Invitation to join
THE VIRGINA SAVE OUR STREAMS
CHAPTER OF THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA
The Maury Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) has changed its name to the Virginia Save Our Streams Chapter. We are doing this for the purpose of demonstrating support for the Va. Save Our Streams Program (VaSOS). Recent state funding cuts have required us to look for new sources of support for the VaSOS program and this is one of several ways that we will accomplish this.
VaSOS has never required membership in order to participate. We have and still do greatly appreciate the generous contribution of time and effort that our volunteers make on a regular basis. Membership will still be entirely an optional element of being a VaSOS volunteer. A strong membership will demonstrate to potential new grant makers that we are a vital organization.
In addition to a show of support for the VaSOS program there are several benefits to being a member of the Chapter.
· You will be supporting grass roots natural resource protection at a local level as well as a statewide and national level. (www.iwla.org)
· You can call yourself an IKE.
· You can represent the chapter as an officer if you wish at state and national IWLA meetings and events. IKEs are a very diverse group of people and there are great friendships to be had through the League.
· The VaSOS Chapter has a regular schedule of walks and hikes that occur every Sunday weather permitting. Once a year we have a Chapter picnic.
· You can recite the pledge: “ To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands and open space; to the preservation of this heritage and to man’s sharing in it. I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak Walton League of America.”
· There are several news magazines that come from the state division and national IWLA. These are interesting and educational. The League’s policy efforts emphasize the need for outdoor ethics, environmental health, stewardship of public lands, and responsible promotion of outdoor recreation. An IWLA booklet of official policy positions is published regularly and all policy or change of policy is initiated at the chapter level. This book is available to all members at no charge.
· The Virginia Division of IWLA makes an annual contribution to the VaSOS Program as well as providing an annual scholarship for an aspiring college student pursuing a degree in wildlife biology. We are also a major supporter of the statewide Envirothon Program (high school academic competition.
· Membership also brings discounts on league publications and materials. There are credit card programs as well as a group life insurance program.
To join, print out and mail in our Chapter Membership Form.
Jay Gilliam, Coordinator VaSOS and Chapter president
April 3, 2003
Member's Pledge
"To strive for the
purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land
and its resources;
To know the beauty and understanding of
nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands, and open space;
To the preservation of this heritage and to
man's sharing in it.
I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak
Walton League of America."