|
Join one of our committees, and help us work towards some of our organizational goals. MyRWA committees perform critical functions, such as strategic planning, advocacy, and outreach. MyRWA committees generally meet monthly, on a weekday evening, to be determined by committee members. Check for upcoming committee meetings. The Committee on Water Quality (COW-Q) is made up of approximately a dozen active members, as well as several members who come sporadically when they are interested in a particular agenda item. While some members have directly relevant professional or educational backgrounds, many merely have an interest in the water quality of their river system. Among the current members are a diverse skill and knowledge areas including aquatic chemistry, modeling, hydrology, biology, and water quality regulation and engineering. The committee provides technical assistance for Association projects and guidance for the water sampling efforts (i.e., the Mystic Monitoring Network). Some of the projects that the committee is now addressing include the regulatory status of the water quality classification of the Alewife Brook and Mystic River and organizing a Watershed-wide forum on water quality issues, such as swimming, recreation, and habitat. Outreach Committee increases participation, communication, and raises awareness of the watershed among volunteers, community members, organizations, and schools. The Outreach Committee organizes our membership drive and annual appeal, recreational and educational events, such as our Winter Speaker Series, river/lake cleanups, our annual Mystic Herring Run Festival, and field activities. We also publish MyRWA's quarterly newsletter, plan our media strategy, and create watershed-related educational materials. We particularly welcome those excited about increasing awareness about the Mystic or with experience organizing events, recruiting volunteers, marketing campaigns or graphic/design experience. The Development Committee is responsible for guiding the process of revenue generation, to meet MyRWA's financial needs as expressed by its Board of Directors. Current initiatives include major donor and corporate campaigns. The Major Donor Committee is connecting with current and potential donors through dinner parties and special walks, canoe trips and other events. The Corporate Fundraising Committee is committed to developing a solid base of a variety of corporate sponsors that supports MyRWA's mission without compromising its integrity as a clear and assertive advocate for the Mystic River Watershed. This effort takes the form of educating corporations about our activities and mission and how they can participate as responsible corporate citizens. The Policy Committee The Policy Committee is charged with providing support to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on policy matters. As stewards of the watershed, the Policy Committee also tracks individual federal, state, and local projects and initiatives to advocate for sound environmental management and planning. Specific roles the Policy Committee is charged with include:
Other committees occasionally form around a specific issue or activity, such as the committees that coordinate our annual spring and fall cleanups or plan our annual Mystic Herring Run Festival |
