Dear Local Section Leader,
It was nice to see so many local section volunteers at our events at the ACS Spring Meeting in New Orleans. We had a great turnout for our local section showcase featuring local sections from District IV. These sections featured some very impressive programming and innovative ideas to engage our members. I am already looking forward to the ACS Fall Meeting and seeing what District V Local Sections have been up to – see you at Sci-Mix.
Our next webinar "Involving Industry Members in Your Local Section" is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 1pm ET. I hope you’re able to join and learn about how to deliver industry focused events for your members.
I would also like to encourage you to be part of the first 100 local sections to receive $200 by hosting a Speaker through the ACS Speaker Directory and submitting the mini-grant request this year!
Beth Lorsbach,
Chair, Local Section Activities Committee
Book your next speaker using the ACS Speaker Directory and receive a $200 mini-grant this year! There are over 1,000 speakers and countless topics to choose from. Find your next speaker today at www.acs.org/speaker-directory.
Add Your Local Section Events to the ACS Events Hub
We are pleased to announce that local sections may now post their events on the ACS Events Hub. A sample of local section events may be found here. Want to add your event, please complete this intake form.
Local Section Member Engagement and EnhancemenT (LS-MEET)
Does your Local Section need funding that can be used for specific events, ongoing programming, and purchase of technology or materials? Potential new funding opportunities may include targeted events to communities of local chemists who are not currently involved in the local section, i.e., schoolteachers, industrial chemists, or creating events to bring local section members together outside of efforts funded under programs such as the LSAC Science Café or IPG. Grant awards up to $2000. Deadline May 31, 2024. Learn more and apply.
Apply Now: Trust in Science & Scientists Grant
Judith C. Giordan, Immediate Past ACS President, has pioneered this grant opportunity to encourage ACS groups to conceive of and implement programming and efforts that showcase trust in science and scientists. ACS International Chapters are eligible to receive up to $4,500 USD to support programming. Applications will be accepted until June 1 2024. Click here to learn more and apply.
2024 Global Innovation Grant Accepting Applications
The ACS Global Innovation Grant is accepting applications for 2024 from International Chapters, Local Sections, and Technical Divisions until April 12. Internationally collaborative and innovate events can receive up to $5000 USD of support. Apply today!
Reminder to Send Annual Tax Returns
Attention all Local Sections officers! This is a reminder that a copy of your annual tax return must be sent to the ACS Tax Office at tax@acs.org. This is a requirement per the ACS Governing Documents and your bylaws. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Updated ACS Governing Documents and Petition Deadline
The January 1, 2024, edition of the ACS Governing Documents is available at http://www.acs.org/govdocs. New petitions to amend the Constitution or Bylaws must be received by the Chief Executive Officer (bylaws@acs.org) by May 1 to be included in the Council agenda for the Fall 2024 meeting in Denver.
Questions or comments may be sent to C&B at bylaws@acs.org.
Benefiting from Student Insights and Involvement
Taking student engagement to the next level is key to inspiring and supporting students to build careers and address global challenges. Join the Society Committee on Education (SOCED) in considering opportunities for tapping into student perspectives and approaches for effectively doing so at the SOCED Open Meeting on Thursday, April 25, 3–4 pm EDT via Zoom (registration required).
Generate and Sustain a Recruitment Pipeline with Student Members
Create sustainability within your Section or Division by recruiting the next generation of scientists! ACS has created a handful of templates like the “Undergraduate/Graduate Student Recruitment” Templates for Divisions/Sections to help you and those with direct connections with students to use in your recruitment efforts. Students bring new ideas and energy to any organization. Safeguard your organization’s future and set up a year-round recruitment plan. Check out the full Recruitment and Engagement Toolkit for volunteer leaders and download these copy-paste documents. Have any feedback? Email memberfeedback@acs.org.
CCEW Call for Coordinators
Interested in participating in CCEW April 21-27 but not sure where to start? Get a charge of creativity and get inspired by checking out our digital resources below! •Plan an event •Find an event •Educational resources •General interest resources •Digital toolkit For more information on CCEW and other Outreach events, contact outreach@acs.org. Stay connected: #CCEW
Chemists Celebrate Earth Week April 21-27
We're excited to announce this year's theme for Chemists Celebrate Earth Week is…Get a Charge Out of Chemistry! ACS members can contact their local section leader to join in the fun by planning #CCEW events in their community. LEARN MORE. For more information on CCEW and other Outreach events, contact outreach@acs.org Stay connected: #CCEW
Apply Now for Fall 2024 Corporation Associates Grants
The Committee on Corporation Associates (CA) invites ACS Local Sections and International Chapters to apply for grants to support their industry-focused events, including job fairs or panel discussions with industry leaders. For more information and to apply, visit the CA Local Section and International Chapter Grants webpage.
CA also offers SEED grants to support the start of recurring programs or events focused on education in the chemical sciences, education of the public on the role of the chemical industry, and promotion of professionalism or safety in chemistry. To apply, visit the CA SEED Grant webpage.
Apply today! Deadline for submissions is July 1, 2024, to be considered for the fall awards. Winners will be notified after the Fall 2024 meeting.
ACS Salutes to Excellence Award
This program gives ACS members an opportunity to underscore outstanding accomplishments, achievements, or service for individuals who have made a positive impact in their local community, via their creation or participation in chemistry outreach events and programs. A local section chair or designee can request up to 5 free plaques to present to any individual or organization it deems worthy of this recognition (cannot be a local section member). Please visit the Salutes to Excellence page for more detailed information. If you have any questions about recognition programs, please feel free to contact outreach@acs.org.
Get The Word Out - Share with Your Local Section Members
Sign up for ACS' Speaker Directory!
