Audubon Field Organizers Confront Global Warming Challenge

National Audubon Society’s global warming organizing team has grown. To harness Audubon’s strength, Jill DeWitt in Missouri and Amy Cilimburg in Montana have come on board as Audubon staff. Each already has a full schedule of outreach for the fall.

Amy and Jill will be meeting with Chapters throughout their respective states to inspire activism and build capacity to address global warming. They will be educating activists about global warming’s impacts in their states, legislation, and solutions; adding Audubon’s voice to state-based environmental coalition work; and reaching out to other allies, such as health, agriculture, academic, and business constituencies. They will also be doing outreach to media. Montana Audubon will offer a training workshop on global warming issues and action for western Audubon Chapters on November 3 in Missoula. Please be on the look-out for announcements about other upcoming trainings, including workshops in Ohio and Missouri.
Both Jill and Amy come to Audubon with years of experience and commitment to Audubon’s mission. Prior to joining Audubon’s staff, Jill helped organize successful opposition to proposed coal-burning power plants in Kansas City, Missouri. She became active in Audubon conservation issues in the 1980s and is currently the president of Burroughs Audubon Society. Jill also serves as environmental representative to the Mid-America Regional Council’s Air Quality Forum.

In addition to her activities for Montana Audubon, Amy works for the Avian Science Center with the University of Montana, where she is coordinator for their Landbird Monitoring Program. Both Amy and Jill have attended Audubon’s global warming advocacy trainings at the Washington, DC policy office and have spent time in the halls of Congress educating their Representatives and Senators on global warming legislation.

Amy and Jill will build on the foundation for global warming organizing advocacy laid by Audubon California’s Chapter Coordinator Claudia Eyzaguirre, Audubon Minnesota’s Policy Director Susan Solterman, Audubon New York’s Grass Roots Coordinator Laura McCarthy, Audubon Ohio’s Grassroots Coordinator Marnie Urso, Audubon of Florida’s Chapter Coordinator Jacqui Sulek and Audubon Washington’s Chapter Government Relations Coordinator Lisa Paribello.

Audubon will be working on global warming issues in many venues throughout the fall. The theme of the 2007 Audubon California Assembly is global warming and wildlife, and both the Audubon of New York Council meeting and the Upper Midwest Regional Audubon Conference in Minnesota will feature sessions on global warming advocacy. Audubon of Florida’s 2007 Assembly will include an event to mark November 3, National Day of Climate Action, part of the Step It Up 2007 campaign. Step It Up 2007, a citizen’s movement demanding that the U.S. government address global warming, is organizing actions throughout the country on November 3. Visit www.stepitup2007.org to find an event near you, or plan one yourself.

FOR MORE INFO:
Contact Audubon National Outreach Coordinator Karen Orenstein, korenstein@audubon.org, if you would like help planning an event in your community.

Membership Information: Chapter Reporting System
Since November 2006, the Web based Chapter Reporting system has allowed Chapters to access their membership information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system provides access to monthly updated electronic membership rosters, change reports, ready-to-print mailing labels, and a membership lookup tool. If you do not have access to this system and are a membership chair or are in charge of your Chapter’s membership data, you will need to register to use the system. For information on how to register, visit http://www.audubon.org/local/membershipServices.html and click on the “How to Register New Users” under the Chapter Reporting System header on the Webpage.
There is also updated information on how to use the site, how to submit corrections, what to do if you forget your password, who to contact if you have problems, and other features on the Chapter Resources section of the Audubon website. Visit Chapter Reporting System – Web based Chapter Membership Information on the Membership Services site at http://www.audubon.org/local/membershipServices.html

FOR MORE INFO:
Please contact Paul Travis at Chapter Services, ptravis@audubon.org or (800) 542-2748.

Mailing your Chapter Newsletters using NetPost®
NetPost is a United States Postal partner that can be used to mail your Chapter’s newsletter. It will help you greatly reduce the amount of work involved and the cost of the mailings. NetPost can also be used to send mail in other formats such as reminder postcards or appeal letters for your Chapter. You can access NetPost at http://www.usps.com/netpost/welcome.htm.

