The Delegates' Voice

Newsletter for the House of Delegates of AAPG

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NOVEMBER, 2001

Membership

by Terry Hollrah, Chairman-Elect

On August 17, 2001, AAPG President Robbie Gries and Executive Director Rick Fritz convened a Membership Ad Hoc Committee summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico to discuss retaining current members and recruitment of new members for AAPG.

AAPG's current membership is between 29,000 and 30,000 members. Currently, AAPG is still losing approximately 2000 members per year, but new member enrollment is up from last year. This committee met to consider ideas that will maximize membership development and minimize future declines in enrollment.

Several recruitment ideas have been put in place and others are being considered. Those in place include:

1. Follow-up letters and a "grace period" for reinstatement of dropped members
2. Associate discount for on-site membership at conventions
3. Interim Associate membership during the processing time of Active membership applications
4. Student member applications have been sent to approximately 1500 universities
5. Non-member pre-registrants for international conferences are sent an application form

New ideas include:

1. Members' names who have been dropped and can't be located will be put on the website
2. Interim applicants will be sent the Explorer and Bulletin while their application is processed
3. International group membership in certain countries
4. SEG/SPE membership reciprocity
5. Streamlining membership applications
6. Geologist Enabling Membership program for AAPG members willing to fund qualified potential member's dues

Many ideas for membership retention were discussed. Many have already been implemented. They include:

1. Reduction in publication costs
2. Bulletin offered as a digital option
3. Ordering publications on line
4. Constantly improving the website
5. AAPG's newly implemented Prospect and Property Expo (APPEX)
6. Planning to give the AAPG members all or part of the digital archives
7. On line registration for short courses and conferences

There were many good ideas considered at this meeting by a lot of active and growth-oriented individuals. Personally, other than a member dying, I can't understand why anyone would give up the benefits of being a member of AAPG. New ideas for recruitment and retention are always welcome. Please feel free to voice your opinions.

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.