GEO Advisory Committee Members' Roles and Responsibilities

As mentioned in the final GEO Steering Committee meeting, the role of the Steering Committee is changing as GEO approaches launch date. All Steering Committee members, as well as others in the community are encouraged to consider becoming a member of the Advisory Committee. This memo outlines the roles and responsibilities of committee members:

The main purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide continuing expert advice to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of GEO on the direction of GEO to ensure the Organization considers the diverse perspectives of the membership on all major events and decisions. Subcommittees of the Advisory Committee will focus on such tasks as planning for the annual conference, supporting local chapters, web site development, survey development and educational support.

All Advisory Committee members will be required to participate in the activities of at least one sub committee. One or more members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director or his/her representative will serve as a representative of the Board on each sub committees. Advisory Committee members will be required to commit one year to the Advisory Committee and must commit to attending at least 75% of their sub committee meetings, either in person or by phone. Individuals who do not participate in sub committee meetings will be asked to resign from the Advisory Committee.

This list is a current list of sub committees. This list can change as the needs of GEO changes. If you would like to participate on the Advisory Committee, please select at least one sub committee you would like to participate on and indicate if you would be willing to serve as committee chairperson.

• Annual Conference Planning: Assist in the planning of the annual conference. May include site selection, speaker and topic selection and other related activities.
• Liaison to other organizations: Meet with related organizations and ensure an excellent working relationship between GEO and appropriate other organizations. This includes ensuring that web links are coordinated between organizations and discounts are provided where appropriate.
• The GEO Journal: Provide guidance on articles for submission to the GEO Journal and work with the Editor to review articles. Acquire rights to reprint articles from other publications.
• Chapter Support: Provide guidance to existing chapters and assist in the development of local programs. Review request for funding from existing chapters and review chapter procedures.
• Marketing: Assist in marketing the organization including web site development, relationships with other professional organizations, and public relations efforts. This also includes providing the non-GEO events web page with industry events.
• Member Education: Provide GEO with information about educational opportunities, as well as serve as liaisons between GEO and academia.
• Research and Grants: Review grant proposals for original research from GEO members and determine funding based on the research budget each year. Review the results and ensure that GEO members benefit from the research.
• Fundraising: When necessary, assist in the fundraising efforts of GEO.
• Chapter Development: Locate and identify new chapters and help them develop into a GEO chapter.
• Book review: Suggest books to be featured on the GEO web site and books to be available to members at the Annual Conferences
• Advertising: Review the advertising policy from time to time and ensure that pricing remains competitive.

If you have any questions regarding the Advisory Committee or would like to become an active member please contact GEO Central.