The Delegates' Voice

Newsletter for the House of Delegates of AAPG

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NOVEMBER, 2001

AAPG Members Initiate GEM Program

by Brenda K. Cunningham

There are many geoscientists around the world who wish to become AAPG members, but, for many reasons, simply cannot afford the annual dues. A new initiative, the GEM Program (Geoscientists Enabling Membership) is being implemented by several AAPG members for the purpose of identifying current members willing to fund a qualified potential member's dues on an interim basis. A newly formed GEM Clearinghouse will then match these financial sponsors with a fellow geoscientist in need of assistance.

Financial sponsors (GEMS) may, if they desire, stipulate a country, Region, discipline or other criteria for use in pairing their sponsorship with potential candidates. A financial sponsor may also remain anonymous if they so choose. Although a mentoring relationship may be a beneficial side note of the Program, no such obligation is required. Sponsorships may continue on a yearly basis for whatever length of time the sponsor desires. In many cases, a geoscientist may simply need financial sponsorship until their employment situation improves, or their country's economy is vitalized.

I have volunteered to act as the GEM Clearinghouse. I will be responsible for:

• Cataloguing those who wish to sponsor a fellow geoscientist, and all relevant information;
• Receiving direct requests from those desiring sponsorship from within the United States;
• Receiving requests from those desiring sponsorship who reside outside the United States via the appropriate Regional President or AAPG Service Team Lead;
• Coordinating bookkeeping with AAPG Headquarters.

The GEM Program is open to ALL, regardless of whether you give or receive. AAPG members both inside and outside the United States, including President Robbie Gries and past-President Bob Cowdery have been financial sponsors for more than a decade. Rick Fritz, AAPG's Executive Director, recently became involved.

As a clarification, this program does not obligate an AAPG member to professionally sponsor an applicant, nor does it relieve an applicant from providing the appropriate professional sponsors on his/her membership application. The GEM Program involves ONLY financial sponsorship.

I encourage you, if your situation allows, to become a GEM. Please contact me if you wish to financially sponsor a fellow geoscientist, if you are in need of a sponsor and reside in the United States, or if you just have questions or comments. If you desire financial sponsorship and live outside of the United States, please contact your AAPG Regional President or AAPG Service Team Leader. In light of recent world events, efforts such as these are even more important. We are ALL scientists of the Earth. Please join us in our efforts to make the benefits of AAPG membership a reality for as many qualified geoscientists as possible!

Brenda K. Cunningham
(915) 682-3682

In this issue ...

Committee Reports:

> Nomination and Election
> Resolutions
> Constitution and Bylaws
> Deadlines for Business

> AAPG Members Initiate GEM Program
> AAPG Officer Nominations
> Meeting of the EC, AC, and the HoD Officers
> Membership
> GeoVest Retirement Savings Plan
> 16 YEARS AGO: Milestones for AAPG/HOD

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Visit the House Forum for Updates

The House officers and committee chairs will be posting on the House Forum more updates and additional information for the House meeting on March 10, 2002. Be sure to visit Delegate's Forum often, and discuss the issues with fellow delegates and AAPG members before the meeting.