To use NetPost, you will need to start with a newsletter formatted as an Adobe pdf or Microsoft Word document. Next, follow instructions to upload this document to the NetPost website, followed by a list of addresses in Microsoft Excel format. The Chapter’s membership roster downloaded from the Web’s Chapter Reporting System can be the basic source for the list of addresses. In order to place the data correctly, some mapping may be necessary on the NetPost website (i.e. identify which column is the first name, which column is the last name, etc). The site will then check if the addresses are in standard U.S. Postal format or not. Incorrect addresses can be corrected after the site check by looking for misspelled street names or incorrect formats in the database. Using standard U.S. Postal format, the mailing will qualify for lower postal rates and if the Chapter is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, you can also qualify for a non-profit postal rate. Finally, after proofing the result of sample merges of address and document, just click to send.

To give an example of the cost savings: An 8 page double-sided (4 sheets) black and white newsletter with photographs can be sent for $297 (using non-profit postal rates) to 550 members. This includes the cost of paper and ink, printing, and mailing, and works out to 54 cents a copy.
This information was submitted by Merrick Darley of Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, Plano, Texas.

FOR MORE INFO:
Visit NetPost at http://www.usps.com/netpost/welcome.htm, or contact Paul Travis at Chapter Services, ptravis@audubon.org or (800) 542-2748.

Collaboration Makes “Common Birds” an Uncommon Success
The strength of Audubon comes from caring individuals acting together. The very birding information that guides our conservation action originates with the crucial Christmas Bird Count and other data from individuals nationwide. And our ability to educate and inspire is never greater than when we tell our story through many voices raised in unison. It is these basic beliefs that produced and continue to power Audubon’s latest efforts to convey and improve the State of the Birds in America.

On June 15, 2007, Americans awoke to the news of “Common Birds in Decline” and a growing awareness that national avian population trends have important implications for people, places and policies close to home. The initial chapter in Audubon’s State of the Birds analysis, the first since 2004, generated unprecedented media coverage on the fate of bird species, the habitats that sustain them—and us, and the actions that must be taken to reverse the disturbing trends it described.

A major Associated Press report appeared in more than 150 newspapers. The New York Times, USA Today, the Christian Science Monitor, and repeated accounts on CNN also detailed the broad national findings from the analysis. Far more powerful were the hundreds of locally-focused accounts, brought to audiences by city and regional news outlets from details distributed through Audubon’s careful coordination with state offices and Chapters. Our National Science team deciphered disturbing trends from the Christmas Bird Count and Breeding Bird Survey that told us what was happening among declining common species and why. But it was local voices that helped folks back home understand what this really means to them, why they should care, and how they can take action. Together we delivered a message not of despair, but of hope.

Local voices propelled Audubon’s findings and its call for local engagement to the top of major hometown news outlets and into the consciousness of local residents. Quotes from state, Chapter, and IBA representatives abound in coverage from coast to coast:

• “Every time you pull one string of the web in nature, it has consequences throughout the entire system,” Golden Gate Audubon’s Elizabeth Murdock told the Oakland Tribune. “That’s why we’re working to protect bird populations and restore habitats for our native species.”

• Janet Ellis and Steve Hoffman of the independent Montana Audubon used a local National Public Radio interview to connect the common birds analysis to their promotion of greater stream setbacks for housing developments that impact declining common species like Great Blue Herons.

• North Carolina IBA coordinator Curtis Smalling encouraged hope and action by telling News and Observer readers about the benefits of simply delaying hay harvests. “Often,” he said, “very simple things can make huge differences for these birds.”

• Audubon of the Chicago Region grassland conservation work was highlighted in a lengthy nationwide feature by PBS Television’s The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. Region Bird Conservation Director Judy Pollock and Executive Director Stephen Packard left little doubt that declining common birds can be helped to rebound by programs such as theirs.

From the TV screen to the front, science, opinion and sporting pages of the Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, Kansas City Star and dozens of other outlets, local voices allowed “Birds” to sing out a clear message of hope and a resounding call to action. Now, states and Chapters nationwide report using “Common Birds” details and materials for educational outreach and fund raising. Localized fact sheets are helping to underscore the importance of both on-the-ground and policy focused conservation efforts.
Analysis is nearing completion for the next State of the Birds chapter, an updated Watch List to be released in the fall. A third addition in early 2008 will examine how bird populations are affected by global warming. Preparations are underway to give states and Chapters greater opportunity to shape, interpret and release the results. Meanwhile, our ongoing Audubon-wide collaboration on the Christmas Bird Count will continue to provide the data that makes it all possible. As always, our Audubon network is strongest when we act together.

