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̽����ѡ’s first-ever kicks off October 1 and runs through October 2, 2021.

The two days will be on topics like climate change, hemispheric conservation, and equity and inclusion, interactive sessions and games, keynote addresses, and virtual field trips to Colombia, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. . And when you , you will get full access to the recordings of all of the sessions after they're finished, in case your schedule won't allow you to attend the entire convention.

“The 2021 ̽����ѡ Virtual Convention is a gathering of grassroots advocates, conservationists, chapter leaders, student leaders, scientists, and community builders from around the country,” says Heather Starck, vice president of grassroots capacity. “There will be a fantastic mix of trainings, courageous conversations, and fun, and I’m especially excited about the opportunity participants will have this year to have discussions with our new Acting CEO Elizabeth Gray and Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Jamaal Nelson as we shape the future together.”

The first day, discussions will focus specifically on conservation topics like the Migratory Bird Initiative, hemispheric conservation with the ̽����ѡ Americas program, and advocacy around climate change. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator , the first Black man and second person of color to serve as head of that agency will deliver Friday’s keynote address.

On the second day after a panel discussion with grassroots leaders around ̽����ѡ, including those from the ̽����ѡ on Campus program, Jamaal Nelson, ̽����ѡ’s chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer will lead a discussion around race and conservation. , chair of the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality will deliver Saturday’s keynote address.

When asked about the convention, Nelson stressed that this virtual convention comes at a critical time in ̽����ѡ’s development as an organization and that participants have an important role to play in that development. “Come ready to engage in some meaningful work,” says Nelson, “as we build an ̽����ѡ as diverse and inclusive as the bird kingdom itself.”

for the 2021 ̽����ѡ Convention to join us on October 1 and 2 and get full access to the recordings of all of the sessions afterwards!