1. 1 Science - Stewardship - Service To advance geoscience research and discovery, service to society, stewardship of Earth, and the geosciences profession. AGI Leadership ForumSept. 28, 2015 VS McConnell

2.  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…. 2

3.  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? 3

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5.  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? 5

6.  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 6

7.  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 7