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Policy Committee Update

The 2000 SCB membership poll showed a firm desire for SCB to become more engaged in domestic and international policy activities. With recent changes in the U.S. Congress and the federal administration, and the planned opening of an SCB Executive Office in Washington, D.C., these activities have become even more important. Recent events around the globe, such as the disappointing results of last year's international climate talks, have also heightened the urgency for a clear, strategic approach to policy on the part of SCB.

To address this need, SCB's policy committee has weighed the poll results, along with current and potential policy activities of SCB, and initiated development of a policy strategy. The committee met in early November for discussions that will lead to a draft strategy for presentation to the Board of Governors.

Member involvement is critical to development of an SCB policy strategy. To address this need in part, the committee will host a workshop at the 2001 annual meeting in Hilo. Open to everyone, this workshop will allow members to learn about the work of the committee, hear the issues and proposed strategies SCB is contemplating, and provide input and discussion. The workshop is scheduled for Monday 30 July from 12:00 noon to 1:30 P.M. in the University Theatre. Please check the meeting website for final location information. The draft Policy Strategy also will be posted on SCB's website after March, so that members who cannot attend the workshop can provide their comments and ideas. After the Board of Governors examines the policy strategy, an update also will be posted on the web.

Until SCB develops an executive office and a formal policy function-an objective the Board is diligently pursuing-its ability to play an active, ongoing organizational role in policy issues unfortunately is limited. In the meantime, the committee welcomes any and all suggestions about issues and strategies for SCB in both international and domestic conservation policy. Contribute feedback through the webmaster of SCB's website (http://conbio.rice.edu/scb/) or by contacting Policy Committee Chair Michael O'Connell at moconnell@tnc.org.

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