Diversity at GSA

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Accountability Update – [25 June 2020]

On 1 June, GSA issued a statement affirming our solidarity with our fellow Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) colleagues and their families in facing injustice. Since then, a lot has happened inside and outside GSA. GSA supports the changes and initiatives we are seeing within the geoscience community, such as the notimeforsilence petition, and we’re actively focusing on improvements within our own organization. GSA Council continues to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) because it is the right thing to do and leads to better science. They will be sharing their ideas and actions. More details and information about DEI in GSA’s Decadal Strategic Plan can be found here. Join GSA and challenge us to build a more diverse, respectful, and inclusive space for all science, and scientists, to thrive. As GSA continues to seek meaningful and robust ways to support DEI initiatives, we encourage our members to take action and offer suggestions at diversity@geosociety.org.

Donald I. Siegel, President
J. Douglas Walker, President-Elect

GSA's Commitment to Diversity

The Geological Society of America (GSA) affirms its belief and commitment to diversity and will continue to develop its diverse base. GSA is dedicated to maintaining an organizational climate where differing ideas, abilities, backgrounds, and needs are fostered with opportunities for members from divergent experiences to participate and contribute. GSA recognizes that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making and leadership. Therefore, GSA strongly encourages the participation in any GSA activity of all its members regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, creed, religion, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, education, class, political affiliation, or parental status, and will undertake reasonable efforts to ensure that its activities are open to all.

Read GSA's official position statement on Diversity in the Geosciences Community.

Diversity Initiatives

Ways members can take individual action to promote positive change:

1. Join GSA

Learn more about GSA’s actions to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the geosciences
Let us know how we can strengthen the professional culture so you can succeed. Email your suggestions to diversity@geosociety.org
Renew your membership so that you can vote in spring elections to choose your leaders

2. Get Involved

Contribute blogs to Speaking of Geoscience or suggest or host webinars on topics related to racial equity. Contact diversity@geosociety.org
Propose a session, short course, panel discussion, or suggest a speaker on diversity, inclusion, and equity topics for Annual or Section Meetings
Learn more about the Student Advisory Council (SAC) and get involved
Self-nominate or nominate others to serve on a GSA committee to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion

3. Be an Advocate

Educate yourself on racial equity topics and learn how to be an ally (resource compiled by the Geochronology Division Diversity Coordinator)
Read GSA's Diversity in the Geosciences Community and Removing Barriers to Career Progression for Women in the Geosciences Position Statements for a list of recommendations for members to advocate for diversity at the local level.