Umpqua Bird Alliance
Why are we proposing a name change?
After much consideration and discussion, the board feels that potentially changing our name to Umpqua Bird Alliance better reflects and clarifies our mission. This also aligns us with other chapters in Oregon and across the country who have changed their name in the past 2 years using the inclusion of “Bird Alliance.” We recognize the strength that comes from diversity in both our natural systems and human communities.
We understand that some people may question the elimination of the word “Audubon” from our name. We have been reassessing how the Audubon name relates to our identity of inclusiveness and a clear understanding of our purpose. Board members (and others) have encountered many situations whether it is at a local event such as Blocktoberfest or a popular birding site such as Fords Pond, etc. where residents do not associate the Audubon name with birds or conservation. Especially noted is that while the Audubon name may remain meaningful to older people it is often not recognized by younger people who may otherwise be active participants if they were aware that an organization dedicated to birding and related conservation existed locally.
What is the history of the Audubon name?
The Audubon societies were created nearly 50 years after John James Audubon’s death. The National Audubon Society chose the Audubon name in 1905 because of his notable and beautiful paintings showing the diversity of birds and his contributions to the early conservation movements in the U.S.
In more recent times, there has been a spreading awareness of J. J. Audubon’s life. While we acknowledge the positive aspects Audubon is known for, his racist actions also present a negative picture. Audubon is known to have owned, purchased and sold slaves as well as to write about his racist views. He was known to rob the burial sites of Indigenous people for studies that promoted racial inferiority. The National Audubon Society states on their website that “He was (also) an enslaver, whose racism and harmful attitudes toward Black and Indigenous people are now well understood.”
Although slavery was practiced widely during Audubon’s lifetime, especially in the South, this was an openly denounced practice by many people and religious groups on moral grounds. The abolitionist movement was prominent, especially where he lived in New York.
(https://www.audubon.org/magazine/myth-of-john-james-audubon)
The national organization has retained its name currently; however, the NAS has made a renewed commitment to increase its funding and expansion of diversity and inclusion within the organization. Many local chapters across the country have changed their names or are in the process of changing their names to better reflect their mission. We are not trying to erase history. John James Audubon’s positive historical contributions will continue to be honored.
How did we decide on a name?
The inclusion of the words “Bird Alliance” maintains a connection to the other chapters in Oregon and across the country who have changed their name in the past 2 years.
Including the word “Bird” highlights the central focus of our purpose in the context of the ecosystems and natural environments.
“Alliance” refers to our commitment to working in collaboration with other local and national partners to achieve our mission.
We find it important to retain the “Umpqua” portion of our name to honor the river and valleys that bind our land together. Importantly, we continue to honor the people who came before us.
We want to be readily recognized in our community as a welcoming organization that has birds and birding along with the environment important to all wildlife as our priority.
Are we still part of the Audubon of Oregon Network?
Yes. We are still part of the National Audubon Society. We have no plans to leave the Audubon network.
Which other chapters in the state of Oregon have changed their name?
Name change in the state of Oregon has followed the leadership of the Portland chapter who adopted the name of Bird Alliance in Oregon in 2024.
Other chapters who have changed their name include
East Cascades Bird Alliance (formally East Cascades Audubon Society)
Coast to Cascades Bird Alliance (formally Lane County Audubon Society)
Mid-Willamette Bird Alliance (Formally Audubon Society of Corvallis)
Seven Capes Bird Alliance (formally Lincoln County Audubon)
What are the steps required to change the name?
Since we are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, there are several steps the board will need to complete with the state of Oregon if the new name is adopted. We are proceeding under the direction of the Bird Alliance of Oregon in Portland and with the support of a locally engaged legal consultant to fulfill all necessary requirements.
In addition to all the labor involved in a name change (social media, logo change, etc.) there will be expenses involved. Fortunately, we have received a grant from an anonymous donor that we anticipate will more than cover all the expenses associated with the name change.
- An informational meeting with opportunities for questions and answers will be held on April 21st at 6:00 at “The Roost” (631 Ballf Street in Roseburg).
- The Annual Meeting will be held on May 13th at 5 pm for socializing and 6 pm for the business agenda at Triple Oak Wine Vault (137 NW Locust St., Oakland).
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Questions and comments can be directed to https://umpquaaudubon.org/contact-us/. We will respond as quickly as possible.