As you may be aware, our Board has begun the process of considering changing the name of the organization. It is long and complicated, and will require a vote from our members.
Recently I attended a Zoom meeting with representatives from the majority of Audubon chapters within California to discuss this issue. Several chapters are actively engaged in the process, and many more are considering a name change. The consensus was that a common name would provide greater recognition of who we are affiliated with, both statewide and national.
Each chapter is a wholly separate organization from the National Audubon Society (or Audubon California which is simply a state office of the national organization). We are affiliated with the National Audubon Society through a mutual agreement spelled out in the National Audubon Society Chapter Policy document. Changing our name would not sever this agreement, and our relationship with National would remain unchanged. We receive both financial and strategic support from National, and it’s critical we maintain this relationship.
Light in the Darkness, American Robin Torch Bearer by Stephanie Brown
During the State chapters Zoom meeting, one of the representatives spoke up about the name Seattle has chosen for their chapter, “Birds Connect Seattle.” She spoke about the power and truth in associating birds as a connection. This really resonated with me, and in my own experience I have found this to be so true.
Ed Harper’s “Birds of Winter” initially connected me to my deep love of birds. Not being able to use binoculars to see birds connected me to Birdability. Birds connected me to Maureen Geiger, who connected me with Bill Bianco, who connected me to becoming a Board member. My work creating and chairing the Accessibility Committee connected me to others with mobility challenges. Birds connected me to Cosumnes River Preserve, UC Davis Arboretum, and our magical Bobelaine Sanctuary. And, birds also connected me to becoming President. Birds have also connected me to so, so many amazing and dedicated people, who themselves are connected by birds. And most recently birds have connected me to photography.
Birds also connect all of us with nature, which is such a profound interconnection. Recent studies have proven that time spent in nature is healing, not only for our bodies but also our minds. At this time in our world the healing reprieve of being with our sacred birds in their natural world is so needed, and they provide this connection.
As we track forward on this journey of changing our name, “Birds Connect Sacramento” is really finding purchase in my heart. If National and State Audubon followed, we would be associated with “Birds Connect America,” or “Birds Connect the World,” and “Birds Connect California.” In truth our sacred birds already do connect the world, and us all!
Note: The artwork was created by Stephanie Brown and is entitled “Light in the Darkness, American Robin Torch Bearer”. It hangs on my studio wall and reminds me that our sacred birds light the way.
—Paul Miller, President