At our recent AGM, we welcomed new members to our Board of Directors, updated our bylaws, and reviewed our program and budget for the year ahead. We also asked members how they would like to see us use our reserve funds. Here’s what you told us:

• Save reserves for future funding or sponsorship to double impact: 38%

• Subsidize membership or event fees for women from marginalized communities: 28%

• Partner with local watershed groups for stream clean-ups or habitat projects: 48%

• Fund a marketing campaign to recruit new members: 7%

• Host a signature event for the 15-year anniversary (e.g., retreat or conference): 41%

• Hire presenters/instructors for more programming: 48%

• Subsidize ongoing events for members until funds run out: 38%

If you missed the meeting, you can watch the full AGM recording here.

We’ve also made our updated bylaws available for you to view under the "About Us" section of our website, or you can access them directly here.

We were also honoured to host an incredible panel from Ubuntu Fly Anglers, iFishBelong, and United Women on the Fly, who shared their “JEDI” (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) journeys:

• Bob Bartlett (he/him), co-founder of Ubuntu Fly Anglers, educator, author, and advocate for Black and Brown anglers.

• Heather Hodson (she/her), founder of iFishBelong, Fly Fish Instruct, and United Women on the Fly, dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming fly fishing community.

• J. Michelle Swope (she/her), founding member of iFishBelong, fly shop owner, guide, environmental advocate, and DEI-focused leadership trainer.

Together, we explored what it means to move beyond invitations and into true inclusion—transforming spaces, behaviours, and mindsets to ensure everyone feels seen, respected, and safe.

Our presenters spoke openly about the histories of their organizations, including early missteps such as United Women on the Fly’s journey toward better representation of women of color (you can hear more about this on the Awkward Angler podcast here). Ubuntu Fly Anglers was created to amplify the visibility of Black and Brown anglers, while iFishBelong evolved from a movement to celebrate difference and advocate for underrepresented voices.

Key lessons included the importance of doing the work: moving beyond performative actions, critically examining our own communities, embracing discomfort, and learning to pause, listen, and grow. 

Looking ahead, we’re committed to creating opportunities for diverse instructors, storytellers, and decision-makers to shape our community. We will also be auditing our culture—asking who speaks, who leads, and who benefits—and intentionally building relationships to broaden our perspectives.

If you missed the JEDI presentation, you can watch it here.

We encourage everyone to check out On the Real, a powerful podcast by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, which elevates the voices and stories of Black and Brown anglers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts. You can find it here.

A heartfelt thank you again to our presenters for challenging and inspiring us. We look forward to continuing this important work together.