The SFAB process is always looking for "new blood". New voting members get elected or past members re-elected every two years. All you need to do is put your hat in the ring and get voted in. I can assure you that in no way shape or form is the SFAB process closed, or is there any desire to "keep it the way it is". In fact, much concern is expressed about succession planning and how does the process attract new blood. It seems that in this age of instant electronic gratification, processes that involve people acutally meeting face to face, using a Roberts Rules format, and having to take time to discuss things in order to produce "informed advice" aren't that attractive to younger people.
I wouldn't be so sure that the SFAB is always ignored. There are many examples of where our circumstances would be much, much worse if it wasn't for the efforts of the SFAB. Georgia Strait Chinook, WCVI Coho & Chinook, and Halibut are all good examples of not being perfect from the perspective of many anglers, but would certainly be a hell of a lot worse if no one from the SFAB offered advice to DFO as to how the recreational fishery is impacted by them, and what the views of recreational anglers are regarding DFO's proposals to deal with them.
You're right though, the big, tough serious change issues like the recent reallocation of Halibut, happen through lobbying and policital action, not the more subdued and collaborative approach offered by the SFAB. Perhaps you should take some of that angst and energy and turn it to useful purpose by joining one of the organizations that do that and lend a hand in their political efforts?
CP
Excellent post. Thank you for that. For almost a year now i have been waiting for a logical well written reponse that makes sense, rather then the rethorical "shut the f up, go to more meetings" or the "you dont know what the f you are talking about" usual responses i get. Do you have an idea of how many new voting members there has been over the last 5 years?
I am a member of the BCWF and have been since i moved here in 2008. I have been at every halibut rally, or info session or what have you sinceIve lived on the island. I do some volunteeering in the fall for coho enhancement on the trent river here in town (catching brood stock). This group is also comprised of and 'older crowd" i think would be an understatement. They say the same thing as you. We dont know who is going to take over, our roles. What is our succcession plan. The younger crowd doesn care like we do. That is BS. We are more passionate then ever! I will same the same thing i have said many times to you and others.
I am 31. There ae LOTS just like me. More then willing to get involved, put some time in, get off our wallets. People that care truly about the fishery and the fish. However.... We have very busy lives. In this day and age, people are VERY busy. In most house holds both parents are working, kids are in 5 different sports, people are working 6 days a week.
So its very hard for a fellow my age Trying to get involved when meetings and events are scheduled on week days, during regualr work hours. It makes it very tough! Also IMO the SFAB doesnt make it well known enough that there is a meeting. Doesnt try to draw a crowd. And i get the reason why. IMO its because the more people, the more off track, the longer the meeting is drawn out, more time is spent on fielding questions and informing people and explaining things then getting down to business. I get it. But if you want " new blood" , want to attract a new crowd, dont want to be viewed as a "good ole boys club" and get some of those people in there that can add value, you are going to have to make it more accessible.
Lastly, i do agree that the format is not exactly 2012. But im not sure how to improve that. Social networking would be one way. Facebook, twitter, etc. IF the SFAC had a face book page, posting meeting times, cliff notes, etc. I can tell you that it would be something widely used.