WWA’s membership, I will be continuing that approach.
No question, these are challenging times for any organization that depends on events for a significant part of its revenue – WWA is no exception. Now with all of our spring events postponed, our cash coming in the front door has slowed to a trickle.
Making that worse is the “two-edged sword” of our business model.
- WWA uses the funds raised in such events very directly – and quickly – to support our Wisconsin-focused missions. Donors can be confident the funds our volunteers raise have an immediate impact on our ability to represent the interests of WIWaterfowlers.
- But, because we haven’t used those funds to build up large endowments or to create foundations, they can’t help smooth out economic potholes – or craters – like we are experiencing now.
So, unlike large national or international conservation organizations, WWA may be more susceptible to the jarring effects of driving over such potholes.
WWA may be more susceptible to the jarring effects of driving over such potholes.
To be sure, we have tightened our financial belts a full couple of notches, mostly by reducing staff compensation. I’m very proud of all of our staff whose commitment to WWA has been remarkable in these early days of the challenge. They, like me, are confident WWA will survive this weird period in our history.
Towards that end, on Monday evening the Board of Directors was working on ways to weather this storm and then emerge stronger. I hope you’ll read those articles and look for ways to be part of the solution to these challenges!