John Flicker
President

Back From the Brink
Introduce Audubon Adventures to your local school and help celebrate the come-back of once endangered animals in the U.S. Audubon Adventures has just released a new series that illustrates success stories from the Endangered Species List. The award winning educational program features engaging activities that teach kids about the recovery of the Bald Eagle, American Alligator, Grizzly Bear, and Gray Whale. To learn how you can sponsor Audubon Adventures at a school near you, call (800) 813-5037 or visit www.audubon.org/educate/aa.

BIRD The Definitive Visual Guide – Chapter Offer
Audubon’s licensing department is pleased to announce the publication of BIRD The Definitive Visual Guide, a unique photographic encyclopedia to over 1,400 species of the avian world. BIRD features thousands of outstanding color photographs, drawings, and maps illustrating the complete story, from the origins of birds to key bird watching locations, as well as offering graphic information on anatomy, flight, feeding, communication, breeding, habitats, migration, and life cycles.

FOR MORE INFO:
Check out http://us.dk.com. Chapters interested in ordering will receive a 50% discount off the $50 retail value. Order soon and you can get 20% off in addition to your standard 50% discount. To place your order, contact Miriam Mitchell at (646) 674-4038 or via email to Miriam.Mitchell@dk.com. A copy of your Chapter’s State Resale Certificate will be required.

New Carbon Trading Guide Available
In November, a four page illustrated guide to carbon trading will be available to all Chapter leaders. The guide will be published as a pullout insert in the November/December issue of Audubon Magazine and will also be available as a stand-alone outreach handout that can be ordered through the Audubon Chapter Services office. The guide will focus on benefits of the cap-and-trade approach to cutting greenhouse-gas emissions. A brief introduction will weigh the pros and cons of this complex idea, as well as present an explanation of why Audubon activists should support legislation enacting it. This will be followed by a simple two-page illustrated, step-by-step guide to how cap and trade would actually work.

For More Info:
To order, use the order form insert or contact Paul Travis at ptravis@audubon.org or
(800) 542-2748.


NEW “Birds to Help”
New fact sheets from Audubon feature birds that need help in urban, suburban, or rural locations across the country. Thirty species are highlighted, along with downloadable fact sheets featuring what those species need and what you can do to help. The fact sheets are designed to be easy to print and distribute at Chapter meetings or other outreach venues. With information on one side, you can also add additional local information, nest-box designs, or Chapter information on the reverse.

FOR MORE INFO:
To see the list of Birds to Help and download the fact sheets, visit www.audubonathome.org/birdstohelp.

Protecting the Countryside
Audubon At Home is now offering a workbook and web resources designed to help owners of new ranchettes and large estate properties. “Preserving the Natural Resources of Your Country Home or Ranchette” is a downloadable workbook available online at www.audubonathome.org/ranchettes. If large properties in your area are being subdivided into ranchettes or acreage properties, consider promoting these materials to your new neighbors. The attractive workbook can be printed out and distributed, or you can direct people to it online at www.audubonathome.org/ranchettes/content/Audubon_Ranchette_booklet.pdf.
Features include the major issues to consider in taking care of property, including how to protect the habitat value of the land and how to care for resident native birds.

FOR MORE INFO:
Contact Rob Fergus at Audubon Science, rfergus@audubon.org.

eBird Update
Audubon continues to work with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology to improve eBird as a tool to record your bird sightings and obtain bird distribution information. Recent additions include the ability to download local rare bird sightings in real time to your Web browser, and to upload large files of bird sightings from a spreadsheet or other electronic format.

FOR MORE INFO:
To find out more about eBird and these latest tools, please visit http://ebird.org/content/ebird/.

Great Backyard Bird Count is Coming!
The 11th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be held February 15-18, 2008 and is a great way for Chapter’s to generate publicity and new members, use as an educational tool, or just to have fun. The count is free and participants are encouraged to count birds anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Even novice birders can report the common birds they see in their yards or neighborhoods, while more experienced birders can report birds seen at birding hotspots or field trips. Consider taking advantage of this count by scheduling field trips for birders, schoolchildren, or others during the count weekend, and encouraging people to report their counts online. Another idea is to hold beginning birding workshops to train people how to identify common local birds before the count.

