RETROSPECTIVE OF GSA ON TO THE FUTURE AND PROSPECTS FOR THE NEXT DECADE

Reflecting back on GSA history, one of the society’s most important initiatives- On to the Future (OTF) - was proposed to coincide with GSA‘s 125^th anniversary in 2013. The initials OTF also signify the year of the One Two Five anniversary. The goal of the diversity committee was to bring marginalized students to their first GSA meeting with welcoming activities to make positive experiences for the next generation. These efforts also provided a way to build membership and help ensure the future of the society. Fortunately, GSA leadership and staff enthusiastically supported this initiative put forth by GSA’s diversity committee.

Principal reasons the OTF was successful is that it:1) created a venue for networking, 2) developed a supportive cohort where students were able to make connections and friendships, some of which have lasted for years, and 3) provided mentorship from professional GSA members, 4) offered more knowledge of opportunities, and 5) helped students plan and explore career pathways. Important measures of success were in OTF participant comments that described the experience as: “empowering”, “incredibly beneficial”, “inspiring”, “comforting”, “insightful for opportunities”, and a “feeling of belonging”. After a decade of OTF being in place with almost 800 participants, and now past OTF participants contributing ideas and leadership in the society, speaks to the successful outcomes. The value of inclusive collaborations and conversations, ultimately eventually lead to better science that encompasses multiple perspectives.

It's clear that the next decade for action must involve continued investment in supporting marginalized communities. Efforts like OTF are relatively low risk, with potential for high reward. An inclusive society will be a stronger, longer lasting society that has better capability to adjust to change. If GSA continues to make the right opportunities available and provide support, marginalized communities will rise to the occasion both individually and collectively to meet or exceed expectations. Furthermore, diverse members will reach out and share their science with audiences that might not otherwise be exposed to such conversations, thereby making Earth Science more impactful across multiple sectors of our society.