If you're
interested in caves, you belong in the National Speleological
Society (NSS). Founded in 1941, we're a nationwide organization
with a membership of more than 12,000 men and women from all walks
of life and age groups. Our members are bound together by our
love of caves and desire to protect the underground wilderness
for future generations. We're people like you who have joined
the NSS to:
- Go caving safely and responsibly
- Help protect caves from accidental
or intentional damage
- Learn about the latest caving
activities and discoveries, equipment, and techniques (in
the NSS News)
and keep abreast of scientific studies (in the NSS
Journal of Cave & Karst Studies).
- Take part in the Society's annual convention and
local events to meet other cavers, share information, go caving
around the country, learn more about caves and caving, and
enjoy the fellowship of others who share our passion about
caves.
- Stay in touch with other cavers
through the annual NSS Members
Manual.
- Help keep caves accessible
to cavers
- Support the Society's programs
that help conserve, protect, and study caves and karst.
We know that the future
for caves and karst depends on the strength that comes from many
individuals working together, and we want to be a part of it.
National
Clout:
Through its members, the NSS has a broad range of expertise
that we can focus to address cave
conservation problems. Working together we can bring
political pressure on legislators to enact cave conservation laws and ensure that the caves we use are protected for future generations.
The NSS is recognized and respected by government agencies and
landowners, and with your membership, you share in the clout and
esteem that the Society has built up over the decades.
Local
Grottos:
Around the country, NSS members have formed over 200 local chapters,
called grottos,
as well as a dozen regional
organizations. These groups organize caving trips,
offer training, arrange cave conservation and restoration projects,
offer comraderie, and generally provide a framework for enjoying
and studying caves. Grottos welcome new members who are interested
in caves and committed to cave conservation.
Sections:
In addition to grottos, the Society has many specific interest
groups, called sections,
covering such topics as photography, conservation, vertical caving,
geology, cave diving, and cartography. Several of these sections
publish periodic newsletters and sponsor sessions at the Society's
annual convention.
NSS
Bookstore:
NSS members receive a discount at our bookstore on books published by the NSS. Additionally, only NSS members
may purchase the Speleo
Digest (the annual compilation of the most important
articles appearing in grotto newsletters), and NSS Convention guidebooks with information about the caves and geology of an area.
Libraries:
The NSS houses the nation's largest speleological library and audio-visual
library, which are available for members' use. The
library is completely supported bymembership dues and donations.
Additional
Benefits:
Your NSS membership also supports cave
conservation and safety education; education programs
for schools and youth
groups; development of safe
caving techniques; grants for research, exploration, and study of caves; caving-related
art, including photography, videography, music, and
fine arts; and the nation's largest and most active caving forum, CaveChat.
Click here
for information about joining the
NSS,
including a membership application. |
