NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE HEADER HERE
Looking Ahead
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Maddie German, 2021–22 AEG President
he concept of time is perpetually interesting to me. It lends itself to questions of perception and philosophy while also creating playful thought experiments. These exercises are healthy for your brain, which theoretically may earn us more time in this life while simultaneously providing enjoyment and interesting conversations along our journey. Sometimes we experience that amazing flow state where our present task feels effortless, while at other times, it feels like each passing minute consumes hours (especially on Friday afternoons before a long weekend). Looking back over the past two years, AEG has been in a reactionary state with a short-term focus, as has most of the world. We have been fortunate that our past presidents were able to pivot and work successfully to keep AEG not only solvent but demonstrate continued growth! Right now, we are well-positioned to refocus back on our long-term strategy as folks’ work situations and accessibility to professional organizations stabilize. We are implementing strategies such as building Chapter resources, succession planning for Committee and Chapter leaders, and diversifying our income sources. We continue to maintain our Treasurer’s Reserve to ensure we have at least a year of operating expenses saved to help us weather any storm that time may bring. We are steering our communication strategies internally with current AEG members and primary contacts, as well as, strategically exploring opportunities outside AEG with affiliated societies, the general public, and legislators. I have spent much of this year speaking with the leadership of our twenty-seven Chapters. I will admit the scheduling has been tricky, but I have thoroughly enjoyed every call, no two were the same. I also gained much timely information allowing AEG to I have spent make small adjustments as well much of this year as significant changes based speaking with the on these Chapter conversaleadership of our twentytions. It has been wonderful seven Chapters. I will admit to meet everyone, to experithe scheduling has been ence the enthusiasm for our tricky, but I have thoroughly local AEG Chapters, and to enjoyed every call, spread encouragement up and no two were down the Association ranks. At the same. the time of writing this article, I have a few Chapters left to engage, however, I am hopeful that I will have been able to speak with the last few Chapter holdouts by the time you read these words. It has truly been my pleasure to speak with each Chapter’s leadership, and I am encouraged to meet many of you in person—either at your local Chapter or at one of AEG’s amazing Annual Meetings, perhaps this September in Las Vegas!
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Summer 2022
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I believe AEG has been around, in one form or another, because we are adaptable, growing, and inspiring to other associations. Over the years AEG has been continually tested and survived, and we are now coming into our own. We know who AEG is and what we ultimately want to represent. We are striving to fine-tune our strategy as we grow and adapt as an organization. Obviously, we have no intention to stray from our roots of providing solid technical information, being small, friendly, and accessible to the geoscience community, and fostering Chapters that have the flexibility to run with their local whims—providing the best opportunity to do what works best locally. A career as a professional geologist is an uncommon gift. Please use the time and opportunity provided by your uniqueness to share something meaningful with your general acquaintances. For example, in those conversations where you are asked what you do, spend a moment to educate others on what geology is and why it is important. Or for those whom you know well, provide input on timely geologic issues. The clock moves in one direction, however, our minds are always looking forward and back, helping us make decisions based on past success or failure. Not every attempt concludes how we hope, however, if we are testing properly, we move forward with new information at each effort. I encourage you to put yourself out there. AEG, like every other organization, is always seeking volunteers, if you are interested, we can use your interest, enthusiasm, and time to contribute to our association. Remember there are small things we can do each day that cost nothing, barely even a moment of time, but may dramatically influence the life of another.
Announcing an AEG Special Publication planned for release in Winter 2022:
Urban Landslide Hazard Mapping: A Case Study in Orinda, California, USA Authored by longtime AEG member and contributor Dr. J. David Rogers along with co-authors Dan Wang PhD and Rune Storesund D.Eng
AEG NEWS 65(3)
More details will follow in upcoming issues of AEG News and the AEG Insider.
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