It might come as a surprise, but it is true: Many AAPG members – both new and longstanding – are not fully aware of the role, significance and potential of our House of Delegates.

I’m talking about its impact for our profession, our Association and, perhaps most importantly, in our personal lives.

I have been an AAPG member for years, but today I speak candidly and personally about the dynamics that impact all of us today. Right now.

And I speak passionately, because we have entered an era that demands, from each of us, our focus and urgency if we are to continue as the premier professional geoscience association.

Simply stated, this article is an invitation to understand, to engage with and to respond to the needs of AAPG. It’s a refresher course for some of you, but it’s brand-new information for many.

Remember, whatever your age or level of experience, there is a place for you in AAPG – and as you’ll read below, the House of Delegates is the front door.

(We call it the “HoD” for short, but there’s nothing small about the impact that delegates have on the direction and potential of all AAPG members – nor about the career impacts it can have on those who are delegates.)

First, a few facts:

  • AAPG’s governance structure is similar to that of a democratic government – at the executive level, elected officers manage day-to-day operations and strategies.
  • The HoD is AAPG’s legislative branch – the place where every member’s voice, through their elected representative, has a seat at the table.
  • The HoD is absolutely not a ceremonial body, but a deliberative assembly.
  • The HoD has the authority to consider and pass resolutions, to propose amendments to the Association’s bylaws, to establish technical divisions, and to guide critical policy decisions.
  • Bylaw changes – affecting membership eligibility, for example, or dues structures – must first pass through and be approved by the HoD.

In other words, because of the HoD, every single AAPG member has a legitimate pathway to influence the Association. The mechanism is representation, and representation begins with engagement.

Who Are the Delegates?

The HoD comprises representatives drawn from AAPG’s affiliated societies and international regions throughout the world.

Importantly, delegates serve as a two-way bridge between AAPG and its members. It’s all about communication.

In one direction, delegates carry concerns, priorities and perspectives of local members to AAPG’s governing bodies as well as an international audience. In the other direction, delegates carry information from AAPG leadership and headquarters out to affiliated societies and regions.

After an HoD annual meeting, AAPG leadership knows what’s on your mind. Conversely, local groups know about strategic plans, program updates, financial direction, and policy changes.

That’s all because of the delegates.

Delegates are elected by popular vote from within their respective society or region, and they serve three-year terms. Typically, one delegate is chosen for every 70 members, which is why some of the larger groups have more delegates than others.

A delegate commits to:

  • Represent the interests and concerns of their fellow members at annual HoD meetings
  • Stay informed on AAPG’s constitution, bylaws and ongoing programs
  • Communicate AAPG information to their local groups
  • Assist in recruiting qualified geoscientists as prospective AAPG members
  • Serve as a liaison for membership applications, certifications and society programs

Delegates also are a critical conduit for AAPG membership growth. Part of the HoD mandate is to actively identify and recruit qualified geoscientists for AAPG membership – a critical function in these challenging times.

(Hint: If your society’s leadership seems disconnected from national AAPG activities, strengthening your relationship with your delegate is the fastest way to close the gap. Really!)

This is representative democracy in action – and it means that a geologist in Bogotá, Cairo or Brisbane has the same structural access to influence AAPG as one in Dallas or Denver.

But representation only works when constituents are engaged.

Know Your Delegate!

If you’re an AAPG member, please realize: You have a delegate.

Of course, knowing that is only the first step toward engagement. The real value comes when you contact your delegate to ask questions, or to provide some input – to share what’s on your mind.

You might want to ask your delegate:

  • What new programs or initiatives is AAPG developing that affect my region or specialty? Or me, personally?
  • How does AAPG’s current financial strategy affect membership services and dues?
  • What changes to the bylaws are currently being considered – and how will that affect me?
  • How can I get more involved in AAPG activities, interest groups or committees?
  • What can AAPG do better to serve early-career members, students and international members?

Remember, the HoD cannot operate in silence – delegates who have a clear picture of members’ needs, articulated through real conversations, are far more effective advocates.

Finally – It’s Personal

One of the most undervalued aspects of AAPG membership is what sustained involvement does for your professional development.

Active engagement in the HoD builds transferable leadership skills that translate directly into personal growth and, potentially, career advancement.

I speak from experience. My participation in the HoD as a Latin American representative and the membership chair were transformational experiences – roles that enabled me to gain a broader perspective of the industry, independent of my employer.

As a delegate or as a participant in leadership committees, I was able to:

  • Expand my professional network and connect with the best in industry
  • Discuss and debate AAPG’s strategic direction, which eventually led to the creation of what is today the AAPG Regions
  • Learn – from experts – about strategic planning, consensus-building and institutional government
  • Experience project management and team leadership – skills that helped me far beyond the HoD.
  • Learn how to confidently communicate and influence others

Remember, engagement in the HoD is good for the Association, and good for you, too. It’s an investment in the future of geosciences, and an investment in yourself as a leader in your profession.