mah AU DGB ON BULLE Pin 3 
in the past, it was well known 
it “conservationists talked only 
each other.” We were determined 
break this pattern, and we ex- 
nded our educational program 
th the establishment of “hand- 
t literature.” Now over a half- 
zen topics appear on postcards, 
‘ich are free and can be distribut- 
by our chapters and affiliates to 
urches, schools, libraries, and 
er institutions. We have printed 
yusands of these, and they range 
m the IAS symbol, the “Bob 
rite Quail,” to the famed “Audu- 
n Philosophy.” We have also 
nted thousands of other pieces 
topics ranging from the prob- 
os of pesticides to the preserva- 
n of the Florida Everglades. Mrs. 
e Jens has been active with her 
tribution of the IAS-CBS film 
“Silent Spring.” 
Jur finances have not been neg- 
ted. Our annual dues for active 
mmbers were a mere $2 in 1951, 
d wholly inadequate even in 
se days. Now it is $5 per year 
t our expenses per member run 
$6.36, which makes it extremely 
portant that more members raise 
sir membership status. The pre- 
it life membership dues of a 
re $100 will be raised to $200 on 
nuary 1, 1971. We have now es- 
lished a Sanctuary Fund, to 
se money for the eventual pur- 
ase of land, hopefully in western 
inois. A second membership ap- 
al will go out this September, to 
courage our members to help 
lance our expenses. “It is im- 
ssible to help save the environ- 
mt for a dollar a year.” 
Administrative-wise, we have 
ide several drastic changes. Our 
ard of directors has been in- 
ased from 20 members to 30 
members, and each board member 
is expected to serve on one or more 
committees, under a divisional vice 
president. Directors have been pro- 
vided with a board manual so that 
each one is expected to assume 
some responsibilty for the opera- 
tion of the organization. 
We have been fortunate in hav- 
ing the volunteer services of R. M. 
Barron as press secretary for sev- 
eral years. This genial gentleman, 
with his regular news items to 
radio, TV and press, has helped 
change the image of the Illinois 
Audubon Society, and to make it 
known throughout the state. We 
have been issue-conscious and edu- 
cation-conscious. Now, no knowl- 
edgeable person ever looks upon 
the Illinois Audubon Society as “a 
mere group of bird-watchers.”’ 
Even our new letterhead proclaims 
the fact that we were “established 
in 1897, and are organized for the 
protection of wild birds and the 
preservation of the natural environ- 
ment.” 
Our office in Downers Grove, 
operated by Mrs. Alpha Peterson, 
has been open only since 1968, but 
is the focal point of our operations. 
More volunteers could help make 
it even more effective. It has al- 
ready doubled in size, and redeco- 
rated. From this office, we send out 
a dozen mailings a year, distribute 
free literature, and sell books and 
leaflets and supplies. Here our ex- 
ecutive committee meets to make 
vital decisions. My own den at 
home contains two desks and two 
typewriters to handle the commu- 
nications and massive work needed 
to run this organization. 
Now my task of almost twenty 
years is finished. I have accom- 
plished almost all of what I had set 
