The importance of Dec. 31 and The 1,000

As 2016 comes to an end, TWS members have undoubtedly noticed the many improvements the Society has implemented this year. New membership benefits and programs, a successful conference, and a few new additions to the TWS Partner program have made this a banner year for all of us, and we hope that you are more proud of your Society than ever before.

The improvements come as a result of the loyalty and support of our members, including the 311 individuals who are leading by example as members of The 1,000. TWS is grateful for their support and hopeful that their generosity will continue in 2017 to further advance the value and experience of TWS membership.

Kevin Hurley, senior conservation director for the Wild Sheep Foundation in Bozeman, Montana, is one of The 1,000’s top contributors over the past three years. He is a TWS Life Member, Fellow and Certified Wildlife Biologist. His connection with TWS runs deep, and he feels it is important to give back to the Society that has meant so much to him over the years.

“I’ve been a TWS member for 38 of the 41 years I’ve been a wildlife biologist,” he said. “Being a ‘wildlifer’ has brought me so many benefits, experiences, friends, colleagues, and memories over the past four decades. I’m pleased and proud to support TWS, and I hope other wildlife professionals step up to support our organization, recognizing what TWS has helped them accomplish.”

We’ve worked hard this year to clear up misconceptions about The 1,000 — such as emphasizing the minimum contribution is just $100. But if you’re still wondering what this amazing group does for our Society, take a look at the list of highlights from 2016 that either would not have been possible or that would likely have been delayed without their funding support.

• Free membership in the Student Development Working Group for 2,000+ student wildlifers!
• Free membership in the Early Career Development Working Group for 800+ new professionals!
• Free access to TWS scientific journals for all members beginning Jan. 1, 2017
• Support for the Women of Wildlife activities at the Annual Conference
• Travel funds for staff to attend more Section and Chapter Annual Meetings, creating stronger communication and engagement between headquarters and members
• Production of TWS Talks, which shares two presentations weekly from our most recent conference through the eWildlifer at no additional cost to our members.
• And much more!

The 1,000’s annual campaign to support TWS Strategic Plan initiatives began July 1, 2016, and runs through June 30, 2017. As we approach the end of December, we are nearing the halfway point and are lagging behind pace to reach our goal of $75,000. At our current level of giving and participation, we will fall short by a little more than $15,000. Should that happen, we’ll likely need to reduce support of some initiatives heading into our next budget year. But you can help by making a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more before Dec. 31. If 1,000 members make a donation of at least $100 this year, we will exceed the goal by $25,000 rather than falling short.

Can we count on your leadership this year? With your help, we can keep the momentum going to ensure that TWS is recognized as THE leader in wildlife science, management and conservation.