January 2012 rings in new Board Members

New Board member Douglas Wingate shares in his own words about why he joined BIRRDsong, his role, goals and plans to help BIRRDsong grow in 2012.

Douglas Wingate

Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

My involvement with BIRRDsong is in the interest of mutual benefit.  On one hand I can contribute information and skills I have gained with classes/programs/etc. that may be beneficial to survivors on their own personal journeys.  By becoming a board member I get the opportunity to work more closely with the community and gather a better sense of particular and special needs of individuals and ways to address them.  This in turn further inspires me to contribute where necessary with my skills and further myself personally and professionally to meet these needs-hoping to ultimately result in greater care, education and growth for everyone involved.

My role on the board is that of Health and LIfe Skills Education Devloper in which 2012 I will focus on establishing a solid set of resources in the region for survivors and family members: creation of a curriculum for two preliminary classes focusing on both brain maintenance and social development.  

Another emphasis will be on the development of the cognitive enhancement program with the goal of obtaining a computer lab with cognitive enhancement and skills training software.  This year will entail evaluation and comparison of available software and the hope of having 2-4 volunteers trailing these developments.  Additional goals may surface as a result of insights come to light through the Needs Survey Program.  

I feel confident that the many changes (board transitioning) occurring  is a positive step for BIRRDsong.  The new board members, have shown that they are willing and dedicated to the brain injury community.  We are stepping onto a firm foundation set by our predecessors and with their continued guidance, this transition will be smooth and the future of BIRRDsong will continue to grow and serve those affected by brain injury in better and better ways. 

Douglas Wingate can be contacted by E-mail at: educationprograms@birrdsong.org.

Founding Board President Marih Alyn-Claire Hands off the Baton

“I’m happy to announce that BIRRDsong has reached an important milestone.   As of February  15th I will  be officially transitioning  BIRRDsong’s  leadership responsibilities  to an interim Board President." - Marih Alyn-Claire

 2012 is promising to be a year of important changes for BIRRDsong. Over the last several months, Marih Alyn-Claire and others in the organization's leadership have been hard at work to ensure that BIRRDsong continues to thrive as it works through a new phase in its growth. As a volunteer with the Web Development Team here at BIRRDsong, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Marih, and I am continually impressed by the tireless dedication she shows to this organization. Despite her busy schedule, Marih was able to sit down with me to discuss her time with BIRRDsong, her feelings about the upcoming transitions, and how she plans to continue serving this great organization.

Lindsay: Why a transition of leadership at this time?

Marih: Both Joan Miller (secretary) and myself are the only remaining 2 of 7 founding BIRRDsong board members. When we drafted our bylaws we knew that there would come a time when it would become imperative that the founding board (especially BI survivors) would need a break from extended service terms and the ongoing  rigors of board service. To best serve our special needs, we set board service term limits. These provisions allow board officers 6 years of continuous service (serving 2 consecutive 3 year terms) and sets 4 year limits for non-officers (serving 2 consecutive 2 year terms.) .  For both Joan and myself, our service terms expired in 2009.

Lindsay: What has your experience been like?

Marih: In 2003 when the founding board began mapping out BIRRDsong’s vision, mission and values, we gave thoughtful planning to what has now evolved into our current programs and services: Peer meetings and Activities, Family Support, Needs Survey, Home to You, Health and Life Skills Education, Peer Buddy, Web, Board and Peer Coordinator leadership training. When we started, we didn't know how long it would take, we just knew in our hearts that we were going to make it happen. Building a innovative peer-led, brain injury recovery service organization from the ground floor is no easy task.  The challenge level increases for people with brain injury.

 

It also took time to demonstrate what people with brain injuries were capable of accomplishing.  I came to this role with minimal board background.  Our team inspired and cultivated peer involvement in BIRRDsong. We helped  change a brain injury culture of passivity in Portland by recruiting, orientating and training new peers and supporting enthusiastic board leaders. The phrase, “We believe in Ourselves” reflects BIRRDsong’s legacy of  supporting the development of people with brain injuries.

With the “can do” team approach  of our board, peers, family and community members and supportive organizations, we have successfully built a thriving organization providing continuous service to the brain injury community since 2004.  BIRRDsong has passed the test of time.

Lindsay: Why did you continue past your 6-year service term?

Marih: I wanted to ensure the continuation and growth of BIRRDsong. This requires having the right people with sufficient BI recovery, time availability, skills and commitment to our constituency and mission.  We are a working board and in 2009 we just didn’t have available people ready to serve in this capacity.

Lindsay: Are there candidates applying for the position?

Marih: Between  October 2011 and January 2012, we added new highly skilled and credentialed  board members to our team.  We had initially nominated a candidate to fill  the board president seat, however, due to life events and changing personal circumstances, they were unable to accept the nomination.

We are currently working to fill the position, and will share all of the details once they are finalized.

Lindsay: Why aren’t you staying on until your vacancy is filled?

Marih: I had hoped we would have my position filled at this time, however things turned out differently. Plain and simple:  I have surpassed my physical  and personal  limits for extending  my board president services. Our theme for 2012 is “Attending to our special needs” and I will be taking time off for myself, taking a much-needed break.

Lindsay: How do you feel about leaving your board post?

Marih: I feel very confident and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life. Serving BIRRDsong as your founding president has been a great honor, in addition to a exciting learning and growth opportunity. Having served in every board position and area of our organization during my 9 years, I  have improved cognitively, gained new skills in  technology, leadership, program development and web building. Serving with this high caliber group having: heart,  strong intellect, high level skills, tenacity, humor and love has kept me motivated and energized.  As many of you know, I love challenge and I wouldn’t have lasted this long if it wasn’t for these wonderful people. BIRRDsong is a great gift to my life.

Lindsay: Going forward, what will be your role at BIRRDsong?

Marih: I will serve as advisor and mentor to the interim president, and as interim Web Coordinator along with you (PSU student and volunteer, Lindsay Yard) and web trainee Had Walmer (Peer Support on the Web). Of course I will be attending support meetings and activities and preparing for my collaborative fall workshop with Doug Wingate.

Lindsay: How do you feel about the new board?

Marih: I feel great joy and appreciation for everyone’s contributions to BIRRDsong. Thank you for making it possible that I can confidently hand the leadership baton off to the next generation of talented and dedicated board officers and members:  Mirye Min ( Treasurer) Cheryl Green (Creative Programs Developer), Doug Wingate ( Health and Life Skills Education), Sharon Richardson (Marketing & Technology Specialist), and Bob Wilson (Web-Tech).

 

I view this as a great achievement for all of us at  BIRRDsong.

 

My thanks to Marih for all of her hard work over the last nine years, and for taking the time to discuss this exciting new chapter in BIRRDsong's development.

- Lindsay Yard, volunteer web developer

If you would like to apply for board membership, click here