An overwhelming support to recruit a staff working on the conservation issue was resulted in the discussion on HKBWS future plan in the AGM. I observed that those responded positively to the idea are exclusively savvy birdwatcher having witnessed the degrading birding habitat in last decade, if not decades. For this I have no objection. However, may I raise an advice that more attention should be drawn onto the welfare of the majority member.
The direction of the Society’s development is mainly dependant on the managing party’s decision. More focus on conservation issue would skew the society to “Green Group” approach.
However, one of the commonest thought/aim for new members to join the society is to “learn” or “try” birdwatching. I have been asked many many times by new members through what way can they explore more to the birdwatching activities. Sadly, I think what the Society provide cannot meet the member’s need.
We know the member number is increasing, but we don’t know the turnover rate. We don’t know how many new members withdrawn renewal after finding HKBWS cannot provide what they expect.
We seldom hear their voice because new member seldom pop up to speak out. They seldom leave message on this forum. And we seldom have opportunity to contact the new member (unless you guide the bird watching class). Where they come from? Why they join the Society? Fail to understand their need is fail to sustain the member pool.
One suggestion was made on the AGM to conduct a questionnaire among the members. I strongly agree, in order to have a better understanding of the expectation of the members.
Managing board’s decision may not be necessarily concordant to member’s view. But at least it should understand more the community of the members, on which the Society is based, at least financially.
Holding more members is empowering the Society more influential, which is equally important when the Society want to fight for something.
[ Last edited by gary at 2/10/2009 22:09 ]
