[mou] Vice-president resigns, part three

[Jim Williams]

This is part three of an explanation of the resignation of MOU
vice-president Jim Williams.

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There are two accomplishments in recent years for which individuals, for
their presentation of the ideas, and the board, for its acceptance of the
ideas, deserve high praise.  Mark Alt, Tom Bell, and Robert Holtz,
particularly Mr. Holtz, in creation and management of the Youth Mentorship
Program, have given the MOU the most significant program in its history. The
volunteers making this effort reality deserve praise as well. If you support
any effort of the MOU, support this one.

The recent institution of a field-trip program also is a wonderful boon to
MOU members. Mike Hendrickson deserves credit for creating an attractive and
interesting schedule of trips. The popularity of these trips speaks to the
value of this effort. I hope it continues for years.

Anthony Smith is as good a treasurer as the MOU could wish for. He makes
significant contributions to the organization. And President Jerry Bonkoski
has shown a willingness to work toward improved direction and coordination
of MOU activities. He speaks of efforts to focus our various elements toward
accomplishment of the goals implied in our mission statement. I wish him
much success.

I have had much fun during the past 11 years. Please understand that my
terms of office were not all problems and frustrations. Your support of my
efforts as editor of the MOU newsletter will always be remembered and
appreciated. I took much pleasure from that assignment; I thank you all for
the opportunity. 

This letter undoubtedly will disturb and anger some people. What I hope,
though, is that it helps motivate others to work for the change I believe
necessary if the organization is to have a meaningful future. The MOU can be
a very positive force for birds and birders and bird conservation if it
wishes to be so. But it must accept change if that is to happen. I respect
the organization and its history. I also want it to have a future.

If you take pleasure from birds you are honor bound to give them something
in return. Shame on any of us who ignore the ever-increasing need for
conservation action. To quote a friend: Birders -- all of us -- need to show
up, speak up, and put up.

Jim Williams
Wayzata