A Message of Hope and Action

By Risha RaQuelle, Chief Strategy Officer
In these times of rapid change, connection and community matter more than ever. AAG stands firm in our commitment to support and uplift our members, providing access to our member networks—networks necessary to navigate an evolving landscape. Through strategic planning, member-led initiatives, and resource development, we are building a future that reflects the resilience, creativity, and strength of geographers everywhere.
Together, we will sustain a thriving community where members can connect, contribute, and succeed—driven by the power of collective care and hope.
Charting a Bold New Course
AAG is actively preparing in collaboration with Council a new 10-year strategic plan and two staff-led 5-year operational plans to align organizational goals with the evolving needs of our members. These plans build on the strengths of our past while advancing a sustainable and forward-thinking agenda.
Members will play an essential role in shaping the 10-year plan. We invite all members to participate in upcoming listening sessions at the Annual Meeting. Your voice and perspectives will be key to ensuring that this plan reflects the collective needs and aspirations of our community
Our vision for growth
Forecasted last year, through our Request for Research Partnerships initiative, our vision for growth will continue to center member-driven grant partnerships to provide essential resources for meaningful work and programs. By investing in our members and fostering new networks of support, we are laying a foundation that sustains innovation and community engagement for years to come.
AAG’s renewed focus on connectivity is embodied in Communities@AAG, a newly aligned organizational framework designed to enhance collaboration and resource-sharing across Specialty Groups, Affinity Groups, Communities of Practice, and Regional Divisions. This approach elevates community-driven programming and resource development through strategic grant seeking and member engagement.
Communities@AAG: Enhancing Connectivity and Collaboration
Communities@AAG represents a strategic organizational realignment that fosters networks of care, empowering geographers at every stage of their careers to connect, belong, and thrive. It is evolving into an all-hands approach by AAG staff, led by two key roles for AAG staff members dedicated to advancing this mission:
- Community Impact Coordinator: (Eddie McInerney) Strengthens collaboration among member groups, including the 75 specialty and affinity groups, to foster equitable practices, share resources, and enhance member engagement. Eddie also monitors engagement opportunities around issues of importance to AAG members, in keeping with our Policy Principles.
- Manager for Career Programs and Disciplinary Research (Mark Revell): Oversees professional development and research initiatives that align with AAG’s strategic goals, including expanding professional development offerings at the annual meeting, delivering comprehensive educational programming year-round, and enhancing AAG’s learning resources and disciplinary information to support students, professionals, and departments through essential services such as the Healthy Departments Initiative, Jobs Board and Guide to Geography Programs.
Building on Past Achievements
As we chart this new course, we are also reflecting on past efforts to ensure continuous improvement. In recent years, AAG has been developing leadership cohorts, improving our operations, piloting new programming formats, and refining community engagement strategies to be ready to support our members.
By partnering with members on efforts like Healthy Departments, the annual Geography Faculty Development Alliance workshops for both early career support and leadership development, and projects such as the Convening of Care and GAIA, we are creating sustainable pathways for innovative programming, professional development, and research. This approach ensures that our work is driven by and responsive to the needs of our membership.
We look forward to hearing from you. Join us at the listening sessions during the Annual Meeting and reach out to our Communities@AAG team to connect and get involved!
The AAG Culture of Care column is an outreach initiative by the AAG JEDI Committee. Don’t forget to sign up for JEDI Office Hours. The current theme of Office Hours is An Ethos of Care in the Research Enterprise.