COS Breaking News!

Read below for the latest COS updates!

Summer Conservation Fundraiser

COS is finalizing a venue for the return of the annual summer fundraiser, to be held in August. The event will raise funds for COS conservation programs and will be open to COS members and the public. Stay tuned and be ready to save the date!

New Committee Chairs

COS is happy to announce Jake Vinsel as the organization’s new Fundraising Committee Chair and Morgan Harpster as the new Membership Committee Chair. Thanks to Jake and Morgan for their commitment to making COS run smoothly and effectively. If you would like to join our fundraising or membership committee, please email us at chicagobirder@gmail.com.

New Membership Platform

COS is transitioning to the Join It membership management platform. Join It will provide COS with a more streamlined way to manage memberships, and it will allow members a simple way to begin and renew membership. Members will receive an email notifying them how to log in to Join It. 

New Board Member

The Board recently voted to approve Morgan Harpster as the newest COS Board Member. Morgan has been working behind the scenes to make our migration to the Join It platform and has been a big help on the Membership and Communications and Technology teams. Morgan is always willing to jump in and lend a hand, and her interest in helping COS improve as an organization, as well as her love of birds, makes her a great addition to COS leadership. Congratulations, Morgan!

Douglas Anderson Grant

The grant committee has reviewed proposals for the Douglas Anderson Grant and is close to reaching a decision on the award. We look forward to announcing the recipient and seeing how the fruits of their labor engage Chicago youth and help make the city a better place for birds! 

DEIA Task Group Created

To ensure COS is a welcoming organization for all members of the Chicago birding community, COS has established a DEIA task group. This group will survey all COS operations and programs to improve the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of our organization and the broader Chicago community. Board members Stephanie Beilke, Robyn Detterline, Nathan Goldberg, Edward Warden, and Christine Williamson have volunteered to serve on this task group.

New Website

COS is in the process of building a new website and seeks referrals for a web designer. Referrals can be sent to chicagobirder@gmail.com.