The Alphabet Social
The Alphabet Social
Beginning in 2021, the AFS Equal Opportunities Section (EOS) has hosted an in-person and virtual social at the AFS Parent/International meeting for members of the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC community and allies. This social has been rebranded to “The Alphabet Social”, in recognition of the many identities who are underrepresented within fisheries.
2023 Alphabet Social in Grand Rapids, MI
Find your people at the start of the conference! The Alphabet Social centers and celebrates historically marginalized identities. All are welcome! The Affinity Socials will celebrate unique identities among peers. These affinity socials are reserved for folks who self-identify within one or more affinity groups and allow folks to socialize and network at the start of the conference.
This year's social also features door prizes and an online silent auction that directly benefits EOS programming (silent auction items include fishing lures, original art, signed books and more!). All attendees at the Alphabet Social will receive 1 free door prize ticket for attending.
Check out our social media pages and the flyer below for information about our virtual silent auction. Proceeds from the silent auction will be used to fund future EOS travel awards and events at meetings.
Monday, August 21
Devos Place – Steelcase Ballroom CD
Light refreshments provided
7:00 – 9:00PM The Alphabet Social (Allies Welcome)
7:00 – 7:30PM Black (Grand Gallery D), Latinx (Grand Gallery E), & LGBTQIA2S+ (Grand Gallery B) Affinity Socials
7:30 – 8:00PM Asian/Pacific Islander (Grand Gallery A), Women (Grand Gallery F), & Indigenous (Grand Gallery C) Affinity Socials
Download a PDF of The Alphabet Social schedule here: The Alphabet Social 2023.
Sponsored by: Equal Opportunities Section, American Fisheries Society, Grand Rapids DEI Planning Team, Western Division, Northeastern Division, Education Section, Fisheries Administration Section, Fish Habitat Section, Southern New England Chapter, Iowa Chapter, Michigan Chapter, Ohio Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter & Missouri Chapter
Silent auction donors: Patagonia ($$$), Cory Brant ($$$), Jessi Eggers ($$$), Kerrell Dunsmore ($$$), Kirk Winemiller ($$$), Ty Hallock ($$), Missouri Chapter AFS ($$), Drew Day ($$), Larry Page ($$), Brittany Harried ($$), Jason Magnuson ($$), Dani Davis ($$), Church Tackle ($$), Deuter ($$), Art by Bala ($), Jill Pelto ($), Jeff Kopaska ($), Jeremy Tiemann ($), Jesse Trushenski ($), Harney & Sons ($)
Interested in volunteering to help organize The Alphabet Social? Interested in sponsoring The Alphabet Social? Email us: [email protected]
2022 Alphabet Social in Spokane, WA
Find your people on the first night of the conference! This social centers and celebrates LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC identities.
This year's social also features a raffle that directly benefits EOS programming (items like a 5-weight, 9' fly-fishing outfit, fish prints, gar scale earrings, and more!). Receive 1 free raffle ticket for attending, and use cash/check/Venmo to purchase more!
Convention Center 402C
Refreshments provided
6:00 – 6:30PM BIPOC Social
6:30 – 7:00PM LGBTQIA2S+ Social
7:00 – 7:30PM Allies Welcome
Sponsored by: Equal Opportunities Section, American Fisheries Society, Education Section, Fish Health Section, Fisheries Management Section
Raffle item donors: Patagonia ($$$), Orvis ($$$), Grady-White Boats ($$), St. Croix Rods ($$), Peterson Field Guides/Harper Collins Publishers ($), Brittany Harried ($)
Interested in volunteering to help organize The Alphabet Social? Interested in sponsoring The Alphabet Social? Email us: [email protected]
2021 LGBTQ+/BIPOC Social in Baltimore, MD
At the Baltimore Annual Meeting, we hosted our first virtual and in-person LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC social, attended by over 60 people. 500 “Outdoors is for Everyone” pins, created by Cassidy Miles, were widely distributed and worn by AFS Leadership and members throughout the conference.
