G.A.O.F.

The aim of the G.A.O.F - Global Association of Online Foresters - is to increase the understanding of forestry by improving communication world-wide. E-mail & Internet presents us with an opportunity to do border crossing at the speed of light. We are not bound by international boundaries and that is what makes the GAOF exciting.

The GAOF was formed by a group of people with an interest in forestry. The GAOF provides a forum for the exchange of information on current topics relating to forestry. Members communicate by e-mail and all members receive copies of correspondence either by return or as a digest.

Our members have a wide range of interests and membership is free. Services include information links, a helpline, assistance with careers including job searching and a register of consultants. The GAOF also helps members promote forestry in their respective countries by providing directories of e-mail addresses and web sites. The on-line membership directories also help members locate one another and facilitates reciprocal visits. Continuous education is a basic need for any forester either as a requirement of licencing, social and environmental concerns or just good business practice. The GAOF gives foresters and others with an interest in forestry the opportunity to keep up to date with international trends and is a source of advice from colleagues around the world.

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The following are the guidelines for the G.A.O.F:

1. The group should avoid formalities to avoid becoming another bureaucracy, instead, the G.A.O.F should be a "virtual community". The GAOF has set up a Council to help promote forestry around the world.

2. The only requirement for membership is that the person has a forestry qualification from a forestry school/university or can demonstrate a real interest and commitment in forestry AND that the person has an on-line presence.

3. The primary purpose of the group is to fight for the understanding and betterment of all forestry. Group efforts to include promoting sustainable forestry, best practice in silviculture etc.

4. We should avoid leadership roles since on-line communities function fine without formally declared leaders

5. All communication can be carried out on-line with no meetings. Instead we will communicate primarily through the mailing list and the Newsgroups.

6. No meetings, no fees, no obligations, no nasty or silly messages will be permitted.

7. For "real time" group discussions and debates there exists the Chat Line which is available 24 hours per day.

Material Copyright © 1998/2002 Nick Ananin, GAOF