By Bruce Ross, Executive Director – (262) 224-4949 or bruceross@wi.rr.com
This article originally appeared in a March 19, 2020 Special Edition Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Newsletter to our chapter leaders.
After a year in this position, I have become only more convinced of the need for a state-based hunter and waterfowl advocacy organization like WWA – who else is going speak for WIWaterfowlers?? WWA operations and, indeed, our continued existence, is primarily fueled by the fundraising events your chapters conduct, from banquets and bashes to golf outings and class A raffles. Thank you for keeping the WWA machine moving forward.
But it’s a legitimate concern when a national crisis like this puts pressure on WWA’s traditional fundraising methods. It’s not just an economic downturn, it’s pressure to societally isolate. No handshakes, 6 feet between persons, no large gatherings… WWA has weathered economic downturns before (like 2008) but combining it with an inability to attract patrons to our events – or even hold them at all, well, that’s a 1-2 punch! But certainly not a knockout punch!
While we have recently initiated programs to diversify our revenue streams through sustained giving, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic gifting, WWA remains extraordinarily dependent on the revenue generated by Chapter events. Without them, we risk insolvency to continue operations at the same level. So, we are taking steps to adjust for substantially lower revenues while continuing operations at reduced levels.
I recently mentioned to Bruce Urben, President of WWA, that in my years of military service, I have gown to appreciate moments like this: True challenge reveals true character. We will learn a little more about each other and be organizationally stronger for it. So it’s with enormous pride that I share – that to a person, your WWA staff is committed to doing whatever’s needed to continue work on your behalf to get through this crisis. But that may not be enough, without your continued help.