In August 2023, the Board of Directors released a “Resolution expressing the need to rename the Fort Collins Audubon Society” (FCAS). Then, in October 2023, FCAS members voted by an overwhelming majority (69%) to support the resolution and direct the Board to begin searching for a new name. Accordingly, the Board of Directors created a Name Change Committee that worked for the better part of a year to brainstorm and screen potential new names, with input from our members and the broader community.
In November 2024, members were presented with three potential new names identified by the Name Change Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Members had the opportunity to cast a secret ballot on which they could rank any of the names they supported in order of their personal preference, while leaving off the ballot any names they could not support.
Ballots were cast by 265 members. Although all three options were supported by a strong majority of voters, the clear winner among the three options was Northern Colorado Bird Alliance. This option was supported by 89% of voters and was the first pick for an outright majority of voters (53%). It ranked first or second for 80% of voters, a much higher number than either of the other options.
The final step in making our name change official is for the organization to amend its Constitution and Bylaws. The Board of Directors has prepared a document detailing all the proposed amendments to the bylaws necessary to change the organization’s name to Northern Colorado Bird Alliance (see below). The proposed amendments will also create a standing Committee focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and will correct or clarify a few minor non-substantive weaknesses in the current bylaws. Members in attendance at our February 13, 2025 chapter meeting at the Fort Collins Senior Center (and online via Zoom) will be asked to approve the amended bylaws. Additional details about the February meeting will appear in our February newsletter and on the website home page closer to the date of the meeting.