More specific opportunities were identified as they related to each recommendation. For example, regarding Recommendation 1, there is a need to better link bird conservation priorities to the needs of humankind, i.e., better leverage the fact that bird populations are an indicator of overall ecosystem health. In the public policy arena, there is a need to strengthen each of the campaigns in terms of funding, volunteer activism, and, in some cases, staffing. We also need to better integrate our campaigns and programs with Field Offices, Education, Communications, and Science activities, as well as with related state and local campaigns. Another key opportunity regarding this recommendation is to expand the network of volunteer activists and to really get the partnership working between states, chapters, and the policy experts in campaign and D.C. office staffs.
Integration is a key theme of the opportunities going forward.
State offices need to be better integrated with other key functions, with shared goals and clear understanding of mutual accountability. We also need to strengthen state offices to ensure that they are functioning well. Further, we need to strengthen and build our chapters in all states, whether a state office has been established there or not. Building the Audubon Centers network is an important opportunity, and we need to develop some real momentum in this area by developing an aggressive plan to rapidly grow the network, including plans to involve each state office, sanctuary, regional or state-level campaign, and interested chapter. Like Audubon Centers, Audubon's Education program needs a comprehensive multi-year plan, including strategies, funding needs, and milestones by which to measure progress.