Hello- As some of you may already know, MickaCoo has come to a crossroads. Even with the incredibly generous support and help of so many dedicated volunteers, I've been serving as a full-time (~55 hours/week), unpaid pigeon & dove rescuer for the past 3.5 years, living off of savings and then an inheritance. I never meant to become a full-time pigeon & dove rescuer but, since it started, I've never been quite able to figure out an exit strategy. There are so many birds that need help and it takes so much time and work to find them homes, that I've felt both blessed and trapped by this effort. In any case, I'm fast approaching the end of my savings and must return to the world of paid work. After a lot of soul searching and wondering and worrying and planning and dreaming, I've decided to pursue a paid position as MickaCoo's director for at least the next year (and will be fund-raising to pay for it). Ideally, at the end of 2012, the organization will be developed enough to be sustainable as all volunteer or under the paid direction of another and I can get a life again. To do this, I need to split MickaCoo from Mickaboo- at least as far as our 501(c)3 status goes. Mickaboo is not set up to be an employer and so I need a nonprofit sponsor that is (and have applied to Community Initiatives to become one of their projects). I will know on 11/16 whether or not we are accepted and, if so, would officially begin the split 12/1. I do hope to continue to work VERY closely with Mickaboo as I believe there are a lot of efficiencies and advantages to be gained from our continuing to work together on behalf of the Bay Area's birds. I hope that my pride in, respect for, love of and gratitude to Mickaboo has always been evident. Just in case, let me say how deeply honored I am to be a part of this INCREDIBLE organization and how grateful I am for all that Mickaboo has done for me, MickaCoo and the pigeons and doves. Right now, one of the biggest questions that I'm facing is the name. Mickaboo leaders have very generously given permission for MickaCoo to continue on with the MickaCoo name and that is a great gift. Mickaboo is the best name in Northern California bird rescue and has opened many doors for us. I have been honored to have it. But there are some considerations that make changing the name something to explore. I've created a survey about name possibilities and would really, really appreciate it if you would complete it. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2G9RQFM I want this transition to be as transparent and smooth as possible for all involved. If you have any questions, ideas, concerns or just random thoughts, I'd welcome them. And I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the Holiday Party on 12/3 (RSVP here now)http://confluence.mickaboo.org/display/MBPublic/Mickaboo+Holiday+Party+2011 ! Elizabeth *MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue - Join us at https://www.facebook.com/MickaCooRescue* Until they all have homes, don't buy, don't breed- adopt. www.RescueReport.org www.MickaCoo.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjyooh3Yo0