How The Newport Fishermen’s Wives Build Community To Help Fisheries Thrive
I’m intentionally posting this for one of our first blog posts in February because our theme this month is “Feminine Advocacy” and the importance of bringing our feminine ways of thought, processes, minds, and hearts into fishing. You’ll see this theme played out each Wednesday when a new podcast episode drops, too!
Let me tell you, this episode was like a HUGE POCF celebrity interview for me! I was so excited to learn from a seasoned Partner and to share her knowledge with our beautiful community. But let’s start at the beginning…
At the start of 2023, the Newport Fishermen’s Wives helped rally to raise over $100K to replace torched crab gear in Ilwaco, Washington.
Yet, before that, I had a chance to interview former Co-President Tuanette Dixon for our blog to learn more about what it means to be in a fishermen’s wives group and how they can support their community and themselves through the ups and downs of the fishing seasons. Click below to listen to our chat or read our full interview here.
Here are links to Apple and Spotify.
In the episode, we discuss:
- What it’s like to support a local fishing community.
- The critical role they play in keeping fishermen and families cared for throughout the year.
- The nuances of ensuring all fishing families get what they need when they need it.
I am reposting our first blog interview with Taunette below for a little background about their group and the dynamics of working with strong, independent women. Let’s Dive in!
Originally titled: How The Newport Fishermen’s Wives Built A Community Like Bosses.
May 6, 2021
I learned about Newport Fishermen’s Wives through a member of our private group, and since then, they’ve acted as an example of how to build a strong, supportive community. (Something I hope I accomplish through this blog and private communities!).
Honestly, I was a little nervous to reach out to NFW until now. They just seemed so…together. So many miles down the road, I’ve only just begun. But after connecting with former Co-President Taunette Dixon, I realized my worries were all for naught. Taunette couldn’t have been more supportive of this blog and anyone out there who may want to start a support group of their own. It shows that no matter where our home port may be, our little commercial fishing world is compassionate and encouraging.
Ready to meet NFW? Let’s do this!
Meet Taunette Dixson of the Newport Fishermen’s Wives!
It really is such a treat to interview you, Taunnette! I’ve heard so many great things about your group. Can you please explain NFW to someone who has never heard of it before?
NFW’s is a local nonprofit 501(c)3; here is our mission statement:
The Newport Fishermen’s Wives is a non-profit corporation of fishermen’s wives, mothers, daughters, and friends, supporting a strong sense of community to further the causes of industry, safety, seafood education, and family support.
How exactly did it start, and when?
In 1970, a group of fishermen’s wives got together to support each other while their husbands were up in Alaska fishing for most of the year. It was purely a “social support group” in the beginning.
