Insights
By Don Young, Executive Vice President
Resolutions for a New Year
As you page through this first 2006 issue of Ducks Unlimited magazine, waterfowl and football seasons, two of the nation's treasured pastimes, are drawing to a close. By now, most of us have already formulated our New Year's resolutions. The Ducks Unlimited team has also been focused on setting the organization's ambitious agenda for the coming year. Considering the urgent need for our waterfowl and wetlands conservation work, this task is of utmost importance.
The prairie breeding grounds on each side of the border with Canada continue to be our highest priority. This area remains threatened by significant changes in land-use practices and public policy, including potential losses of key programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program.
A second vital resolution for this year is to recruit, retain, and recognize our talented legions of volunteers who provide the leadership and execution of Ducks Unlimited's extraordinary fundraising event program. These “three Rs,” as we call them, represent a laser-like focus of our efforts to sustain and grow our grassroots base of support. Our members are the lifeblood of DU. They provide both the financial resources and political influence to attain the conservation work necessary to protect wetlands and ensure the long-term sustainability of waterfowl populations and the great waterfowling tradition we cherish.
You can look forward to an even higher level of service to DU's remarkable unpaid volunteer workforce—not just this year but in the years ahead. One clear confirmation of this commitment is Ducks Unlimited's National Volunteer Celebration Week, which will be held January 30 through February 4 at various sites throughout the country. For more information on this exciting, fun-filled week, please see page 24F of this issue's “Flyways” section and visit the Ducks Unlimited website (www.ducks.org). These events are a great way to reenergize our current volunteers. Moreover, those of you who are considering becoming a volunteer can be assured that there is no better way to get introduced to the fun, camaraderie, and satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference through your volunteer efforts on behalf of Ducks Unlimited.
We are also committed to even greater market penetration and have plans to launch Ducks Unlimited chapters in more communities across the nation. Indeed, this year's resolutions include the establishment of 250 new Ducks Unlimited fund- and fun-raising chapters. We are always on the lookout for towns and cities to champion Ducks Unlimited's noble cause. If there isn't a Ducks Unlimited committee in your community, contact one of our regional staff members for information on how to start one. Becoming involved is a great way to demonstrate your community leadership and support Ducks Unlimited's conservation work.
2006 should be a great year for Ducks Unlimited members. We are expanding our commitment to all of you to provide a greater array of member benefits as well as an even higher level of service. And for those of you who establish your Ducks Unlimited membership through attendance at one of our more than 4,000 events nationwide, you can look for a selection of new and exclusive merchandise items, sure to tickle your interest.
But that's not all. Not by a long shot. This spring, look for an exciting, newsworthy announcement that will help propel the world of waterfowl conservation to even greater heights. I can't say any more until all the details are finalized, but this will be good news for the ducks.
In the meantime, enjoy the tail end of the current waterfowl season. Whether it involves pursuing ducks on the wintering grounds or hardy Canada geese in more northern settings, try to get into the field with good friends and family or take the time to introduce someone new to this wonderful pursuit.
Here's to a rewarding and fulfilling New Year to all!
For more news and insights from Don Young, and to share your comments with him, visit his blog at www.ducks.org/Don.