AAPG's three divisions -- Environmental Geosciences (DEG), Professional Affairs (DPA) and Energy Minerals (EMD) -- have been given a great opportunity by our parent organization with the announcement that 2005-06 is the "Year of the Divisions."
President Pete Rose and Executive Director Rick Fritz started the initiative by announcing that the AAPG Executive Committee, the executive director and the division executive committees will have monthly conference calls to coordinate ideas and projects for the benefit of all.
The inaugural conference call in early July discussed the current position and status of scheduled projects each division is planning to pursue. During the call, Rick announced that the divisions may submit proposals to the AAPG Foundation requesting grants for specific projects. This will be an excellent opportunity for the divisions to fund projects deemed worthy by their respective executive committees.
The second divisions meeting was an all-day workshop in Dallas on Aug. 5, which provided the opportunity for Executive Committee attendees to discuss best practices and ways to "team" on projects to benefit all members of the AAPG.
Thanks to this face-to-face meeting I am sure wonderful new ideas and improved services will be realized and passed on to our respective memberships.
If you have an idea for a Foundation grant proposal for our division I recommend that you contact your Section's DEG Advisory Board member. If you are an international member, please contact one of the At-Large Advisory Board members. The names and contact information for the DEG Advisory Board may be found at: http://deg.aapg.org/officers.cfm.
The DEG has two new ad hoc committees:
- The Geohazards Committee is chaired by Douglas C. Peters.
I know Doug will really appreciate discussing any requests about participating on the Geohazards Committee. This committee will have ample opportunity to review how geohazards affect energy infrastructure around the world.
- The Health and Safety Committee is co-chaired by Kevin M. Bohacs and Stephen R. Oliveri.
Both of these gentlemen co-authored a field health and safety manual that will be published by AAPG and available for purchase later this year. They both look forward to discussing field health and safety points with you, and would appreciate volunteers to assist them on their committee.
The ad hoc Programs Committee and the Continuing Education Committee are in need of leadership.
The former Programs Committee Chair Steve Veal did a tremendous job lining up DEG sessions at the international meetings -- but he had to take office as AAPG vice president!
The Continuing Education Committee provides members with the knowledge necessary to conduct professional activities. This committee is DEG's presence in the development of continuing education, academic curriculum, K-12 and professional development education opportunities, and should coordinate with the AAPG continuing education efforts.
If you are interested in serving the DEG on either of these committees, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
There are other opportunities to volunteer your service to the DEG -- for example, consider the Liaison Committee, chaired by Chris Steincamp.
The Liaison Committee's mission is to maintain contact with federal agencies and Congress as appropriate, to:
- Inform the membership regarding laws, proposals and issues affecting geologists and their ability to provide earth resources to society.
- Inform federal agencies about scientific issues pertaining to laws and regulations.
Individual members conduct liaison with specific societies or working groups and are responsible for coordination and communication with those groups, including joint sponsorships, seminars and technical programs. Other duties include working closely with the DPA's Government Affairs Committee.
Chris looks forward to inquiries from volunteers wishing to assist him on the Liaison Committee.
Now is the time to step up, and volunteer your service to the division of your choice. The "Year of the Divisions" means opportunities abound over the next year.
I hope you will step up, be counted and contribute your valued service to one of your divisions!