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BUILDING THE STRENGTH OF SCB CHAPTERS

As the number, strength, and influence of SCB chapters continues to increase, a global network is emerging, offering an amazing opportunity to increase SCB's reach and strengthen its voice for science-based approaches to conserving biodiversity worldwide. As the incoming Chapter Representative on the Board of Governors, I want to take a moment to introduce myself, offer a few comments on where we stand today, and solicit your ideas as we move toward strengthening links among chapters, with SCB's Regional Sections, and with our Executive Office. When I joined the board after the 2005 annual meeting, we had 22 active chapters, with several more beginning to organize. We now have 25 or 26, including new chapters in Argentina and China, and chapters are organizing in new locales as I write. It is an exciting time, full of potential. But it is important to recognize that while chapters can accomplish a great deal, they can be fragile. Each new effort is a start-up enterprise, dependent on the energy and enthusiasm of a few visionaries. These volunteer-based efforts can fade with time if not nurtured, as evidenced by 15-20 inactive chapters that need help and revitalization. It is my hope that over the coming year we can link all the chapters more directly, with each other and with the Sections and Executive Office, to build a stronger network for communication and coordinated efforts.

The time is right to consider how we might better link and support our local chapters. In 2005 the Board of Governors developed a new Strategic Plan; in 2006, we are beginning to implement the plan. By helping to develop an appropriate role for chapters, and a strong network anchored by the Executive Office, the Plan can move us toward a more integrated approach, with a stable institutional base for chapter members and activities. An integrated approach will allow chapters to draw on the most current scientific understanding and to build on the collective experience and wisdom of SCB members. It also will allow the chapters to play an appropriate role in SCB governance, adding diverse voices and perspectives on key scientific and SCB issues.

Part of this effort will involve bringing chapter members into our global society so we can grow and sustain this broad network of conservation scientists. Another part will require a simple and easy means of organizing chapter communications, perhaps using Web conferencing and other emerging low-cost or no-cost technologies. Most vital, however, is a clear vision of how a tighter global community of conservation scientists can advance our efforts so that they lead to real conservation achievements rather than becoming mired in procedural and organizational details. This is where I really can use your input. SCB chapters comprise a world of experience, and I would like to hear your thoughts and ideas about how we can most effectively incorporate chapters into the greater SCB envisioned in the Strategic Plan (available on the SCB web site). I will be representing chapters on the Board of Governors for three years and I hope that during that time, we can make significant progress toward strengthening communications and coordination to create a more powerful, global network for conservation biology.

Tom Sisk, Thomas.Sisk@nau.edu

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