The 1870 Society is an initiative, to honor the history and accomplishments of the American Fisheries Society, and recognizing those generous individual donors who make it possible by investing in the Society’s important programs and operations.

Named for the year AFS was established, the 1870 Society pays homage to the impressive history of AFS and establishes a channel for our community to raise financial resources to safeguard the future.

This support will be invested in important areas such as education, training, professional development, and policy. In addition, funds raised through the 1870 Society will be used to support improvements that will directly benefit the service we provide to our members and community.

Eligibility
Participation in the 1870 Society is open to all individuals, regardless of membership in AFS. Membership in the 1870 Society is renewable annually (calendar year). Membership in the 1870 Society begins with your first annual gift above $150, and continues with ongoing annual support. Members must make qualifying level donations each year ($150 or greater) to maintain membership in the donor club. These gifts can be outright gifts, pledge payments, or multi-year pledges.

Privileges of the 1870 Society

• Invitations to special events, including exclusive events (reception and/or luncheon) held each year in conjunction with the AFS Annual Meeting
• Program highlights and participant (donor) profiles in Fisheries magazine
• Membership commemorative certificate recognizing their gift
• Unique gift in appreciation of their membership in the 1870 Society
• Year-round communications from the AFS President and Executive Director, keeping you up-to-date on how your donation is making an impact for AFS
• Recognition (with your permission) on AFS’s website
• 1870 Society ribbon to be worn during AFS Annual Meeting and AFS events
• Special listings in the Annual Report of the American Fisheries Society

Annual Member Level	Benefits
Members — $150.00+	Certificate of appreciation Recognition in multiple AFS channels, including Fisheries magazine, the annual report, and the AFS website Quarterly newsletter from AFS keeping members up-to-date on the latest happenings of AFS
Founding Members — $500.00+	Invitation to special 1870 Founding event celebration Recognized in perpetuity as Founding Members of the 1870 Society Receive a commemorative keepsake Recognized at the Annual Business Meeting during the AFS Annual Meeting
President’s Circle — $1,000.00+	Members in the President’s Circle receive all the benefits of the Members and Founding Members, plus Invitation to attend the Governing Board Reception at the Annual Meeting Conference call with Executive Director and President Free guest registration at the AFS Annual Meeting Opportunity for reserved seating or early access to special events at the AFS Annual Meeting (for example the Grand Networking Event)
Legacy Leaders — Planned Giving	Certificate of appreciation and a letter from the Executive Director Recognition in multiple AFS including Fisheries magazine, the annual report, and the AFS website Those willing to leave a significant gift to AFS will be recognized in a unique way based on discussions between AFS and the donor. Visit Planned Giving for more information about planned giving at AFS.

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If you’d like to demonstrate your philanthropic leadership within the fisheries community, and become a member of the 1870 Society donate online, by mail, or contact AFS Development Manager Jenna Hanks at  [email protected].