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Science - Stewardship - Service

To advance geoscience research and discovery, service to society, stewardship of Earth, and the geosciences profession.

AGI Leadership Forum Sept. 28, 2015 VS McConnell

Through its network of international members, the Society is dedicated to the dissemination of scientific information on sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, environmental sciences, marine geology, hydrogeology, and many additional related specialties.

The purpose of the American Geophysical Union is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.

An international association devoted to the advancement of earthquake science. 

List goes on and on….

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Stick to what you do best and fits your mission

Most professionals only join 1 – 3 professional societies in their career

There are dozens of professional societies to choose from – lot’s of specialization, is that what we need as a science?

What does that mean for the geoscience professional organization?

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Started with membership dues and registration to technical meetings ◦ Funds to pay for meeting planning and simple

administration of leadership activities◦ Long recognized the importance of disseminating

scientific findings - not initially profitable Evolved to 4 legged funding model:

◦ Publications, meetings, other mission programs, Foundation

What happens when one leg is cut-off?

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Phased in approach to mitigate funding loss Agreement to be flexible on implementation Understanding by leadership – not business

as usual◦ Reduce programs◦ Increase partnerships ◦ Do things differently – what does that mean?◦ Capitalize assets

Why?◦ If not now when? Expectation of federally funded

research. Right thing to do

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Stick to your real mission – be careful not to revision to fit your business model

Decide where you can make an impact and go for it

Realize you cannot be everything to every geoscientist out there

BE RELEVANT or give it up

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