As we embrace the Thanksgiving season, I want to share a warm note of gratitude and a reflection on what makes our community thrive. Each of you has brought dedication and heart to our mission of fly-fishing education and conservation. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m deeply thankful for all of you who have made this past year meaningful and memorable.

In that spirit, let’s also remember that our strength lies in our sense of community. While our mission is important, we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously. We’re here to enjoy the journey together—to learn, to teach, to help, to laugh, and to make everyone feel included. That means embracing all individuals who join us and being open to new ideas, thoughts, and methods that help us grow.

Best Practices for Building Community (What to Do)

• Warmly Welcome New Faces: A simple “hello” goes a long way in helping newcomers feel at home.

• Celebrate Each Other’s Successes: Whether it’s someone learning a new technique or contributing to a project, let’s cheer each other on.

• Offer to Mentor and Share Knowledge: If you have experience, consider helping someone who’s just getting started.

• Be Inclusive and Open to New Ideas: Encourage diverse perspectives and welcome fresh approaches. Our club thrives when everyone feels they belong.

• Stay Positive and Flexible: Remember, we’re all volunteers. Kindness and flexibility help create an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Best Practices for What Not to Do

• Don’t Micromanage Others’ Efforts: Trust fellow volunteers to do their best. Over supervising can drain enthusiasm.

• Don’t Assume Negative Intent: If something isn’t perfect, begin with grace—we’re all learning together.

• Don’t Dominate Conversations: Leave space for others to speak and contribute. Many voices make a strong community.

• Don’t Dismiss New Ideas or Methods: Avoid shutting down suggestions just because they differ from the “usual way.”

• Don’t Create Exclusive Circles or Cliques: Our club is strongest when everyone feels welcome and included.

• Don’t Take Things Too Seriously: Stay passionate, but avoid rigidity or militancy over minor issues. Keep the joy alive.

• Don’t Speak Negatively About Members or Leadership: Gossip divides. Share concerns constructively and respectfully.

• Don’t Let Perfectionism Stifle Participation: Not everything will be flawless—and that’s okay. Participation matters more than perfection.

• Don’t Lose Sight of the Mission: Personal preferences should never overshadow our core purpose: conservation, education, and community.

With these shared practices—both the “do’s” and the “don’ts”—we can continue building a vibrant, supportive, and joyful organization. Thank you all for being such an important part of this community. I’m excited for the year ahead, and I’m grateful for everything you bring to Clark-Skamania Flyfishers.

Warmly,

Ben Nolte
President, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers