Position Statement FAQs

What is a Position Statement?

The GSA develops Position Statements on select issues of direct relevance to the geosciences community and/or for which thoughtful geologic input is important to informed debate and decision making. In addition to an articulation of the Society's perspective on the issue being addressed, the statement includes background on and an analysis of the issue, the rationale for the GSA position, and, an implementation plan with suggestions for action by the Society's members. Some Position Statements have associated White Papers that provide an expanded discussion of various aspects of the issues addressed by the Position Statement.

Why does the GSA develop Position Statements?

Position Statements are developed, in support of and consistent with the GSA's Vision and Mission, to develop consensus on significant professional, technical, and societal issues of relevance to the geosciences community. Position Statements, developed and adopted through a well defined process, provide the basis for statements made on behalf of the GSA before government bodies and agencies and communicated to the media and the general public.

What is the relationship between Position Statements and the GSA's Vision, Mission, and Goals and Objectives?

Position Statements, along with posted Critical Issues and White Papers, are vehicles through which specific elements Society's Vision and Mission can be applied. For example, the Vision states that the GSA will support "the application of geoscience knowledge and insight to human needs, aspirations, and stewardship of the Earth." Similarly, the Mission Statement calls for the GSA to promote" the geosciences in the service of humankind," which is also one of the Society's six stated Goals. That Goal states that the GSA will "actively foster dialogue with the public and decision-makers on relevant geoscience issues by developing and advertising GSA position statements on issues of importance to the Society." Therefore, Position Statements are one tool that the Society uses to put its Vision, Mission, and Goals and Objectives into action.

How are Position Statements developed and approved?

GSA position statements are proposed, developed, and reviewed in three distinct phases.

Flow chart of the Position Statement process.

Position statement proposal.
1. The need for a particular position statement is recommended to the Geology and Public Policy Committee (GPPC). The position statement recommendation can originate from a GSA member, a GSA division, a GPPC member, a GSA Council member or Officer.
2. If the GPPC finds merit in the recommendation, then two GPPC members are tasked with writing the position statement proposal to be submitted to GSA Council for their consideration. Accompanying the draft position statement proposal, GPPC should transmit to GSA Council: (i) the action requested of Council; (ii) a list of potential ad hoc panel members for drafting the position statement; and (iii) a list of the individuals who identified the need for the position statement. The proposal is submitted to GPPC for review and comment.
3. If the GPPC approves the position statement proposal as revised, it is transmitted to GSA Council for consideration.
Position statement development.
1. If GSA Council approves the development of the position statement, an ad hoc panel is appointed to develop a draft position statement. The draft position statement is posted on the GSA web site, announced in GSA Connection and published in GSA Today for comment.
2. The ad hoc panel considers all comments and revises the draft statement accordingly.
3. The ad hoc panel presents the revised draft statement to GPPC for review and comment.
4. If GPPC approves of the draft as revised, GPPC transmits the draft to GSA Council for review and comment. Alternatively, GPPC may collect member commentary and appoint an internal ad hoc panel to revise the draft text for clarity prior to submitting it to Council.
5. If Council approves of the draft, the draft position statement is finalized and published on the GSA web site and in GSA Today.
Position statement review.
1. Prior to the expiration of the position statement, GPPC will appoint an ad hoc committee to recommend revisions, if any, to the position statement.
2. At the discretion of the GPPC, a GPPC member may be designated to make minor revisions to position statements.
3. Council considers GPPC recommendations regarding the disposition of the position statement.

How can I recommend and assist in the development of a Position Statement?

Any member of GSA can request development of a Position Statement by submitting a proposal to the GPPC, as outlined above. The individuals originating the request are generally part of, and often chair the panel appointed to develop the draft Statement. Once Council has approved development of a new Position Statement, announcements posted on the Society's website and published in GSA Today invite the input and participation of GSA members.

How are Position Statements used?

Position Statements are used in various ways by the GSA, as an organization, and by individual members. At a fundamental level, each Position Statement is intended to inform and stimulate engagement by members of GSA. Many of the issues about which Position Statements are developed have relevance to and are debated at many levels of society and government. It is not uncommon for the GSA to submit information, including relevant Position Statements, to Congressional committees and government panels to assist in the deliberations of such groups. Similarly, individual GSA members sometimes use Position Statements when testifying before local or state-level government bodies. When an individual member of GSA uses a Position Statement in association with other information, including statements of individual opinion, it is important to distinguish clearly between a position taken by the GSA and positions taken by other organizations or by individuals.

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