FOR MORE INFO:
Please visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc

New Audubon Junior Member Pin
A colorful new lapel pin is now available from the Chapter Services Office. The pin is approximately 1 inch in diameter and shows a perched Kingfisher with the text “Audubon Junior Member”. Other pins are also available and include the Audubon logo lapel pin, Bird-a-thon pin, and Centennial Bird-a-thon pin. To view these pins, visit the Audubon Outreach Materials and Guides webpage at http://www.audubon.org/local/outreachHome.html. To place an order, please use the order form insert or contact Paul Travis at Chapter Services, ptravis@audubon.org or (800) 542-2748.

“State of the Birds” Information and Outreach Materials Available
• For more information on “State of the Birds- Common Birds in Decline” go to http://stateofthebirds.audubon.org/cbid/ where you can download the technical report, browse species, see how citizen science helped reveal the problem, learn what you can do, and read the New York Times piece on the report.
• The “State of the Birds – Common Birds in Decline” Audubon Magazine insert is available on the Audubon website as a downloadable pdf file at http://stateofthebirds.audubon.org/cbid/magazine.php. The insert is also available as an outreach handout through the Chapter Services Office. Please use the enclosed order form, or contact Paul Travis at (800) 542-2748 or ptravis@audubon.org.

Audubon Lovebirds
The Audubon communications team is requesting submissions for our Valentine’s Day feature on the Audubon website, which was enjoyed by many last February. If you met your romantic mate through birding or any other environmental activity and would like to share your story online, please contact Kim Conners at kconners@audubon.org.

Annual Report Reminder
Just a reminder that your Chapter Annual Reports are now due, with a final deadline of December 31st.
Each year, Chapter’s renew their charters through a re-certification process by submitting an Annual Report, as described in the Audubon Chapter Policy. For more information on the Chapter Reporting process and to download the forms electronically, visit http://www.audubon.org/local/annualReports.html. Completion of the Chapter Annual Report will trigger payment of the baseline funding, just as it did with the “safety net” payments in past years. Funds are then directly deposited into Chapter checking accounts.

FOR MORE INFO:
Please contact Paul Travis at Chapter Services, ptravis@audubon.org, (800)542-2748.

Save the Date!
Friday, March 14, 2008: Audubon Chapter Workshop: Taking Action for Birds in a Changing Climate. Watch for information in an upcoming Audubon Newswire about this one day Chapter workshop, to take place the day before the annual weekend Audubon Rivers and Wildlife Celebration in Kearney, NE. Attend sessions on Audubon science, education, and advocacy topics and view the amazing crane migration on the Platte River too! Visit http://www.nebraska.audubon.org/ne-rwc.htm for more details.

Audubon Leadership Workshop at Hog Island Camp: August 10-16, 2008 The third annual "Audubon Leadership Workshop" at the Hog Island Audubon Camp from August 10-16, 2008. All Audubon leaders are invited to attend this fun and informative session!
Designed especially for active Chapter leaders to build and deepen your expertise and ability to enhance Audubon's effectiveness at all levels, the camp is led by top-level State and National Audubon program staff and thoroughly experienced Chapter staff and volunteers. Participants enjoy a combination of daily workshops, special presentations, and lively discussions, as well as the traditional Maine field trips, serenity and fine food that are hallmarks of the Hog Island Camp.
A National scholarship of $200 per person is available to 30 registrants with a matching $200 scholarship from her/his local Chapter. Camp fee is $700/person or $300/person with matching scholarship.
FOR MORE INFO: Or to register please call Maine Audubon's registrar, Linda Ledoux, toll free at 888/325-5261 x215.

Next Issue Deadline
For Submitting Materials to the Chapter Networker

Winter 2008 Issue:
Friday, November 30, 2007

Spring 2008 Issue:
Friday, March 14, 2008

Send Networker articles and
Chapter Services inquiries to:
Audubon Chapter Services
Building 30, Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Phone/Fax
(800) 542-2748
Email: chapter_services@audubon.org

Editor:
Paul Travis