Message from the Chairman
Welcome to the first European Region Newsletter. We hope that you will find it useful and will comment upon it. Initially we intend to produce one quarterly.
The council is looking for representatives in each of the countries in the region who would like to help stimulate activity within that country or area. In some countries like Norway, Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Ukraine we have been very fortunate to have an individual, but elsewhere we have yet to identify these key individuals. Via this newsletter may I solicit volunteers, PLEASE? No previous experience necessary!
The initial objective is to organize a meeting per quarter or per month to discuss topics of choice relevant to your country or area. Some ideas will come from the Distinguished Lecture and the Visiting Geologists Programmes, but we still would like to here directly from you about your ideas.
In addition, I would like to see us all try to double the number of active members in the Region over the next two years.
The second important goal is to engage young people at their respective Universities. The Student Chapter programme is one which AAPG is quite keen on. See Mike Mlynek’s comments outlining the benefits of Student Chapters and the best route to achieve one at your nearest University under the Student Section.
At the annual Convention in Houston last month the Region embraced the whole of Russia and we are now committed to grow there. Anyone with ideas about how we might link with our Russian colleagues is welcome.
Remember to vote for the resolution to amend the Constitution to increase the numbers of Vice Presidents on the Executive Committee from 1 to 2, giving one to the Regions and another the Sections.
Very soon we shall be having an election for Treasurer/secretary on the Council, and membership of the House of Delegates. See the House of Delegate Section for more information.
Within a short time I hope that we shall have an “office” for our region; the first outside of North America and it may serve as a model for other regions. Initially it will probably be virtual, but eventually a physical office may be present in London.
Do put in your diaries our next conference to be held in Athens, Greece, in October 2007, and of course APPEX London will be held in March 2007. Perhaps you might persuade your country to attend and take a booth there.
Do feel free to drop me a note on any issue affecting the Region. I would be interested in hearing from you at Email jrvbrooks@supanet.com.
Best Wishes
John Brooks