River Voices: October 2018

Welcome to the October 2018 edition of River Voices. We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, which now protects over 12,000 miles of 200+ rivers. Check out the latest learning opportunities and webinars, plus the new River Rally 2019 workshop proposal deadline, October 31.

Photo courtesy of Scott Cordner www.scottcordner.com

50 Years of Wild & Scenic Rivers

October 2nd marked the 50^th anniversary of the passage of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, which protects over 12,000 miles of 200+ rivers. River Network is proud to support local water champions and groups from around the country doing vital work on wild and scenic rivers. Earlier this year, we reported on the latest wild and scenic designation in Montana, as well as about outstanding individuals who are helping to ignite the next generation of river champions—Chad Brown of Soul River, Inc and Gary Ananian of the Kern River Conservancy. Additionally, with funding from Patagonia, River Network awarded four grassroots organizations with small grants. Read more about how these groups are engaging their communities to ensure a future with wild and scenic rivers.

Meet Our Team

Meet Katherine Baer, River Network’s Science and Policy Director. Katherine leads efforts to improve policies for clean and reliable water. This year, she has led River Network’s engagement with groups protecting wild and scenic rivers across the U.S. Read more about Katherine’s work.

New Deadline! Oct 31

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Been busy? We hear you! We are extending the deadline for River Rally 2019 proposals to October 31st. Presenters are invited to submit up to two workshop proposals, but each proposal must be submitted individually. Read the guidelines and submit a workshop proposal here.

Learn This Fall

Start a new chapter for your organization this fall. Developing Effective River and Watershed Organizations is a six-month training series for executive directors and board leaders that covers best practices in six essential areas of nonprofit management. Starts October 11th! Sign up now.

Families to the River kicked off with a short stroll from the library to the river. With the fast-flowing river as our classroom, we dropped nets into the river. In no time at all a diverse collection of aquatic insects had been collected from the underside of rocks and there were lots of curious questions as we identified our haul and learned about the dual lives of so many aquatic insects …

–Wild & Scenic Westfield River organizers, Families to the River Program

Meet Our Network: Kira Davis

From urban water advocates to wild and scenic river champions, we are lucky to know and work with these local heroes who safeguard water for our families and communities.

We invite you to get to know outstanding water champions taking action for clean water and healthy rivers from coast to coast. Click here to meet Kira Davis.

Who Protects Water?

Grow support for water work in your community with our Water Protectors Map. Whether you’re part of one of the 6,000+ water organizations on the map or a concerned citizen, you can help your community get involved.

Is your group not yet on the map? Submit an application for free membership today.

Upcoming Webinars & Events

Building Strong Boards

October 11, 1:00-2:30 pm EST. Do you have a committed board yet feel the internal effectiveness of your organization is not there? Even the most engaged board members need clarity and direction. Learn how to guide your board effectively. Premium webinar open to paid River Network members only. Sign up.

Community Fun for Rivers

October 19–20. River Network is excited to partner with outdoor gear brand Cotopaxi for the “Love your Creek” challenge at the Questival adventure race in Boulder, Colorado. Teams will race across town collecting litter from creeks and ponds then meet at the mid-race checkpoint to tally their haul and sort out the recycling. Learn more.

The Strategic Planning Process

November 8, 1:00–2:30 pm EST. Strategic planning is a disciplined approach to deciding what an organization is, what it does, and why it does it, with a focus on the future and the health of the organization. Premium webinar open to paid River Network members only. Register here.

Fundraising Best Practices

December 13, 1:00-2:30pm EST. Fundraising offers donors the opportunity to invest in the change they want to see in the world. This session will explain the fundraising cycle, the importance of planning, fundraising strategies, and tips for building a strong development program. Premium webinar open to paid River Network members only. Register.

Member News & Tips

Are you planning, designing, or implementing on-the-ground restoration projects that will restore river flows and/or recharge ground water? Would you like the opportunity to share your projects with businesses who may be interested in providing support for your projects? If the answer is “Yes!” be sure to check out the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank, an opportunity for paid members of River Network to use a national platform to attract funding.

Imagine a Day Without Water

October 10th is Imagine a Day Without Water, the fourth annual day to raise awareness and educate America about the value of water. Across the country water agencies, schools, nonprofits, and local businesses will host events, call on elected officials, and engage networks on social media. Sign up and find resources here.

Writing Your Case for Support

In this webinar short River Network staff explain the basic elements of a case for support and why you should have one. This webinar short is part of our Leadership Development Institute – Fundraising Essentials Series. Watch the video.

The Fundraising Plan

In this webinar excerpt, River Network staff explain the basic elements of a fundraising plan and why you should have one. This webinar short was taken from our premium webinar series for River Network Paid Members: Leadership Development Institute – Fundraising Essentials. Watch the video.