In July, an appeal was made for donations in support of the 2015 Education and Outreach Auction.  The article also reminded everyone that the auction was renamed “PLSO Education and Outreach Auction,” even though many of us still refer to it as the scholarship auction.  This commentary addresses why outreach, as well as the scholarship fund, deserve support.

Each year, PLSO scholarships assist a limited number of students.   For the 2014-2015 academic year, a total of $14,500 was awarded to five winning applicants.  The scholarship fund presently has a balance of about $250,000.  This amount virtually guarantees that annual awards will amount to more than $14,000 whether we add monies to it or not.  Funding scholarships is important, but outreach is equally, if not a more important issue for PLSO.

Outreach has risen to a high priority because of numerous challenges and opportunities that confront the survey profession.  Enrollments have been declining at survey institutions in Oregon and other states.  A large percentage of professional surveyors are well over the age of 50, so there seems to be great potential for young people who choose to enter this field.  The survey profession needs to promote a better understanding of its services to allied career fields and to the general public.  In recognition of these matters, the PLSO Board recently decided that it should expand and enhance outreach efforts.

In the last issue of “The Oregon Surveyor,” three articles spoke to the importance of outreach, particularly noting that our profession faces extinction if we don’t make a concerted effort to increase public awareness.  These articles stated that additional outreach efforts will require increased financial and organizational support from PLSO.  Devoting part of the auction proceeds to outreach will help that cause monetarily, and will focus more attention on this important issue.

Proceeds from the auction will either be assigned to outreach or to the scholarship fund.  The PLSO Board distributed funds from the 2014 auction to both endeavors.  In the future, individual donors might prefer to designate their contribution to a particular program.  The auction committee is considering a suggestion that would allow donors to designate their contributions for one of three options: (1) Scholarship; (2) Outreach; or (3) A combination at the option of the PLSO Board.  The proposal is still pending final consideration by the auction committee and the Board.

Whether you more strongly support scholarship or outreach, your assistance is essential to the success of the PLSO Education and Outreach Auction.  Participate in this important event by donating one or more special items and by making a purchase at the auction.  Your generosity will promote the survey profession wherever it is used.

Gary Johnston

Auction Chairman