Equal Opportunities Section 2023 Silent Auction

The Equal Opportunities Section (EOS) of the American Fisheries Society is fundraising via a silent auction to provide funding for the EOS travel awards to the Annual Meetings and events (e.g. The Alphabet Social) at future Annual Meetings. Each year the EOS awards travel funds to undergraduate and graduate students to support the participation of historically underrepresented minority groups in the fisheries field (including but not limited to underrepresented gender identities; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; those of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and those with disabilities) in AFS. EOS also hosts a highly attended social event, The Alphabet Social, that creates a safe networking space for underrepresented minority conference attendees and allies.

Minimum bidding increments for items in this auction are based on the item value and will be as follows: $1-$39 value = $1 min. bidding increment, $40-$99 value = $2 min. bidding increment, $100+ value = $5 min. bidding increment.

The mission of the Equal Opportunity Section (EOS) is to increase the representation, involvement, and belonging of diverse racial and ethnic communities as well as underrepresented gender identities, sexual orientations, and disability statuses in the American Fisheries Society.

EOS values active listening, employing empathy and understanding in meetings and between members, fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces within AFS, lifting up others, and amplifying marginalized voices. We understand the humanity in our science, and that our science affects humans. We strive to learn from our and other organizations’ successes in addition to acknowledging and learning from any failures or shortcomings. We aim to have diverse leaders who are committed to self-education and making progress on justice, diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging in AFS. It is of utmost importance to EOS that its members feel represented, recognized, and valued.