Protecting the practice of geography for a better world
Advocacy at AAG has two main approaches:
AAG advocates for the fundamental rights of geographers and to ensure that robust funding for research and scholarship is sustained. Academic freedom is a core value of our organization, embodied in our journals and conferences. We also monitor state and federal legislation to ensure our members can teach and research without restriction. Our advocacy on behalf of our members can take the form of statements, work with coalitions, or lobbying for state or federal bills.
AAG connects geographers to significant issues facing society. By ensuring that the expertise of geographers shapes and informs policy, we help make the world a better place. AAG provides its members with training and support as public scholars, participates in advocacy campaigns such as those addressing climate change or redistricting, facilitates it members’ participation on committees and advisory boards, and informs our members of emerging issues in the field.
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ADVOCACY ISSUES
As part of its commitment to advance progress in and out of the field of geography …
… AAG pursues specific policy goals guided by our core Tenets. Learn more, find out how you can take action, and connect with a network of fellow advocates within the issues below.
Academic Freedom and Geography’s Future
Advances in science and society can only be possible when our academic institutions are free of censorship and constraints on teaching and speech on campus. AAG stands for the freedom to teach and learn.
More about the issue
Standing Up for Science
Geographers are part of a vital framework of scientific research and applications to support society. AAG acts to protect science funding for geographical solutions to public health, civic integrity, wilderness protection, and stronger communities.
Read AAG’s letter about the termination of staff at NSF HEGS program
Climate Change
Our rapidly changing global climate is impacting humans and the environment in a multitude of ways. Now is the time for urgent, collective action to combat this crisis. Geographers are uniquely positioned to contribute to our understanding of climate change, the complex spatial dimensions of its causes and effects, and the solutions needed to protect our most vulnerable communities as the world changes around us.
Learn about AAG’s action on climate change
Geography for Inclusion
The AAG has an obligation to illuminate the importance of geography to our elected officials as they work toward comprehensive and systemic change. Our nation’s history with race is intertwined with geography at every chapter, and public policy that aims to advance equality and rectify deep-seated injustice must take into account geospatial history and context.
AAG JEDI Committee: Recommitting to Our Core Values
Elevate the Discipline
This program provides training opportunities and resources to help geographers connect their work to public and policy arenas, thus demonstrating the relevance and essential nature of the discipline and advance the careers of geographers.
More about the program
Tenets
The AAG policy principles
Our advocacy initiatives are guided by five key policy principles:
Academic freedom and scientific discourse are essential components to a just and well-functioning society. Access to information and opportunity must remain open and accessible to all.
To ensure fair resources and a high quality of life for growing populations, mapping by governments and communities must be done in transparent and inclusive ways. Expert professional geographers help make sure that mapping is equitable and just.
The AAG will advocate for any geographer facing direct infringement of their fundamental human rights. Geographers are central to understanding and mitigating the effects of the global climate crisis, and fixing related injustices.
The AAG seeks to sustain geographers from the beginning of education through retirement by bolstering institutions, advocating for funding, supporting programs, and utilizing assessments.
The AAG has a duty to ensure that all geographers have equal access to resources, training, meetings and professional opportunities. Vigilant support for these principles is essential throughout the discipline.