Looking for a way to connect with speaking events in areas you have expertise in? Interested in building up your speaking resume? ACS' Speaker Directory is designed to connect experts like *you* with speaking opportunities! ACS Local Sections, Technical Divisions, and International Chapters are looking for a diverse range of speakers for in-person, virtual, hybrid, and asynchronous events.
- Gain visibility on a international level
- Share your expertise
- Grow your professional network
Whether you're a seasoned chemist or starting your career, the ACS Speaker Directory is your gateway to connecting with ACS members in need of talented speakers! Learn more and sign up for the ACS Speaker Directory Today!
NOW OPEN: Online Preference Form for Committee Assignments in 2025
It is time to begin the process of making appointments to ACS Council-related committees for 2025. If you are interested in serving on an ACS Committee, the online committee preference form for committee assignments is the keyway to let us know your committee preferences, your background and your interests.
The online preference form is open until July 1, 2024 at http://www.cmte.acs.org. If you need assistance during this process, please contact the Committee on Committees at secretary@acs.org. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, and for all your efforts on behalf of our Society.
Now Accepting Abstracts for ACS Fall 2024 & Spring Regional Meetings.
Submitting an abstract for ACS Fall 2024 or a Spring Regional Meeting is an excellent opportunity for chemical professionals and students to showcase their work and connect with colleagues in all areas of chemistry internationally or within your region.
Abstracts are now being accepted for ACS Fall 2024, August 18 - 22, the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), June 5 - 8, and the Northwest Regional Meeting (NORM), June 23 - 26. All meetings will feature robust technical programming, networking opportunities, and more!
Calling All Sustainability Stars!
Attention global change-makers! We want to celebrate YOU and your inspiring journey toward a sustainable future. Over the next 8 months, we are searching for 30
chemists from diverse backgrounds to join in a worldwide celebration of Sustainability Stars. Chemists globally play a pivotal role in addressing sustainability challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you're conducting experiments in a lab, shaping minds in a classroom, or navigating the early stages of your career, we invite you to share your impactful journey in solving global challenges with chemistry – and nominate yourself for well-deserved recognition! Winners not only receive global recognition across ACS social media channels but also enjoy exclusive perks like a complimentary registration to the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (Virtual or in-person) and a free ACS Premium Membership for one year.
Join the movement, share your story, and nominate yourself to help make chemistry synonymous with sustainability on a global scale! Submit your nomination today, and let's shape a sustainable future for all!
ACS Proactive Membership Assistance Program
ACS has recently consolidated programs and resources that can be especially beneficial during life-changing events such as job loss and natural disasters under our new Proactive Membership Assistance Program. Our hope is that this resource creates an easier experience to orient our membership community to all that ACS offers should the unforeseen arise. As we face continued global challenges, please share this information with your members and let them know that if they’re experiencing hardships of any kind that we will provide support as best we can.
Now Accepting Abstracts for ACS Fall 2024 & Spring Regional Meetings.
Submitting an abstract for ACS Fall 2024 or a Spring Regional Meeting is an excellent opportunity for chemical professionals and students to showcase their work and connect with colleagues in all areas of chemistry internationally or within your region.
Abstracts are now being accepted for ACS Fall 2024, August 18 - 22, the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), June 5 - 8, and the Northwest Regional Meeting (NORM), June 23 - 26. All meetings will feature robust technical programming, networking opportunities, and more!
A Request for Chemical Safety Content Ideas
The Emerging Issues Subcommittee (EIS) of the Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) assists in promoting best chemical safety practices. One EIS project is a series of short technical guidance documents designed to address a variety of safety issues to support safer chemistry research. Thus far, developed content covers laboratory ventilation and considerations for working safely with particularly hazardous materials like hydrofluoric acid. Publication of the CCS “Tipsheets” on the CCS website will occur on a rolling basis, with the first release scheduled for early 2024. Contact our ACS Staff Liaison Support Rachel Bocwinski (r_bocwinski@acs.org) with questions or suggestions for topics!
Postdoctoral scholars interested in faculty positions - This workshop is for you!
The Postdoc to Faculty Workshop is hosted annually by ACS to provide postdoctoral scholars interested in pursuing faculty positions at institutions of higher education with guidance and resource that support their job search. The workshop consists of several panel discussions and presentations on topics ranging from finding positions to the application and interview process to navigating the first year. Key features include individual consultations with current faculty, mock interviewing, and networking opportunities. All selected participants will receive free housing and meals during this event. Travel assistance will be available for those who qualify. Learn more and apply!
Integrating the RAMP Framework into Chemical Safety Education
On March 3rd, two graduate student researchers will lead a 3.5-hour workshop titled Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture. Participants will discuss the risk management process, evaluate elements of a strong safety culture, and learn about the growing network of laboratory safety teams (LSTs). A second workshop scheduled for April 13th, RAMP in the Research Lab, will guide participants through each step of the RAMP framework using case studies. The target audiences for both workshops include graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students; however, faculty and staff are also encouraged to attend. Visit https://dchas.org to register for these workshops!
Volunteers Needed for the 2024 Postdoc to Faculty Workshop!
Do you want to give back in 2024? ACS is looking for faculty interested in the role of workshop facilitators to support the ACS Postdoc to Faculty (P2F) Workshop in Philadelphia, PA July 19 – 21, 2024. P2F faculty volunteers will serve as panelists and/or moderators, review 5-6 mock faculty applications from postdoc participants (prior to the workshop), lead mock interviews, and may be asked if they’d feel comfortable presenting on a specific topic (e.g., teaching strategies, mentoring tips, or DEI statements etc.). ACS will cover travel, hotel accommodations and meals for volunteers! Learn more and volunteer!