For more information about making a gift to AGU, please callVoluntary Contribution Campaign
Hardly a week goes by without some reminder that we live in an age of anxiety and a world in environmental crisis. Tragic floods in Pakistan. Landslides in China. Wildfires near Moscow. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico reminds us of our dependence on oil and the increasing scarcity of natural resources. The Haiti earthquake demonstrates the vulnerability of human society to the natural world.
What is common to these challenges is that science will play a key role in solving them and helping societies move toward a more sustainable style of living. Supporting the next generation of Earth and space scientists and informing debates on how to respond to environmental challenges have never been more important. AGU programs and special initiatives can help us do this. Now is an ideal time to give generously to Science for Humanity, this year's Voluntary Contribution Campaign. Our goal is to raise $825,000—a modest amount, reflecting today's economic realities, but one that still allows us to make a significant impact. Please give generously.
—R. Stephen J. Sparks, Campaign Chair
Read Steve's full message to AGU members.
Strategic Priorities
Scientific Leadership
AGU sections and focus groups are the lifeblood of our Union. Gifts to your section or focus group strengthen the AGU community by supporting section/focus group-specific student mentoring programs, student and early career scientist travel grants, research fellowships, and scholarships.
Science and Society
AGU engages members, shapes policy, and informs society about the excitement of Earth and space science and its role in developing solutions for the sustainability of the planet. Gifts to the Outreach, Capitol Cause, Public Information, or Education funds expand programs to increase understanding of science by policymakers and the public.
Talent Pool
AGU strives to use its position to build the global talent pool in Earth and space science. Students, particularly those from underrepresented groups and from outside the United States, need travel grants to experience their first AGU meeting. Students and young scientists also require support to sustain and reward their passion for the geosciences. Gifts to AGU’s student travel, scholarship, and fellowship funds provide critical financial assistance to students and early career scientists who have demonstrated the potential for high achievement in a career in Earth and space sciences.
Organizational Excellence
Greatest need/unrestricted funds will improve Web-based member networking and provide greater access to information you’ve asked for. These funds also give AGU leaders flexibility to engage in unforeseen opportunities that help advance science and your work.
Science for Humanity: Haiti
AGU member and United Nations scientific adviser Eric Calais (pictured second from right), is conducting a GPS survey of Haiti to measure ground deformation following the 12 January earthquake. His work will help explain how seismic hazards are evolving on several active faults in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and will help Haiti improve its disaster preparedness.