Adding Resources Provides Multiplication of Results
By 2014 Advisory Board Representatives
In an effort to engage the sections of AIPG, Vice President Brent Huntsman tasked the four advisory board represen- tatives with an assignment; to become section liaisons. Over the course of 2014, the four advisors, Christine Lilek, CPG (WI), Todd McFarland, CPG (TN), Keri Nutter, CPG (AK), and David Pyles, CPG (IN/IL) began conversations with sections in an effort to open the lines of communication and better understand how National can serve them.
In our discussions with the section leaders, the four advisory board repre- sentatives became familiar with each Section’s typical activities, achieve- ments, struggles, and general ongoings. Several sections are quite active and host regular meetings, provide newsletter or email updates to the memberships, sponsor student chapters at the local universities, and engage in educating the public or supporting local scientific political policies.
However, it also quickly became apparent that many of our Sections struggle with people, time, and monetary resources, and feel that they are not able to sponsor events and activities with their limited resources. Many Sections have only one or two incredibly dedi- cated people who are holding the Section together and find it difficult to engage the membership for a variety of reasons, be it geography, interest, or time. The normal tendency would be to hold on to the last of their resources and wait for better times. Yet, the opposite action of sharing these remaining resources appears to be creating opportunities for not only the Section, but for those they serve.
If you are a member of a Section strug- gling with limited resources, consider sharing your limited time and resources with another Section, professional orga- nization, university, or business in a joint effort. Some examples of these shared efforts are listed herein, and if you have a new idea and want us to help find you partners, please contact us!
Student Events
Florida has discovered that stu- dents have a lot of energy. They have been visiting more schools, especially universities, to encourage participation in field trips, establishing student chap- ters, and making presentations on items of interest such as international projects, resume and interview strategies, and an overview of careers & networking opportunities.
The Northeast Section has vol- unteered some of their members and monetary resources to help with uni- versity geology short courses and con- tinue to engage over 70 universities with their annual scholarship – the Angelo Tagliocozzo memorial. They will be ask- ing scholarship awardees to present their research at meetings and in the Section newsletter.
Michigan holds their meetings at Michigan Universities to allow increased participation of students and professors.
The Kentucky Section held a net- working event and invited students, consultants, government employees, and academics. This allowed for students to network with practicing geologists to dis- cuss potential career opportunities. The Kentucky Section also hosts an ASBOG review class twice per year for students preparing to take the Fundamentals of Geology Exam.
The Tennessee Section provid- ed lunch for the GeoConclave event that brings together geology programs throughout the state for a weekend of geology themed activities. This resulted in several new student memberships as well as interest in starting new stu- dent chapters. They have also began incorporating student presentations at the spring quarterly meetings to allow graduating students to present senior research.
Colorado section has provided a fantastic number of resources to student members and chapters by providing scholarships, encouragement of student
chapters, and a lot of support from the professional members.
Multi-Section Efforts
Wisconsin and Minnesota Sections recently got together with three other professional groups (Wisconsin Groundwater Association, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration and the American Planning Association – Wisconsin Chapter) to hold a Frac Sand Mining Research Webinar. Approximately 200 participating sites with some sites hosting multiple people participated in the Webinar. Webinar participants have indicted future par- ticipation in similar Section activities in the future.
Florida and Kentucky Sections will be working to develop Geologist – In- Training (GIT) examination study work- shops in 2015 to support the recently emplaced GIT certification in those states.
Inter-Society Joint Efforts
If there is not a sister AIPG section nearby, then consider partnering with another local geological or scientific organization. Some sections, such as Oregon and Arizona have found this to be an effective way to bolster meeting attendance through increased resources and communication avenues. A central meeting location and guest speaker of a shared topic of interest tend to draw the troops, and it makes for a great network- ing opportunity!
Illinois Section and Illinois EPA sponsored a joint vapor seminar for remediation managers.
Social Networking
AIPG National is using LinkedIn and Facebook. Tennessee is also on LinkedIn. To reach the masses, email is a great base, but also consider reaching more folks through social networks to create a section Facebook or LinkedIn
www.aipg.org
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