Help Flocks take flights for ornithologists!

We all need a space to feel we belong and where we are supported. This is what Flocks aim to do for ornithologists. For the past two years, three professional ornithological societies have been working in concert to develop affinity groups—or “Flocks”— to create spaces for ornithologists to gather with those with similar experiences and backgrounds, and to share resources, network, and provide support for each other.

Guiding this effort are lessons learned from the first and only affinity group for ornithologists and insights gained through a survey of ornithological society members. From our interviews with the existing affinity group members, we were struck by the role the group played in strengthening a sense of belonging within ornithology and among members of ornithological societies. One member expressed the value this way: “It felt like I had a place to go, that I wasn’t going to be alone.” Our survey, which includes data from 1175 members of the three ornithological societies, shows that there is great interest in affinity groups —with nearly half of the respondents wanting to join one–and more wanting to support them.

Through the hard work of over 40 people for more than two years, the Flocks were preparing to launch in the summer of 2025 at the three ornithological societies’ annual scientific meetings. These plans have been interrupted as federal funding priorities recently shifted with the new administration. Our four-year grant proposal to implement the Flocks project will not be funded as the federal grant program to support inclusivity in science fields was eliminated. Further, our current funds were put in jeopardy with recent executive orders.

We are calling on the membership of professional ornithological societies to champion this effort—especially well-established members who are well-aware of the importance of feeling a sense of belonging and support in ornithology! Your donations will allow us to launch the Flocks this summer as planned, with adequate bridge funding for a Coordinator to support the volunteer Flock leaders and the needed funding to kick off our new Flocks. These funds will also afford us more time to shift our focus to appeals for long-term funding from private foundations or donors to help sustain our Flocks.