Petition to Create a New ESA Section for Late Career and Retired Ecologists
To create a new space for those identifying themselves as Late Career or Retired Ecologists (LC&RE); to build a stronger, expanded demographic of the ecological community; and to extend the possibility of participation of ecologists beyond retirement, a group of ESA members seeks to create a section in ESA to serve ecologists in their late career stages. Toward this aim, we, the undersigned, support the creation of a section dedicated to supporting these scientists within ESA’s membership.
The experience, expertise and wisdom of many ecologists is often lost to the larger ecological community when they separate themselves from their home institutions (academic or otherwise) in late career and particularly following retirement. This section will provide opportunities for these individuals to not only remain active but facilitate their engagement within and beyond the community.
The benefits of a section include:
- A dedicated voice representing the interests of late career and retired ecologists on the ESA Council
- Dues money for membership support projects run by members of the LC&RE Section
- Increased engagement from ESA members in the ESA Late Career and Retired Ecologists network and mentorship/research development programs
- New networking career path support for early-career members
- Facilitation of LC&RE connections with other organizations needing or benefiting from ecological expertise
All ESA members who support these goals are encouraged to sign this petition; it does not obligate one to join the section if approved by Council.