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Process Overview

Input Gathering Compiling
In May 2019, GSA Council approved the Decadal Strategic After surveying members, nonmember geoscientists,
Plan, a satisfying result of months of effort. This process donors, and many other important demographics, a
began in August 2017 with gathering thoughts, desires, strategic planning team, together with an outside facilitator,
creative ideas, and other valuable input from members— compiled and consolidated this input. The consensus was
young and old, student and emeritus, industry and that GSA did not need to update its mission or vision.
academic, government and independent, managers, deans, Instead, five strategic aspirations emerged:
associated societies, donors, and staff. The goal was for
GSA to be proactive and intentional about our future.

Advance Scientific Discovery, Rigor, and Integrity

Support Early Career Professionals and Students

Host Premier Conferences and Meetings

Influence Geoscience Policy and Link Geoscience to Society

Provide a Sense of Community and Venues for Networking

Task Forces required to implement the program planning and proposed
A larger planning team composed of more than 60 GSA allocation of GSA’s internal capital and capacity to fund
members, plus many staffers from headquarters, was new initiatives and/or modify programs or to recommend
then engaged and divided into Program, Finance, and suspension of programs or initiatives.
Development Task Forces. Each task force was charged
with sorting through the ideas to modify and enhance The Development Task Force evaluated existing
existing, or develop new, GSA activities and set priorities. fundraising capacity and translated the plan into a
prospectus for future investment and support.
The Program Task Force looked at current programs
and future initiatives through the lens of the five GSA After Council approved the plan in May 2019, GSA
aspirations, resulting in 77 new or revised initiatives that staff began developing tactical plans to turn these
they prioritized. aspirational and strategic goals into operational realities—
reorganizing within headquarters as needed and engaging
The Program Task Force results were reviewed by the feasibility consultants where required. GSA leadership has
Finance Task Force. This group identified the resources committed to participate in outreach, ad hoc committees,
and review panels to reach its goals.

GSA will…

“increase
emphasis on
interdisciplinary
and cross-
disciplinary
topics.”

26 GSA Today | October 2019
4 GSA 2019–2029 Strategic Plan