About a year ago, the Sacramento Audubon Board decided to pursue a membership vote on a name change and chose the name Sacramento Bird Alliance should the membership approve a name change. Our first step was to update our by-laws to allow electronic voting. This has been completed, and we are now ready to put it before the membership for a vote.

For reference, in March of 2023, despite increasing evidence that John James Audubon was both a slave holder and racist, the National Audubon Society Board of Directors voted against changing the organization’s name to something that did not include the name Audubon. Since April of 2023, the Sacramento Audubon Society Board has been actively involved with evaluating the need for a name change. We have published articles in the Observer and conducted a survey of our members that indicated the majority were in favor of a name change.

Since 2023, nearly one third of all the 500+ local Audubon organizations, along with college chapters, have changed their name. The most common name change has been to use “Bird Alliance”, instead of “Audubon Society”. Name recognition is very important, and we feel using this will best achieve our mission.

Voting will be conducted using a professional online voting website and will take place May 23-31. You will receive an email with directions on how to vote. For our members who do not use the internet we will be sending out a hard copy ballot with a return envelope.

This is a very important vote, and we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to cast your ballot. We are committed to our mission of bird conservation and believe the organization’s name can either foster or hinder the organization’s ability to achieve its mission.

If you are not currently a member of the Sacramento Audubon Society you will need to join in order to vote. Once you join you will receive a separate email with directions. Paying dues (donation) to the National Audubon Society does not automatically make you a member of the Sacramento Audubon Society. You can become a member by visiting our website here: https://www.sacramentoaudubon.org/join-renew-donate

If you have any questions or concerns about this vote, please reach out to me directly at sacaudubonconservation@gmail.com.

- Cliff Feldheim

Name Change Online Voting Information

Current members with email addresses will receive an email from ElectionBuddy Elections. In the email will be a link to the ballot where members will vote either yes or no on the following question: “Do you support changing the organization’s name from “Sacramento Audubon Society” to “Sacramento Bird Alliance”? Voting will be open May 23 through May 31. You may only vote once.

Name Change Voting - May 23 through May 31

Name Change Online Voting Information

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