Hi everyone,

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to join us yesterday. We really appreciated everyone’s engagement, all of the questions, and how constructive and patient you all were in giving everyone an opportunity to speak and ask in turn.

For those of you who could not attend, I know a lot of people were hoping for some kind of summary from the session. We talked for two hours, so rather than try to relay everything that was said and shared, we’ve captured some of the big themes and take aways that we want to acknowledge, and discuss further as needed.

(Please keep in mind I’m sharing these themes in this email and not attempting to answer them fully in this email – we’re going to need many, many more conversations)

1. Questions about the SF wild parrots, care, and cost
We agreed in the meeting to set up a dedicated meeting for sharing more on that topic as there seemed to be enough interest that it would be best to dedicate a separate, planned discussion about this topic. If there are specific questions that you have and would like to see covered, please email those to me so we can do our best to come with as many answers as possible. The date for this session isn’t set yet.

2. A lot of interest in our high usage of For The Birds

3. The large amounts that Mickaboo spends on veterinary bills every year in general Our 990s are published on our own website: https://mickaboo.org/financial-statements Over 95% of our expenses are veterinary bills.

4. Mickaboo’s Board of Directors
The community would like to better understand more about when the board meets and what they discuss, and how they can have opportunities to put questions to them (and we agree!)

5. Euthanasia policy and insights
Tammy spoke to this for quite a while in the meeting, and there is interest in better understanding more about how these very difficult decisions are made. Mickaboo does euthanize birds that do not have a quality of life and have no further avenue of treatment available.

6. Insights into strategic plans and priorities for the organization
We were asked for thoughts on the recommendations made by the anonymous party. An online self paced class is still a priority. We have also discussed potentially hiring staff.

7. Concerns about why Vincent and Melaine were released from their duties in Mickaboo
We made it clear at the start of the meeting that we would not be discussing any individuals in the meeting. I’m including this to acknowledge the question was asked, and we know and understand people are feeling uneasy about this.

We’re planning to hold another meeting for anyone in our community to join again on June 1, 6pm – 8pm. As this first meeting went about two hours, we’re expecting (and making time for) another 2 hour block again. If you couldn’t join yesterday, we very much hope you can make this time slot, and I’m sure there will be many more conversations to follow, too.

Thanks to those of you who have since sent us your feedback and thoughts – feedback is very welcome! You can send it to exec.committee(a)mickaboo.com

Sarah.