Frank,
I am the President of the Amador Flyfishers, a small club (~50) that meets in Jackson CA. I am a member of FFF, TU and I believe still of CT as well. I have been posting on NCFFB on and off for a while now. As I stated earlier I am trying to help the Sac-Sierra Chapter get their website together and I help out in whatever other ways I can.
I am heading up to Redding for the Conclave because there is another program that I really wanted to talk to the other FF Club Presidents about. It is called Project Healing Waters. I also need to set up speakers for our club meetings in 2008. I have volunteered in the NCCFFF Booth at San Mateo before as well. That was before I moved up here to the mountains.
I have mixed feelings regarding both TU and FFF. Both organizations really like to send out their political messages, but neither do that great of a job in helping FF clubs get projects started, provide speakers, pass on local information etc... Check the TU California Website. It does not look as if it has been updated with new content in quite some time. Maybe they just need more volunteer help, I am not sure.
I have questioned my belonging to all three organizations because of the constant pandering for funds. I realize that these organizations need money to survive, but at times it can seem really excessive. Sometimes I start wondering how much money they could save if they didn't send out all the mailings?
I also like to think for myself. I do not appreciate any organization to tell me how to vote, whether it be my union, or any other organization. I prefer them to tell me both sides of the issue, not just use the part of the information that proves they are correct and leave out the details that do not prove their point.
I would recommend that you remain an independent club and affiliate, like Ralph stated, with a chapter that is already out there. Then you can donate funds and/or time and materials to the projects that interest your organization and provide you with tangible benefits.
In speaking with Barbara this evening she mentioned that the Tahoe Chapter is not active. If you REALLY want to do a lot of work rekindling the chapter you could contact TU National and ask them. Prior to doing that I would talk to Barbara regarding the amount of work it has taken in the last year to restart the Sac-Sierra (Formerly the Sierra) Chapter. If you would like contact information send me a PM and I will provide Barbara's contact information. They do not like having their phone number on the internet for obvious reasons. You could also call me since my phone number is listed as the contact number for the Amador Flyfishers.
I would also like to discuss a club presentation with you if you are interested.
http://www.amadorflyfishers.org
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