Tacklebox
Resources designed to empower Trout Unlimited volunteers to build and sustain healthy and effective chapters and councils.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Message from Chris Wood, President & CEO
Our priority is to ensure the safety and health of all TU volunteers, members and supporters.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all TU indoor, in-person events – including local chapter and council events – are permitted as of June 1, but it is required that every chapter, council and volunteer leader follow all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances and best practices if an indoor event is planned.
At the same time, we encourage our chapters and councils to carefully consider whether holding an indoor event at this time is appropriate or necessary given the fast-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Summer is a great time for outdoor events and activities where social distancing and responsible recreation and conservation can occur.
If your chapter or council is considering re-starting events or activities, please:
Read: Safety Protocols for Events & Activities During COVID-19
Use: Download the Event Attendee Contact Tracing Sign-In Sheet
Contact: Volunteer Operations with questions on specific events
Stay safe, healthy and smart as you continue to grow and develop your local conservation community during COVID-19.
Volunteer Training Schedule
The following trainings and discussions are being held to support chapters to manage the challenges of COVID-19 and identify opportunities. To join these live web sessions, simply click the link in the session title to register. All sessions are listed in Eastern time.
Recordings are available on the TU Volunteer Training Channel.
Additional resources are available on the Cultivating Community in the Time of COVID page.
Join the following volunteer trainings and roundtable conversations by selecting the training to register:
June 29 – Membership Committee Connection (8PM)
June 30 – Council Diversity Committee Connection (8PM)
July 21 – Pacific Coast & Alaska TU Conservation Highlights (2PM)
July 29 – Interior West TU Conservation Highlights (12:30PM)
August 6 – Good Governance: Best Practices for Growth (8PM)
Top Tacklebox Resources For Volunteers
Click the buttons below to jump straight to the Tacklebox section or resources you need. Click here for a roadmap of all the resources you can find in the Tacklebox. Scroll down to view all the Tacklebox sections.
Risk Management & Financial Controls Resources
Safeguarding TU assets, protecting your chapter or council against liability, and ensuring our credibility remains strong relies on a focused effort to make sure all the policies, procedures and requirements are being followed. These essential steps not only help prevent future issues, they strengthen your practices and increase your abilities as a volunteer-led organization.
Council Leader Resources
Designed for the officers, directors and committee leaders of our 36 state council, these resources include council officer resources, National Leadership Council information, council board & committee resources, council leadership development resources
Chapter Leader Resources
Designed for the officers, directors and committee leaders of our 385+ local chapters, these resources cover chapter leaderships, requirements of managing a nonprofit and a TU chapter, strategic planning, leadership recruitment and development and more.
Conservation & Science Resources
Driving the "Protect, Reconnect and Restore" aspects of our mission, these resources are designed to help volunteers implement conservation projects, engage in hands-on science and monitoring work, and grow a community around their conservation efforts!
Diversity, Youth and TU Service Partnership Resources
At the core of the "Sustain" part of our mission, are the activities that help build a community within our chapters. Efforts to engage and educate the next generation of conservationists, to broaden the diversity of our members and leaders and to serve and connect with the first responder and military communities are critical to building strong and healthy chapters and councils.
Membership Recruitment & Engagement Resources
With more than 300,000 members and supporters, TU's greatest strength is the army of angler advocates and volunteers we can muster to lead, support and promote our organization and its mission. At the chapter and council level, recruiting new members and getting existing members more active are among the best ways to grow your volunteer and resource pool and increase your local work.
Communications Resources
Effective communications are essential to success in all of our chapter, council and national activities. In this day and age, reaching members, potential members and supporters requires a healthy mix of print, digital and social media communications and use of messages and images proven to grow the TU brand and awareness and participation in our work.
Fundraising Resources
From banquets and traditional fundraising, to our vendor partner discount program and new fundraisers such as film tours and brewery events, there are plenty of tried and true tactics to raise money to support your mission. Review resources, guides, and see the lessons learned from fellow volunteers.
Trainings, Regional & Annual Events
Learn about powerful weekend retreats where you can meet and network with fellow volunteers, attend live online webinar trainings with TU staff and outside experts, and view recordings of past sessions and helpful tips for using and navigating the TU leaders tools.