Why I Give
Chris Atchison, Executive Director, IAGD
“Why are you working so hard for so few students?” This was a common question I was asked when I started promoting the mission of the IAGD in 2008. At that time, I was not sure how to answer, but I just knew it was something that we needed to do. Today, the answer is clear. Where there is no opportunity to engage, participate, and be included, there is no belonging. Where there is no belonging, there is no community.
The epitome of the IAGD Community
Through the IAGD, I see belonging, and an accessible and inclusive community that did not exist before. I see students taking control of and excited about their future, advocating for the inclusion of their strengths and abilities across the sciences, and carving out a community of support for each other while paving the path for those still to come. I see geoscience instructors using a global network of resources to learn how to integrate universal design in their classrooms, laboratories, and field courses to provide accessible and inclusive learning environments for all of their students. I see researchers not just considering opportunities for students with disabilities, but prioritizing inclusion as a broader impact of their work. But most of all, I see a community that is expanding, self-sustaining, and making a positive impact on the culture of the field-focused science disciplines, not just within the geosciences.
Of all the activities the IAGD has focused on since 2008, I am most proud of our annual accessible field trips that are completely free of charge to students, and either free of charge or greatly subsidized for faculty. The IAGD field trips are designed to enable students as experts and faculty to learn from them while teaching geology content in an accessible and inclusive community of learning. To the IAGD, I give my time, my treasure, and my abilities. This community, and the amazing people within it, has given me more than I can ever give back to it. They are Why I Give.
Remember, there is no IAGD membership fee. We work to ensure that cost will never be a barrier to belong to the IAGD community and utilize the network and resources. Everyone on the Executive Committee, including the Director, volunteers their time to manage the organization, activities, and events. All funds raised go directly to support an inclusive and accessible community for students, faculty, and geoscience practitioners. Everything raised makes a significant impact on the future of the geosciences.
Please consider making a year-end or establishing a reoccurring tax-deductible donation today.
Donations to the International Association for Geoscience Diversity can be received through:
The IAGD Paypal Giving Fund, 100% of all donations go directly to the charity: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/119639
Mail:
The International Association for Geoscience Diversity
511E Teachers College
PO Box 210022
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221
Help promote access to the Earth sciences:
www.TheIAGD.org | @AccessibleGEO
