PURPOSE: To promote interest and education in geology, mineralogy,
paleontology, archaeology and lapidary, and to sponsor and provide means of
coordinating the work and efforts of groups interested in these fields.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership is open to both adult and junior Societies located in
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin and
parts of Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, plus a few clubs in
Arkansas, which elected to join the Midwest Federation. Individuals, who
find it impractical to be a member of a Society, may apply for individual
membership.
FINANCES: Member clubs pay annual dues, which at present are two dollars
($2.00) per capita for each adult member and fifty cents ($0.50) for each
junior member of the Society. Of this amount, 50 cents ($.50) per adult
member goes to the American Federation. Dues do not cover all expenses; they
are augmented by one quarter of the net proceeds of the annual Convention
and Show and interest income from the MWF Endowment Fund
Major expenses are operation of the Program Library, printing, telephone,
and postage involved in carrying out the Federation’s work. No officer or
member of the Executive Committee receives any kind of salary. They pay
their own expenses to and at meetings, and donate hundreds of hours of their
time and skill to the Federation. The President and First Vice-President,
who are delegates to the American Federation Convention, receive some travel
expense money. The Uniform Rules Chairman is also alloted travel money to
the AFMS Convention.
ORGANIZATION: The work of the Federation is directed by a board of five (5)
officers: a President, two (2) Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, and a
Treasurer. They are elected annually by the member clubs and members of the
Executive Committee via mail vote. Administrative work falls to the
Executive Committee, which consists of the five elected officers, the State
Directors, Committee Chairmen and Past-Presidents. This committee meets in
the Fall and Spring and at the Annual Convention to report and make
recommendations to the Council. The Council is comprised of the Executive
Committee and one delegate from each member club. It meets at the annual
convention to conduct the business of the Federation.
SERVICES: State Directors and Assistants are available to give direct and
personal help to existing Clubs, and to help form new Clubs. Directors are
the important link between Clubs and the Federation, helping Clubs get full
advantage of their membership and advising the Federation of Club needs.
Midwest Federation of
Mineralogical &
Geological Societies
Our Federation
In addition, more than twenty (20) Committees are available with information
and assistance. You may contact the committee Chairpersons directly to avail
yourself or club to their services.
Services offered by several Committees are described below. Comments and
suggestions are most welcome and may improve existing services, or even be
instrumental in the provision of new services.
The MWF Newsletter is the means by which Clubs are kept informed of
Federation activities, personnel, publications and public service
announcements related to our hobby. Each Club receives at least two (2)
copies each month, except July and August. The newsletter is sent to two (2)
officers designated on the Membership Renewal Form each year, with a third
copy sent to the Club’s newsletter Editor (if any).
The MWF Directory is an annual reference book, available to all members. One
copy is sent free to each Club and additional copies are available at cost
from the Director of Supplies.
The Program Library makes slide, video, cd, & dvd programs and information
available to clubs and individual members.
The Director of Supplies is your primary contact for obtaining Midwest and
American Federation items. Contact your State Director for information and
help to set up an official Midwest Federation booth at your Show. Meet your
Director of Supplies at the next Convention and look over the materials that
are available to you and your Club.
Uniform rules for competition among exhibitors have led to a dramatic
improvement in the quality of displays at Shows and make judging less
subjective. The MWF Uniform Rules Committee supervises competition and
judging at Federation Shows and will assist at local Shows upon request. The
Committee maintains a list of competent judges, works with AFMS on changes
to, and clarification of, the rules, and is willing to answer questions and
receive suggestions. This committee will also provide training for members
wishing to qualify as judges.
The American Federation Scholarship Foundation has raised the status of the
hobby, honored professional leaders in the sciences and helped to train
future scientists. The MWF Scholarship Committee keeps track of donations to
this Foundation by MWF Clubs and individuals. MWF Clubs have been at the
forefront of this activity, and proudly display certificates given for the
level of their contributions over the years.