Leadership Letter
James A. Austin, Jr.
Timothy L. Grove
Increasing Challenges, Expanding Horizons
The 21st century has already brought rapid change. Our scientific society and society-at-large face new challenges. They range from opening up access to scientific publications to the potential impact of international terrorism on attendance at scientific meetings around the world.
These challenges and their implications for AGU's mission require strengthening the Union's financial resources. The establishment of a Development Board is the first step on this path.
AGU must have sufficient income for the essential expansion of its core activities in education, public policy, and public information and for improving the depth and diversity of the scientific community. These activities are currently supported primarily through the increasingly problematic surplus of income from meetings and publications. AGU supporters have generously provided more than 10,000 unrestricted donations to AGU annually. However, most of these gifts are modest and the need for AGU to play a global leadership role in advancing our science has never been greater. The simple fact is that more resources are needed to augment AGU's endowment, so that continuing support is guaranteed for critical education and outreach activities. Income from the meetings and publications revenue streams cannot be depended on in these uncertain times.
The Board's primary focus will be to increase AGU's endowment and raise project funds for outreach and other programs in the Union's strategic plan that do not produce sustaining revenue. Board members are leaders in various scientific, academic, corporate, government, and civic communities (see accompanying biographical information). The Board serves as an influential network of informed advocates who are personally committed to maintaining and advancing the financial health of AGU, so that together we can better address the challenges that face the global science community. We will be seeking your counsel, help, and support as we proceed down this new path.
—James A. Austin, Jr.
Development Board Chair
—Timothy L. Grove
AGU President