About the DPS
PURPOSE: The
Dallas Paleontological Society was founded in 1984 for the purpose of
promoting interest in and knowledge of the science of paleontology. It
was intended by the founding members that the Society would be a network
for the exchange of data between professionals and serious amateurs in
this field. The Society is organized exclusively for educational and
scientific purposes. The Dallas Paleontological Society is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization. Find out about the
History of the Society.
ACCOMPLISHMENT:
The DPS continues to accomplish its purpose in various ways. The
Society has published seven volumes of Occasional Papers, has had two
symposiums (one of which gathered much valuable material for Volume 4),
is involved with education and outreach and with the Charles Finsley
Lecture Series brought many prominent paleontologists to speak to the
general public. Additionally, the Society established an educational
fund that is used for scholarships.
PARTICIPATION: The
rules are simple you must be at lest 16 years old and have paid dues or
are a family member who meets the criteria. The society has a Code of
Ethics, which everyone agrees to when they join. (It is part of the
Membership Application so you have no excuse for saying you didn’t see
it.) Having a Code of Ethics is key to being a participating member. If
you really love the hobby of fossil collecting or the profession of
paleontology, following the Code in every activity that you participate
in is essential to the survival of your passion. Participation is more
than just paying dues, reading the newsletter and attending a few
meetings or field trip. Specific or great knowledge is not as important
as being able to organize and lead one or two field trips or write about
your experiences of a field trip or meeting. Giving a talk or
leading a field trip is only a few hours of your time but will
mean a great deal to all of those who came for the event. Participation
also includes bringing some goodies to a meeting or a cold watermelon to
a field trip. Every Active Member is eligible to be an Executive Officer
or Committee Chair Person. Being an officer or chairperson does does take
a bit of your time. With the time spent, you gain personal satisfaction
in helping shape the Society and there is at least one perk! Officers and Committee Chairs get the
news first and have first opportunity to signup for field trips and
other events. If you
put in the extra work, you should get something for it.
REWARDS: Rewards
come in many forms such as the satisfaction of communicating with others
who have a similar interest. Finding a well preserved (fill in the
blank). Or, finding something new to science and possibly getting it
named after you. Several members have had this honor.
AWARDS and
SCHOLARSHIPS: The society has several awards for people who best
represent the purpose of the society.
§
President’s Award
is given to a member who is not an officer, committee chairperson, or
advisor and is recognized for their overall contribution to the society
in the past year. The Presidents award is usually presented in
December.
§
Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to members who are at least
55 years of age, not a professional paleontologist and have made a
significant contribution to the science of paleontology. Any DPS member
can make nominations and the Executive Committee makes the decision.
Awarded when suitable candidates are identified.
§
Honorary Membership
has no specific criteria. It is presented when suitable candidates are
identified. Any DPS member can nominate a candidate and the candidate
does not have to be a current member. Selection is made by a simple
majority vote of members at a monthly general meeting.
§
Frank Crane Memorial Scholarship
is presented to one or two students (not necessarily members) attending
a local university. The scholarship is in memory of Frank Crane a
dedicated amateur paleontologist who donated a “Smithsonian class
collection” to the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. Scholarships are
awarded to students working on advanced degrees. One person from each
university is nominated by their advisor and the Executive Committee
makes the final selection. The scholarship is based on available funds,
usually $1,000. The Executive Committee has the prerogative to split the
award.
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