The procedures manual is intended to serve as a hand reference for the American Fisheries Society (AFS or Society) Northeastern Division (NED or Division) officers and members in Division leadership roles, particularly for those new in their positions. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the AFS Strategic Plan, AFS Procedural Manual, AFS Membership Directory and Handbook, AFS Subunit Survival Manual distributed at Leadership Orientation, and any Chapter procedural manuals. It attempts to operationalize the Division Bylaws. The document outlines the Division organizational structure and leadership responsibilities, provides operational details for ongoing activities, and assembled in one document a variety of Division policies. Historically, these kinds of information have been passed down by “word of mouth” from one set of officers to the next, but details and unwritten policies frequently get “lost in the cracks.” This manual helps maintain the institutional memory of the Division.
While the manual provides guidance, it should remain flexible to allow creativity and originality within each office of committee. In fact, the manual should be reviewed an updated periodically to improve the performance of the Division. This manual is intended to be a dynamic document that changes with new Division initiatives.
Last updated March 2025. Spot an error, missing info, or broken link? Contact NED-AFS Webmaster Sarah Hudak at shudak@searisksolutions.com.
