Shaping the HGS Community through Volunteering
How I Got Involved with HGS
Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey, and I want to share a bit of my story in the hope of encouraging more of you to get involved. My first experience with HGS was at the 2011 AAPG ACE Conference, where I helped out at the HGS booth for just a few hours. Over time, those few hours grew into many, and I found myself volunteering at multiple events, even managing the booth myself at the GSA Conference in Phoenix, supporting membership drives and connecting with attendees.
Through these experiences, I began to see the incredible value volunteers bring to our society. I eventually joined the HGS Board as Secretary in 2021-2022, which gave me deeper insight into how the society operates, and from my transition from Editor-Elect to Editor, I’ve learned even more and continue to do so.
Why Volunteers Matter
What has become abundantly clear is that volunteers are the backbone of the HGS. Without their time, energy, and commitment, events like the Sheriff Lecture and many other programs simply wouldn’t happen. In fact, the November 19th General Lunch was dedicated entirely to volunteering, a reminder of how important it is that we’ve created a session just to celebrate and encourage volunteerism.
Over the past few years, every editor letter has touched on the subject of volunteering in their Editor’s Letter. This is not a cliché or an attempt to sound like a broken record, it is simply a reality: the HGS depends on volunteers.
This issue of the bulletin is dedicated entirely to that spirit. You won’t find a single technical article here; instead, we feature articles from the students who won awards at the Sheriff Lecture and write-ups of the many events that have taken place over the past month. All of these activities are organized and run by volunteers reaching out to the Houston geoscience community.
Many Ways to Contribute
Volunteering comes in many forms. Attending events, submitting material to the Bulletin, or even sharing, commenting on, or liking our social media posts are all ways to contribute. These actions require only a little of your time and energy, yet they make a meaningful impact by promoting the society and helping us reach more members.
Even though I often see familiar faces at these events (and I love saying Hi to all my friends!), it would be wonderful to see more new participants, especially students, -many of whom, like me, started their careers through these connections- and professionals from industry, who bring fresh perspectives and help carry the vision of our evolving field.
A Call to Action
Volunteering has taught me invaluable skills: effective communication, attentive listening, better editing, thinking beyond myself, managing time, and understanding what resonates with people. It has been feedback not just for my professional life, but for my personal growth as well. Giving your time isn’t just about helping others: it’s also about learning and creating a strong foundation for future contributors.
I encourage everyone reading this to consider volunteering in some capacity. Whether it’s a few hours with the HGS booth, helping organize an event, or serving on a committee, your contribution matters.
In this Issue of the Bulletin
● All About the 27th Sheriff Lecture
I am delighted to highlight the 27th Sheriff Lecture, featuring the award-winning student abstracts.
● HGS at GEMS, Golf & Minerals: Made Possible by Volunteers
Our volunteers helped make GEMS 2025 a memorable experience for Girl Scouts exploring STEM, had a fun and successful Annual Golf Tournament, and contributed with the Gems & Minerals Show. Read on for highlights from each event and see how our members continue to engage with the community!
● Geo-Picks: Texas Roadside Geology Book Review (Part 2)
December is probably the busiest time of the year — with the holidays, pricey planes, and crowds everywhere… Why not hit the road instead? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our second book review from Rasoul Sorkhabi continues the journey of “Texas Rocks!” with its second part, “Texas Roadside Geology.”