What is the Consortium of Oklahoma Geographers (COG)?

COG is the Consortium of Oklahoma Geographers. COG is the “heartbeat” of geography and geographic education in Oklahoma, and is the parent organization of OKAGE, the Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education. The membership of OKAGE consists of Oklahoma's K-12 teachers and other supporters of geographic education. Each year, thousands of Oklahoma students are presented sound, exciting and proven geographic skills and techniques.

Membership in COG is open to all who have an interest in bringing the world to Oklahoma’s children. Current members represent most of the institutions of higher learning in the State, as well as employees of many state and federal agencies. Membership dues are $10 per year ($5 for students) and include membership in OKAGE as a bonus. The benefits of COG include:

· Great field trips

· Opportunities for financial support for students to give presentations at OKAGE and Oklahoma Academy of Science meetings

· Access to OKAGE newsletters, workshops and seminars

· Fellowship with other geographers

· Opportunity to give professional presentations at Oklahoma Academy of Science meetings

COG has four key objectives:

1. To develop effective strategies for the dissemination of information concerning the nature and value of geography as a discipline and profession.

2. To seek the enhancement of geographic knowledge in the curricula of Oklahoma's educational institutions and provide evidence of the need for reinforcement of geographic education at all education levels.

3. To encourage the interpretation and analysis of Oklahoma's human and physical resources, cultural landscapes, rural and urban economies, and distinctive regional characteristics for the betterment of Oklahoma.

4. To provide support for the Office of the State Geographer.

Who can belong to COG?

Anyone who has an interest in bringing the world to Oklahoma's children and students is encouraged to join COG. Current members represent faculty from most of the institutions of higher learning in Oklahoma, as well as many state agencies, and the private sector.

How is COG managed?

A seventeen member Board of Directors is charged with providing policy guidance to the Executive Committee. The five-member Executive Committee directs the management and work of COG. The elected members of the Council currently include:

Ed Pugh, President

Gary Gress, First Vice President

Matt Hesser, Second Vice President

Bob Springer, Secretary

Denise Rhodes, Treasurer

How do I join COG?

Dues are just $10 per year ($5 for students) and include membership in OKAGE, which means you will have access to newsletters, workshops, and seminars. Graduate and undergraduate students are especially encouraged to join COG! It’s a great way to interact with geographers from other institutions and the private sector.

For more information, contact:

Bob Springer

Oklahoma Conservation Commission

2800 N. Lincoln, Suite 160

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

405-521-4534

bobs@okcc.state.ok.us

Other Important Web Sites:

OKAGE

A good site for learning about on-going events in geographic education, including teacher workshops and summer institutes, in the state of Oklahoma.

http://www.ou.edu/okage/okagea.html

National Geographic Society