Statement of Candidacy, A. Peter Cannon

Think Globally, Act Locally

The National Audubon Society (NAS) has, over most of its history, done a very good job of thinking globally.  It has not always done a good job of acting locally. Acting locally requires strong, committed, active local chapters. Commitment is not an issue for local chapters.  But chapters need the resources to be strong and their activity needs to be aimed at goals, not simply to sustenance.  NAS has frequently acknowledged the importance of its local chapters.  It has just as frequently paid only lip service to that importance.  To continue to make progress toward better relations between chapters and the national board requires continued advocacy by chapter leaders and the representatives that chapters elect to the National Audubon Society Board. I will supply a strong voice for chapters.

I have been active in the Madison (WI) Audubon Society (MAS) since 1988. I have served in a variety of board positions: as program chair for the past six years.   With 2,400 members, MAS is the largest National Audubon Society chapter in Wisconsin. Founded in 1936 as the Madison Bird Club, MAS became an Audubon chapter in 1949. We manage over 1,000 acres of restored prairie and wetlands.  I have also frequently attended Wisconsin Audubon Council meetings over the past three years.  I understand the opportunities open to chapters and the problems they face.

In addition to conservation and education, chapters will have to focus more than ever on advocacy in the near future.  Our national government is headed by a president who is, at best, indifferent to the environment.  At the national level, Audubon will be on the defensive for at least the next four years.  Our victories are going to be local.  These victories can best be achieved through the combined efforts of NAS and local chapters.

NAS can help achieve local victories by providing expert knowledge and by facilitating exchange of information on successful strategies.  I am not convinced that NAS understands that strong, active chapters are the key to convincing state and local government officials to make sound environmental decisions.  I would bring to the NAS board a depth of knowledge of state and local politics that I think is unmatched by any other current member of the national board.  I recently retired after 26 years as a nonpartisan employee of the Wisconsin Legislature.  In my career I worked extensively with local government officials.  I understand state and local government: what can be accomplished and what the difficulties are.  The National Audubon Board needs that kind of expertise. 

I will ensure that the chapters of the Great Lakes Region have a strong and active voice on the national board.  I will work to ensure that the National Audubon Society Board recognizes the importance of chapters to our shared goals.  My personal goal is for NAS to do all that it can do to make every chapter stronger and more successful than it is today.

A. Peter Cannon, Jr.
Madison, WI 53703
Peter.cannon@charter.net