One of the great ways you can support the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society as a member is to join one or more of our dynamic committees. Below is a description of each committee, what they do and when they usually meet. For more information on joining a committee, please contact us at scvas@scvas.org.
Development Committee
The Development Committee (DevCom) focuses on fundraising for the Chapter. We seek to increase donations for SCVAS and pursue appropriate grant opportunities. Our most recent project proposal was unanimously approved for funding by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority and will support the creation of our Oak Savanna Citizen Science Project. It will enable us to conduct a variety of educational activities in the North Coyote Valley Conservation Area. One of our latest fundraising efforts included the formation of a new Birdathon Benefactor Challenge Grant for which we reached out to a pool of existing and potential donors. We are also making additional fundraising efforts by bringing internationally known authors and experts to enhance our Speaker Series. The Committee is always looking to add members with creative fundraising ideas and a desire to help us succeed in our goals.
The committee generally meets the first Wednesday of the month at 1pm, virtually.
Education Committee
The education committee works to support and design environmental education programs for our entire Santa Clara Valley community. This committee seeks to expand access to environmental education and nature to all students within our county. We are currently working on adapting our programming to the reality of virtual learning.
Meets the third Wednesday of the month, 2:00PM, via virtual conference.
Environmental Action Committee
Monitor the actions of businesses and governments that affect wildlife and advocate for best practices to preserve and protect avian species and their habitats.
Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00pm.
Field Trip Committee
The field trip committee creates, schedules and publishes a variety of free local field trips to appeal to members and non-members of all birding levels, ages, and physical abilities; advises staff regarding field trip policies; and develops the self-guided field trips.
Meets the third Thursday of the month at 12:00 pm or 4:00 pm via Zoom
Outreach Committee
The SCVAS Outreach Committee works to increase the visibility and reach of the organization; promote events; and develop new opportunities to share SCVAS with both current and prospective members. This Committee manages the SCVAS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts and advises the staff on promotion and visibility. The Committee is currently focused on reaching out to demographics not yet well represented in our membership; on building partnerships with community organizations in order to broaden our service across Santa Clara Valley; and on increasing representation and inclusiveness in SCVAS programs, field trips, website, and more. Recently, we have partnered with the Field Trip Committee to produce new videos on birding-related topics and virtual field trips which better showcase our birder community and birding opportunities across the Valley.
The committee meets at 4:00 pm on the second Tuesday of the month via videoconference.
Birdathon Committee
Every spring dozens of birding teams participate in a “walkathon” style event that raises money to support SCVAS’s Education and Environmental Advocacy programs. The committee plans and oversees the fundraiser by soliciting prizes from local businesses, organizing the kickoff and awards events, supporting the Birdathon trip leaders, posting trip reports on our website and judging the winners of the various competitions.
Meets the third Friday of the month at 2:00pm from November through July.
Last Update: 3/8/2021