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