HISTORY OF SOW
SOW is entering its 30th year and has a long and rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation, which was started by its two founders, Lee Wei-Wen and Hsu Jen-hsiu. What began as a group of nature lovers in the Minsheng Kenshi Association has evolved over time into SOW an important organization in the promotion of nature conservation.
Initiating
On December 17, 1994, Hsu Jen-hsiu gave a speech to the 18 Kenting about the SOW’s main concept and approach and invited commentators to support society. On November 1, Lee Wei-Wen, representing the initiator, applied to establish an association and was approved as one of the official documents in December.
Preparatory
The SOW association held meetings on January 22, 1994, to publicize nature, environment protection, and organization building. Therefore, the meetings were open to the public and solicited members in April, and the meeting was established on June 24.
Establishment
On June 25, 1995, the first inaugural meeting of the first board of directors and supervisors was held at the Taipei Lion Arts and Culture Center. Multiple important guests were invited to attend, such as Chen Chao-Ren, Dai Chang- Feng, Huang Chun-Ming to make speeches about the SOW.
After the first meeting, which saw many positive performances, the number of members increased: 125 to 450 on June 20, 450 on June 25, and finally, 550 total members on July 22 in the second meeting.
Organization
The association established permanent offices, created branches, and launched different kinds of environmental education programs and trained interpreters. The first beginner training interpreters were on January 27, 1995. The association also promoted the concept of nature-environment conversation, spreading the SOW’s message.
Now
Through the power of volunteers, SOW protects 85 habitats throughout Taiwan, organizes more than 5,000 environmental education activities, and influences more than 120,000 people. Since its establishment, SOW has accumulated the enthusiasm, goodwill, and willingness of many people, who have joined together to make selfless contributions to the protection of Taiwan’s environment by means of nature education, participation in environmental issues, preservation of natural habitats, community rootedness, and the promotion of volunteer organizations.