[Dirtmail] Fw: NSS INFO May 6, 2010 w attachment

Tue May 11 05:20:56 CDT 2010

All,
If it the attachment doesn't make the list, email me and I'll send it to 
you.

The following information from the NSS includes a survey for members, the 
recently approved Mission and Vision statements, and a request for grotto 
discussion regarding the future of the NSS.

At the end is the latest on WNS policy. And a call from Bill Steele, Chair, 
NSS Nominating Committee, reminding members to send in their ballots 
electing Board of Governors. DEADLINE: ballot must be postmarked by May 
15th.

Any members with ideas on how to improve the NSS, send them to me and I'll 
add them to the ones from tonight's meeting and send them on.

NSS Members are asked to cut and paste the survey and email it to Dawn Ryan 
(email below).

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Keith D. Wheeland" <kwheeland at verizon.net>

> Hi All IOs,
>
> This is the May 6 edition of the IO INFO. Please share this with the
> members of your IO.

> -------------------------------------------------------------
> >>>>> NSS Mission and Vision Statements now Approved
> ------------------------------------------------------------
>
> As a result of countless hours by the Strategic Planning Committee, and
> with the approval of the BOG, a Vision Statement was approved. It stands
> along with the Mission Statement. For your information here they are.
>
> Mission Statement: The National Speleological Society (NSS) is a
> non-profit membership organization dedicated to the scientific study of
> caves and karst; protecting caves and their natural contents through
> conservation,ownership, stewardship, and public education; and promoting
> responsible cave exploration and fellowship among those interested in
> caves.
>
> Vision Statement: The National Speleological Society is dedicated to the
> understanding and appreciation of caves and karst.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> >>>>> Strategic Planning Committee needs your IO input
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Every successful large organization does planning. The NSS is no
> different. We have already prepared the Mission and Vision Statements.
> Next comes the value statements which are currently being formulated
> with the help of the NSS officers. Since the Strategic Planning
> Committee cannot work without your help, we are soliciting that help in
> two ways.
>
> First: Talk about the future in your IO meetings and send your thoughts
> to the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, RD Millholin
> rdmilhollin at yahoo.com
>
> Second: Send a representative to the Congress of Grottos (COG).
> Strategic Planning will be on the agenda at the COG meeting to be held
> during the NSS Convention.
>
> Here are some suggestions to get you started.
>
> What can the NSS do that is not already being done to help your
> organization?
> What can the NSS do better to help your organization?
> How does the NSS hinder your organization?
>
> What should the NSS do or attempt to do for caves & karst, and caving in
> general - that it is not already doing?
> Are there things that the NSS should not be doing?
>
> ----------------------------------------------
> >>>>> NSS Convention WNS Preparations
> ----------------------------------------------
> Please be advised that you need not bring caving gear to the NSS
> Convention in Vermont even if you intend to go caving. The Convention
> Staff will provide loaner gear. This should allay your fears of
> spreading WNS. Leave the caving gear in Vermont and take a shower after
> caving.
>
> --------------------------------------------
> >>>>> NSS Membership Committee Poll
> --------------------------------------------
> Hello cavers,
> I'm hoping you will help us out at little. The Marketing & Advertising
> Committee (Roger Brucker and Bill Liebman) and the Membership Committee
> are looking for ways to bolster membership in the NSS via a marketing
> poll which is below. We're looking for avenues of membership that we
> haven't tried before. Since most of you are NSS members and support the
> goals of NSS; cave conservation, exploration and study, there are
> probably like-minded folks just like you that might want to support
> those same goals. But where can we find them, is the question?
>
> Please give this to each of your members and tell them to please just
> copy and paste this easy poll into an email and send back to me at their
> earliest convenience. And please let others know about the poll too.
> Thanks so much!
>
> Dawn Ryan
> NSS Membership Committee
> . . . . . .
> 1. What is your age? 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56 and over. (Just
> circle your answer)
>
