Who We Are
CWA is a women-led club that is open to all. We foster women’s participation in the sport of fly fishing by provide a welcoming and safe community that promotes friendship and belonging. CWA’s purpose is to:
promote the sport of fly fishing among its members through a range of fly fishing activities that foster participation, learning, and skills-development
provide a community for members to meet, fish, socialize and network and encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge
encourage women to participate in fly fishing by providing a welcoming, safe environment that mentors women in the sport through women-led activities and fostering a sense of belonging by valuing and amplifying the voices, perspectives and learning styles of women
promote environmental awareness and conservation and advance sustainable, ethical fly fishing practices that are consistent with the preservation of game fish resources
promote sportsmanship and the spirit of fellowship among anglers.
What We’re About
Whether you’re an expert or beginner, young or old, prefer fresh water or salt we’ve got something for everyone. We want our members to fish, learn, explore and unwind. We offer a range of activities throughout the year. Check our calendar of events and join us on the water for fishing fun at off-the-water fly tying and socials.
Local day fishing – fish, lunch and learn in local waters.
Destination trips – our multi-day escapes. Travel to awesome locations for ultimate tight line adventures. Learn and build your skills – we offer casting instruction and fly fishing courses, often in collaboration with local clubs.
Fly tying – learn to tie your own flies at our off-season socials.
Environmental – help preserve healthy local waterways and learn how environmental issues impact our fish and their food.
Spring Kick-off & Fall Fling – our official club meetings. The Spring seasonal opener and Fall celebration. Share tales of audacious catches, and lament that trophy trout that got away! Annual Holiday Party – our end-of-year celebration.
GroupMe – make friends and keep in touch through our members only GroupMe app. Chat, share photos and support others with your own tips and tricks.
Fly Shows – participate and represent the club at local fly shows.
Casting for Recovery – CWA supports local CfR retreats for survivors and thrivers of breast cancer. Help fundraise for this remarkable charity and the inspirational folk they champion.
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CWA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization. It is registered as a section 501(c)(3) public charity.
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We operate with openness and transparency.
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The Board is responsible for the governance and management of the club. It comprises Directors and Chairs of Standing Committees.
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Elections for the Board are held at the club’s Fall Membership Meeting.
Board members normally hold office for two years, beginning January 1 of the year following the election. There is no limit to the number of terms a member may run for office. However, members can hold only one Board position at a time.
Protecting institutional knowledge
To support continuity and preserve and build institutional knowledge, Board elections may be staggered. Ideally, this means that Board positions come up for election in alternate years, for example:
even year elections fill the positions of President, Treasurer, Membership Chair
odd year elections fill the positions of Vice-President and Secretary.
Vacancies
If a Board position becomes vacant, the remaining Board members vote and appoint a replacement member. This member serves in the position until the next Fall election. The person appointed may stand for election at the Fall Membership Meeting, along with any other candidate/s.
Interested in standing for election?
If you are interested in supporting the club by running for office please get in touch. We are keen to bring on new members and continue to build and grow a strong Board for our club.
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CWA is a proud supporter of Casting for Recovery (CfR).
CfR Mission
CfR’s mission is to enhance the lives of survivors and thrivers of breast cancer by connecting them to each other and nature through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing and providing oncology medical and psychosocial support – at no cost to the participants.
CfR Retreats
CfR provides free fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer. It was founded on the principles that the natural world is a healing force and that women with breast cancer deserve one weekend, free of charge and free of the stresses from medical treatments, home or workplace, to experience something new and challenging in a beautiful, safe environment.
CWA fund raises for the charity, and members volunteer their time at CfR retreats.
Find out more about Casting for Recovery at their website.
