Club Education Award
Detailed Description:
The Club Education Award is presented by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI) to honor a club that hasdemonstrated exceptional commitment to fly fishing education. This award recognizes groups that go above and beyond in teaching the skills of flyfishing, promoting conservation education, and fostering a deeper understanding of our fisheries resources, including habitat, regulations, and sustainable practices, including youth, cancer recovery, first responder/military rehab and healing.
Eligible recipients may include FFI Charter or Affiliate fly club or local fly fishing clubs. A connection with Fly Fishers International is not required. Theaward may be granted for a single, extraordinary educational initiative or for a sustained, high-impact educational effort.
This award is not necessarily presented annually, but rather when a deserving organization is identified. It is reserved for those whose work clearlystands out in effectiveness, reach, and alignment with FFI’s mission to educate, conserve, and connect fly fishers.
Award Criteria:
- Eligibility: Any club—regardless of FFI affiliation—is eligible, provided they have not received the award previously.
- Type of Educational Contribution: The award may recognize either a singular, notable achievement (such as a groundbreaking workshopor youth program) or an ongoing, sustained commitment to educational outreach.
- Audience and Impact: The group’s efforts must benefit fly fishers at any level, with special consideration given to programs that reachyouth, underserved communities, or new anglers.
- Alignment with FFI Philosophy: The recipient’s educational efforts must reflect the values and goals of FFI—especially those related tostewardship, ethical angling, and ecological literacy.
- Merit-Based Presentation: The award is presented only when warranted, based on the superior quality and distinctiveness of the organization’s educational contributions.
Checklist for Evaluation:
- Educational Impact: Has the organization provided meaningful educational experiences that significantly improved understanding or skills related to fly fishing or fisheries conservation?
- Audience Engagement: Has the group reached a wide or important audience (e.g., youth, new anglers, underrepresented groups) throughits programs?
- Quality and Innovation: Are the educational offerings well-designed, creative, and of high instructional quality?
- Sustained Commitment or Notable Achievement: Was the contribution a long- term, ongoing effort or a one-time event that made alasting impression?
- Consistency with FFI Values: Do the organization’s efforts promote ethical angling practices, conservation awareness, and the broadermission of Fly Fishers International?
Nominations for the Club Education Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and evaluated by the Director of Education. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval
