What are the plans for the future? Are we ever going to meet in person again?
Yes! We plan to meet in person once again as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic allows. We have a lot of elderly and at-risk members and do not plan to meet in person until the situation is better. We are hoping to transition back to dinners. We may have a transitional stage where we host an in-person mixer without food before a group meeting, where people can still mask. We would continue to use Zoom in order for those uncomfortable with group settings to still participate.
Where and when are the monthly meetings?
For the time being, at least through the beginning of 2022, the monthly meetings are on Zoom only.
Are the talks primarily about Northwest Geology?
Talks vary from the very local (Seattle Geology) to outer space (Landslides on Mars), however, there is a focus on Northwest Geology overall.
How can I sign up to get the newsletter?
Sign up for our mailing list via the website. Go to https://nwgs.org/membership/
Newsletters are provided monthly to your email address once you sign up. All are welcome to join!
How much email can I expect from the mailing list?
There is a monthly mailing about two weeks before each speaker that includes the monthly newsletter. Another email reminder is sent the week of the speaker. Field trip announcements or other information related to the organization will also be sent. Occasional notices that we think are of interest to our audience may also be sent, but these rarely exceed 6 mails per year.
Why should I become a member?
Members have access to our archive of publications, recorded Zoom programs (2021-2022), field trip sign-ups, and discounted dinner reservations. We encouraged those interested in keeping current with regional geoscience issues, and socializing with professionals, teachers, students, and others who have an interest in this field to become members.
How can I join?
Please go to our membership page: https://nwgs.org/membership/
There you can create an account on the website. If you want to become a paid member, once you have created your account and verified your email address (via an email link sent to you after registration) you will be able to select a member level and pay on the website. If you want to pay via check, that is an option. Please see the directions on the membership signup once you have created your account for where to send your check.
Is there a discount for students?
Yes, student membership is steeply discounted at $10/yr. Additionally, student dinners are subsidized to encourage students to attend our meetings.
Are there discounts for seniors?
No, there are no discounts for seniors.
What types of payment do you accept?
Payment for dinner and field trips is done via credit card on our website. This is the easiest way for us to receive payment and track those who have paid. If you do not want to pay with a credit card online, you may still pay by check, but any result of that payment may be delayed. For field trips, checks should go directly to the field trip coordinator. Other payments can be sent to our box.
Make any checks out to “NWGS” and include a memo about the purpose for payment.
Mail to:
Northwest Geological Society
4616 25th Avenue NE #397
Seattle, WA 98105
What is Stripe.com?
We use the internet company, Stripe.com, to process online credit card payments. This service integrates easily to our website and does not require a user to go to an external website to finalize payments. Similar to PayPay, they charge a small commission on each transaction. At this time it is 2.9% plus $0.30.
Explain the recurring payment option for membership.
If you opt-in to recurring payments, the card you provide will be charged annually for membership. In order to change or stop your payments, you can sign into your member account on the NWGS website. You will receive an email before your credit card is charged and an invoice after the payment is complete.
What about Refunds?
Please contact our treasurer at [email protected] to discuss any problems with payments.
When and where are your field trips?
There are typically two to three field trips a year- one occurs in the fall and one in the spring. The fall trip is typically a day trip, while the spring trip is an overnight. Every other year there is also a summer field trip to exotic locations, such as Hawaii, the Dolomites, Iceland, Scotland, and the Grand Canyon.
Do you sponsor Symposiums?
Yes, the NWGS has organized and sponsored a variety of symposiums, the last was in 2018 on Geology Hazards. Symposiums are typically occur once every 5 years.
Are there scholarships available?
We do not have the financial resources to sponsor academic scholarships.
What is the term for the Board Members?
Board members are elected to serve 3 year terms, with a new president and president elect changing each year.
Where and how often does the Board meet?
The board meets 4-9 times per year during the our October to May season. Typically the board meets immediately before our Monthly meetings. Currently we are meeting via Zoom.
Who can attend Board meetings?
Board meetings are open to all members, and are a matter of public record. Please email the president if you would like to attend.
Do you provide expenses or honoraria for speakers?
We reimburse travel and lodging expenses and may provide honoraria upon request but not typically.