- give
yourself plenty of time; it takes 3 months or more of planning.
- arrange
the ceremony when shorebirds are present for field trips.
- locate
the event on or close to the site, local schools are great for
weekend activities.
- invite
key speakers (community leaders, politicians, etc.) 2 -4 months
in advance.
- coordinate
with established activities such as bird/nature festivals, field
days, etc. Linking together with local events and including arts
and crafts, music, food, raffles, etc. provides a stronger attraction
for broader public participation. Dedication ceremony's have successfully
launched several shorebird festivals at other WHSRN sites which
become popular community events with economic returns as well.
- keep
the formal event with speeches under one hour. A less formal
buffet luncheon or picnic, field tours, workshops, videos, etc.
can follow to allow guests and officials a chance to interact
with each other and to view the shorebirds at the site.
- WHSRN
provides certificates to be presented to each of the land administrators
(usually organizations or agencies) responsible for the Site.
The handling out of Certificates is often a high point of the
ceremony. This also provides a good time to take photographs.
- Often
a short (5 min.) speech is given by one or more (all, if appropriate)
of the land owners who are responsible for land encompassed by
the Site. A WHSRN representative can speak specifically about
shorebirds and how the new Site is important on a hemisperhic
level. This compliments a talk by the local manager or a biologist
who can focus on the site's special aspects. Organizers may want
to suggest topics for the various speakers to keep a consistent
theme. Humorous stories about the site or people involved are
great.
- arrange
for speakers or their representatives to get together before the
event to compare notes on who will say what.
- acknowledge
local people whose work led to the recognition of the area as
a site. In the past, gifts such as paintings, carvings, hats,
or certificates have been given to local volunteers.
- unveiling
of the WHSRN sign (and a new local site sign if available) with
final remarks makes a nice conclusion to the ceremony.
- be
preparted for bad weather and bugs with a "Plan B" location!
MOST
IMPORTANT remember that the purpose of the dedication ceremony is
to create a positive image of the site, recruit community support
and have fun doing it !!!
Good
Luck.
Please contact us if you have any quesitons: WHSRN@Manomet.org |
