Midweek Musings...What the SAF?

Before I begin, I want to be clear that I was impressed with how this group handled their differences and came to some plans for resolution. I have the utmost respect for the members of our local groups who are working to keep the mission of Pinchot's vision alive. My view on what is happening on the national level with SAF leadership is simply that.

The mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity.

Went to a meeting recently - I suspect it was a microcosm of what is happening all over the country since SAF decided to close most of its Chapters in 2023.

Apparently, there isn't enough "growth" in many of the Chapter memberships. Paying members don't necessarily equate to attendance or involvement, and there has been a change in bylaws over the last couple of years - changing the structure of the organization and how decisions are made - and there is an incorporation factor that has entered the mix.

Frankly, I wasn't paying much attention when the discussion started, it seemed to be a review of activities - and then my mediator/therapist brain detected a shift.

I realized that things were getting heated.

Two years ago, members of SAF Chapters were told that they may not identify as such anymore. These groups are no longer an extension of the professional non-profit organization where they pay a membership.

The message from on high was that the people that formed the chapters can meet if they want to - but they are not longer affiliated in these meetings with SAF. Pretty dismissive.

As a result some Chapter-not-Chapters have continued to meet and organize events as an SAF Chapter - torpedoes be damned.

It has become an issue.

Now if these were young professionals, we might frame the decision to ignore the directive as conscientious objection. We would discuss the slippery slope of an organization that has is losing touch with it's grass roots mission, and we remind that inclusion is non-negotiable. There would be a call to ensure that everyone needs a voice at the table.

Professional and civic behavior must be based on honesty, fairness, good will, and respect for the law. We pledge to conduct ourselves in a civil and dignified manner; to respect the needs, contributions, and viewpoints of others; and to give due credit to others for their methods, ideas, or assistance.

Three quarters of the room were over 70. I suspect many SAF Chapter-not-Chapters are similar. These are people that have a passion for the work they did and continue to do in retirement. These people are our history, our mentors, our perspective. Yes, change is inevitable, yes we need to be flexible - but that doesn't have to entail the dismissal of an entire age demographic.

SAF wants to attract younger professionals - we all do. But surely they can do that without making decisions they know will exclude their long-term, aging members.

Our young professionals are very discerning - how long will it take them to figure out what is going on here? Who wants to be a member of a group that does this to the people that paved the way and have contributed to the history of the work?

Ageism is discrimination.

SAF claim's that these chapters were not experiencing a lot of growth may be true - but many were not shrinking in numbers either. These chapters are the grass roots groups in communities all over the country - that was an SAF objective - to foster connection and action through local membership and interests and community activities.

Interestingly, in the wake of disbanding SAF Chapters, SAF membership continues to drop. Which begs the question - what is this really about? Who does SAF now represent?

Building Partnerships and Outreach Capacity
Much of SAF’s work to advocate for the profession involves collaborating with partner groups and coalitions to amplify our message and show broad and diverse support for sustainable forest management. Through these partnerships, we are able to leverage shared resources, bolster credibility, and reach a broader audience. SAF prides itself on bringing groups to the table and finding common ground amidst these diverse interests and perspectives. Not only do we work with other forestry groups, we also work hard to identify untapped partnerships and hope to build stronger relationships with other professional societies, wildlife groups, sporting associations, parks and recreation groups, and urban forestry leaders.

I suspect that "untapped partnerships" look much more bright and shiny than a bunch of old retired folks who have carried SAF's water the entirety of their careers.

In many SAF Chapters there is a small group doing the bulk of the work for the entire membership - one of the arguments for closing Chapters. It seems that SAF employs the same model. Perhaps they need to employ the same solution.

SAF has charged key people at the Chapter-not-Chapter level - to try to put lipstick on their pig. That, in and of itself - speaks volumes. It puts the messengers in an untenable position of delivering information that erodes trust. A sure reflection of what is going on at the top of the organization.

SAF has taken an exclusive approach to membership that doesn't serve the forestry profession as a whole. Information from the professional organization is exclusively for those who pay dues - there is not a public information/communication portal available to the workforce. A service that is part of what a professional, non-profit should be offering.

They don't speak for you unless you pay them. Furthermore, if you are retired and older - you really are not of value to SAF. Just pay your dues and sit quietly.

Public policy related to forests must be based on both scientific principles and societal values. We pledge to use our knowledge and skills to help formulate sound forest policies and laws; to challenge and correct untrue statements about forestry; and to foster dialogue among foresters, other professionals, landowners, and the public regarding forest policies.

SAF has a responsibility to challenge false narratives in the media and politics - in a timely manner. They are uniquely placed as a non-profit to represent the entire forestry demographic from with sound science based information. The ongoing complaint is that SAF has become so political that they won't step up and consistently challenge the anti-forestry rhetoric. By the time any public statement has been approved, the world has moved on. SAF is not willing to take one for the team - the team is taking one for SAF.

Sadly, many feel that the voice and leadership needed to advocate on the behalf of the professionals who manage, study, and care for our public and private forest resources no longer lies within this organization.

I wonder what Pinchot would think.