New Name, Same Mission
Black-crowned Night Heron. PC: Diana Robinson/CC.
After a rigorous assessment, New York City Audubon’s Board of Directors voted in March 2023 to change the organization’s name, dropping “Audubon.” We then embarked on a collaborative and robust process to develop a new name that represents what we do, embodies our organizational values, and is inclusive and welcoming to all New Yorkers.
After a multi-year process, we are proud to be in the final stage of this exciting and historic moment for our organization. On June 5, 2024, our members will vote to ratify our proposed new name:
New York City Bird Alliance, Inc.
You can read more about our name change process in our Naming Report for Members (coming soon), and through the links below.
WHY NYC BIRD ALLIANCE
Several Audubon chapters across the country have chosen the name “Bird Alliance.” Input from more than 1,000 people helped us understand that Bird Alliance is also the best name for NYC and our organization.
CAST YOUR BALLOT
Active, direct members of NYC Audubon may participate in the organization’s annual election, voting to ratify our new name and elect board directors and officers.
Not a member? Join our flock to vote.
THE DECISION TO DROP "AUDUBON"
Changing our name was not a decision we took lightly, given our successful legacy of 45 years with the name. Learn more about the robust assessment process and the decision by the organization’s Board of Directors in March 2023 to drop “Audubon.”
THE PROCESS: CHOOSING A NEW NAME
Throughout 2023, we collected nearly 250 name suggestions via communications with members, partners, stakeholders, and our larger following and community. Our Name Change Task Force then heard input from more than 1,000 people on our top name choices. Learn more about our process below.
AUDUBON NETWORK
NYC Audubon is part of a national network of 400 local, independent chapters affiliated with the National Audubon Society. Many chapters around the country have undergone similar processes as NYC Audubon to assess the Audubon name. We remain a chapter of National Audubon and a partner to organizations across the Flyways.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an accomplished artist and naturalist who achieved fame for his paintings of North American bird species; however, his views and actions are antithetical to our mission to protect birds and to engage all New Yorkers as stewards of urban biodiversity.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Voices from our community of members, volunteers, and partners offer their feedback, thoughts, and perspectives on the name change in our newsletter.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY
New York City Audubon believes all people have the right to a close connection to the natural world and the right to a healthy environment. Our name change is just one way we center EDIA in our work to protect birds and engage New Yorkers.
NAME CHANGE FAQS
Here are some answers to questions about our name change that might be on your mind.
