One of the goals for Earth Science Week is to increase local, state, and national recognition of the Earth sciences. In 1997, the Association of American State Geologists passed the resolution below, which designates the second full week of October as Earth Science Week.
If Earth Science Week has not been proclaimed in your state, contact your state geologist to see how you can help encourage your governor to take action and proclaim Earth Science Week.
To get local officials involved in Earth Science Week, inform them of the events you are planning and invite them as honorary guests. Make sure that mayors and other local officials are aware of your Earth Science Week plans.
Before inviting a government official:
- Call their office to find out their availability for that week.
- Send a brief letter informing them of the event you would like them to attend.
- Follow-up with a phone call a few days later, making sure to refer to the letter you sent.
- Send them information about Earth Science Week - such as news releases, proclamations, or material from this guide - so that they are fully informed about the objectives of the event and Earth Science Week.
After the happening, send them any clippings pertaining to the event along with a thank-you letter. Getting government officials involved in this way benefits Earth Science Week and also gives your science center, school, or geoscience organization publicity.
Earth Science Week Resolution:
Whereas geology and the other Earth sciences are fundamental to society, and
Whereas the Earth sciences are integral to finding, developing, and conserving mineral, energy, and water resources needed for society, and
Whereas the Earth sciences provide the basis for preparing for and mitigating natural hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, and coastal erosion, and
Whereas the Earth sciences are crucial to environmental and ecological issues ranging from water and air quality to waste disposal, and
Whereas geological factors of resources, hazards, and environment are vital to land management and land use decisions at local, state, regional, national, international, and global levels, and
Whereas the Earth sciences contribute critical pieces of our understanding of Nature,
Therefore, be it resolved that the second full week of October henceforth be designated as "Earth Science Week."
Adopted by the Association of American State Geologists, June 24, 1997