League Strategic Planning Process Moving Forward

The Izaak Walton League is undertaking a comprehensive strategic planning process in 2013. The process, led by the League's Executive Board, will focus on developing a compelling vision for the future and shared goals across the organization. This effort will be open, participatory, and inclusive. There will be multiple opportunities for every League member and leader to be engaged, provide their input, and help shape the strategy. These opportunities will include in-person meetings, conference calls, and online surveys.

The League's Board of Directors will devote part of its February meeting to this effort. Later in the month, an online survey will be available to gather input from Ikes across the country (a link will be e-mailed to all League members for whom we have e-mail addresses), and we are scheduling conference calls with chapter, division, and other League leaders as well. If you have ideas, recommendations, or comments during any stage of this strategic planning process, please e-mail them to strategicplan@iwla.org.

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Farm Bill Politics

The 2008 Farm Bill was extended through September 30, 2013, as a result of the fiscal cliff negotiations between Congress and the Obama Administration.

The Farm Bill extension is detrimental to both farmers and conservation. The extension largely ignores bipartisan legislation passed by the Agriculture Committees in the House and Senate that would do away with costly direct payments to farmers, restore conservation program funding, and require commitments to conservation from farmers receiving crop insurance benefits that are heavily subsidized by taxpayers.

The debate now starts anew on a 2013 Farm Bill. While the bulldozers roll over precious grasslands and wetlands, we are faced with a changing political landscape. New strategies and new targets are required for our work in Congress – but we also need to focus more attention outside Washington, DC. Targeted education, organizing, and media strategies to activate our members and engage a broader cross-section of congressional leaders are being implemented to ensure our policy priorities will be addressed in the next Farm Bill. We'll need your help to move forward, so stay tuned.

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Kids and Nature Quiz

League members know it's important for kids to spend time in the great outdoors. But just how important is it? Take our "Kids and Nature Quiz" to find out!

This short, online quiz is filled with surprising facts. Share it with your friends! They might be surprised to learn how important time in nature is to young people's physical, emotional, and mental development.

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Seeking Nominees for Chapter Volunteer Award

Who is the dedicated Ike among your chapter members – the one who signs up first for work crews, serves on committees, and makes the organization run more smoothly? Who is the key volunteer for your chapter's conservation projects and outdoor activities? Give your chapter's outstanding volunteer a hearty "thank you" by nominating her or him for the League's 2012 Judge John W. Tobin Chapter Volunteer Appreciation Award.

Volunteers are the heart of the Izaak Walton League. Recognize the outstanding volunteers in your chapter. It's quick and easy. The deadline for Tobin Award submissions is March 15, 2013.

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Scholarship Applications Due April 1

Do you know a college student studying conservation or an environment-related major? The Izaak Walton League offers two $2,500 scholarships for qualified college juniors or seniors. Specific requirements are available on the League Web site. Applications are due April 1, 2013.

For more information about the application criteria and process, e-mail Earl Hower, IWLA Director of Chapter Relations, at ehower@iwla.org or call (800) IKE-LINE x216.

These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the Izaak Walton League of America Endowment.

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