Strategic Planning
The world of professional societies is changing rapidly. There are many dynamics at play. For example, disciplines and subdisciplines come into existence at speeds that would amaze previous generations of scientists. Disciplines such as Conservation Biology scarcely existed twenty years ago whereas historic disciplines, such as Ornithology, need to rethink themselves to stay relevant to their members. Not long ago every scientist needed paper journals on the shelf, but now information is available electronically on the desktop, including those journals that used to arrive in the mail. Not long ago, going to the annual meeting of one's favorite society was the way to network, find colleagues, plan projects, get grants, and catch up with peers not seen for a year. But now so much communication is instantaneous in real time. Previously one sought after membership in professional societies, and especially recognition by peers within that society. But recent generations tend not to look to organizations of peers as a career-long supportive home base. All these dynamics and more, mean that an organization needs to continually ask its members what it should be and then establish goals that provide what members want and need.
The AOU began its process of introspection more than a year ago and through a participatory process created its first-ever Strategic Plan. The main goals of the Plan are to improve scientific publications, improve annual meetings, strengthen basic and applied ornithological science, increase outreach, maintain a strong and active membership, and improve business management and governance. At its meeting in August, the AOU Council chose specific goals in order to achieve this Plan, outlined in the AOU Action Plan - 2006. The Action Plan lists specific steps the Council intends to take to achieve its overall goals. These two documents will be used to guide a process of gradual change that while maintaining our traditions will help keep AOU relevant and useful to its members.
I invite you to read the Strategic Plan and Action Plan - 2006. If you find you might wish to participate in any of the activities discussed in the Plan, please contact the appropriate officer or committee chairs. Planning and changing is an ongoing process. Goals, objectives, and actions will all be subject to alteration as situations change or as understanding increases. So I invite you to suggest further how the AOU can better serve ornithologists and ornithology. Fast-approaching its 125th birthday, the AOU has been at the forefront, guiding and assisting the development of ornithology and of the many uses of birds in science and conservation. With the continued engagement of its members, it will do so for another century and a quarter.