by Dave Magpiong   

Focus on Diversity 2013; McAllen, TX.

Last month's Focus on Diversity  (FOD) conference in McAllen, Texas, was a grand success.  

As with the prior two FOD events in Philadelphia, PA and Bloomington, MN, the focus was "changing the face of American birding."  We had a dynamic and dedicated group of presenters and participants come together to discuss grappling the issue of diversity in bird appreciation, bird education, and conservation. The participants brainstormed some effective strategies that could increase participation among communities of diversity.

Not surprisingly, the most important part of the conference was the creation of individual action plans to directly tackle this issue. This year, the participants generated over 30  key plans aimed at engaging new audiences in birding and nature activities. Not only can these exciting goals promote bird conservation, they can also serve as models which others can use in their own areas.

Visit the website to view the conference summary report along with a selection of action plan descriptions and a video recap.

With 2014 very quickly bearing down on us, you are invited to borrow an idea from these action plans as you create a bird education resolution for the New Year!