I have been reading this thread with some interest and have a few ideas on
promotion. First my history as a bird watcher. I joined the BOC as a kid
with my father. It served my needs well at the time. After I lapsed for
a few years (too many other distractions at university perhaps) I joined
the RAOU because of a coupon in one of their calendars. This was about
1985 I think.
Over the last decade I have watched the RAOU become more vibrant and
active. These are my perceptions of course. I've seen the development of
the Bird Observatories, the successful fund raising campaigns, the
publication of the Atlas and HANZAAB, dozens of vital research projects
undertaken, new headquarters etc. Possibly the most visible symbol of
change is the dramatic increase in quantity and quality of the Wingspan
magazine in my time as a member.
So how do we get more people to join? People have to know what the
organisation is and what it has to offer them. The name change will
probably help here. One suggestion I have is to disperse far and wide
copies of Wingspan. I have old copies sitting on a shelf and get them
down occasionally for a browse but they would probably do more good if
they were read by more than just me. So donate to schools and libraries.
Put a copy in the staff canteen. Next time you go to the doctors or the
dentists leave a copy to supplement the old Time magazines. Actually
while I am on this thread - we could extend the idea to include earlier
editions of Simpson & Day, Pizzey and Slater. Most school and public
libraries have a poor selection of field guides in my experience.
Your turn now...
Cheers
Steve
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Stephen Clark
CSIRO Division of Plant Industry
Canberra 2601 Australia
Phone 06 246 5417
Fax 06 246 5399
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