> 2. Female or Male?_______ __
>
> 3. Income bracket? (Under $15,000) ($16,000 - $25,000) ($26,000-
> $45,000) ($46,000- $75,000) ($76,000 - over) (circle)
>
> 4. Average amount spent annually on cave gear, outdoor gear, camping
> equipment, etc?________ _
>
> 5. Favorite outdoor activity other than caving? __________
>
> 6. Average amount spent monthly on transportation for recreation? ________
>
> 7. What magazine(s) do you read?_______ _________ _________ _________
> _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
>
> 8.Occupation ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________
> _________ _________ _________ _________ ___
>
> 9. Education level- High school graduate, some college, under-graduate,
> college graduate, post-graduate. (Circle answer)
>
> Thanks for your time and answers. And, remember, send your answer to
> Dawn at dwn_ryan41 at yahoo.com <mailto:dwn_ryan41 at yahoo.com>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> >>>>> NSS Membership Ad for your Newsletter
> ---------------------------------------------------
> This from Dawn Ryan of the NSS Membership Committee.
>
> Attached is an ad from the NSS Membership Committee that you can use in
> your next IO newsletter. I wanted to ask the IOs to use these in their
> newsletters to help promote the benefits of being a NSS member. If there
> are any question feel free to contact me at 815-260-3454 or
> membership at caves.org <mailto:membership at caves.org>.
> -------------------------------------------------
> >>>>> NSS WNS Policy Statement
> -------------------------------------------------
> Here is the NSS WNS Policy Statement that was approved at the BOG
> meeting on April 17. Please remember to visit the NSS website for the
> latest on WNS.
>
> The NSS recognizes the serious nature of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) and
> its devastating effect on bat populations in the eastern United States.
> The Society is committed to advancing scientific knowledge of WNS,
> helping to determine its cause, and limiting its impact on cave
> organisms. At the same time, the NSS will promote responsible study,
> management, and access to cave resources based on demonstrated risks and
> the latest available data. The NSS has a responsibility to its current
> members and cavers of tomorrow to do what it can to ensure that any
> restrictions on cave access are based on demonstrated threats, sound
> evidence, and recognition that risks are site- and strategy-specific.
>
> The NSS has been a leader in contributing expertise and considerable
> resources – both financial and human – to WNS investigations, and
> believes it is important to continue to do so. Through its appointed NSS
> WNS Liaison, it is essential that the Society continues to work closely
> with federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, and
> legislators; participate in WNS symposia, conferences, meetings, and
> strategy sessions; and effectively represent the Society and its members
> with these groups and the media. The NSS will strive to influence cave
> use policies and research priorities, and encourage the dissemination of
> scientific information.
>
> The NSS places a priority on educating its members and the public about
> WNS, and encourages members and grottos to be effective, proactive
> partners in this effort. To support this work, the NSS will remain an
> important source of up-to-date WNS information and educational materials.
>
> The Society regards knowledgeable cavers as natural partners in the
> collaboration necessary to address WNS, and the best advocates for the
> conservation of caves and all cave resources, including bats. Therefore,
> the Society believes that protecting the strength, influence, and
> vitality of the NSS and its internal organizations is critical to
> protecting caves and their resources, now and in the future.
> -----------------------------------------------
> >>>>> NSS Director Election Deadline Near
> -----------------------------------------------
>
> This from Bill Steele, Chairman of the NSS Nominating Committee
>
> Please pass encouragement to your grotto members and NSS members in your
> area to vote in the NSS director election. Ballots must be postmarked no
> later than May 15, 2010 to be counted.
> Thank you,
>
> Bill Steele
> NSS Nominating Committee Chairman
> ----------------------------------
>
> Keith
>
> -- 
> Keith D. Wheeland, NSS 2878
> NSS Board Member and Chair of NSS IO Committee
> 2191 Mt. View Ave.
> State College, PA 16801-7214
> 814-238-2057
> kwheeland at psualum.com (Use this forwarding address in your address book)
> IO Website - www.caves.org/committee/i-o/
> Annual Report & Updates- www.nssio.org
>
> 
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