Principles
Our chapter abides by the principles of the Feminist Bird Club parent organization and the American Bird Association's "Code of Birding Ethics." All participants and members of leadership are expected to uphold and promote these principles while engaging with the Feminist Bird Club Twin Cities Metro.
Feminism
Our feminism must focus on addressing intersectional struggles. Our work centers the experiences of, and fights for the rights of, people who identify as Indigenous, trans, non-binary, queer, women, disabled, Black, brown, neurodiverse, or any combination thereof, and for the equity of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We will work against perpetuating white feminism, and any extension of misogyny.
To not only respect women and believe in their enumerable, inalienable rights, but to actively celebrate and uplift them
Conservation
Our fight for conservation depends on our members and leadership to actively treat all flora and fauna encountered at events and in our communities with respect. To protect and preserve the birds we love, we must support the conservation of birds and their natural habitats. This includes keeping a respectful distance from birds and other wildlife, staying on designated trails, and being mindful of our individual impact on the environment around us. Caution is especially encouraged around nesting sites, roosts, display sites, and feeding sites. Limit the use of recording and other audio methods of attracting birds and use restraint when birding, photographing, or approaching birds in their natural habitats.
During our events and daily lives, we endeavor to protect birds and wildlife. We encourage and celebrate the preservation of natural habitat these animals depend on
Social & Environmental Justice
We recognize that environmental justice is intimately connected with the feminist and anti-racist movements. Our members must respect that these international struggles are central to our fight to address the current climate crisis and recognize that the global south and nations struggling with colonial trauma will bear the brunt of severe weather on our planet. Additionally, everyone at our events must be considerate of all peoples during our time together. This includes rejecting any racist, sexist, ableist, classist, homophobic, sizeist, or xenophobic behaviors, "jokes", or beliefs they may encounter.
All Are Welcome Here
While at our events, and even in your personal life, we expect and encourage all members and leadership to be exemplary ethical role models through leading by example. We must respect the interests, rights, and skill levels of our fellow birders and humans. Share your knowledge, and be especially welcoming to beginning birders, or those who may be new to seeking outdoor experiences. Approach instances of perceived unethical birding behavior with sensitivity and empathy first; try to resolve the matter positively. Keep in mind that perspectives and experiences may vary. Above all, welcome everyone, so we can grow a kind community of friends, leaders, and environmental stewards in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Birds are the spark but our community is the flame
The FBC’s members, participants, and event leaders are responsible for upholding the terms of this Code of Conduct, and reporting violations if they encounter them. If you witness a Code of Conduct violation from a member, event participant, or leader, or if you have concerns about past behavior of a member, event participant, or leader, please send an email to your chapter leadership at fbctwincitiesmetro@gmail.com with the name of the individual, a description of the behavior, and evidence, if you are able. All emails will be treated as confidential. If your concern regards the behavior of your chapter’s leadership, please email the overall FBC leadership’s email here. If you feel more comfortable reporting the violation only to a trusted individual (rather than the whole leadership team), please say so in the email and we can work with you to create a safe space to voice your concern.