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MEMORANDUM of UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
PROJECT UNDERGROUND, INC.
and the NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into by and between the National Speleological Society, Inc., hereafter referred to as the Society, and Project Underground, Inc., hereafter referred to as Project Underground.
Purpose
The purpose of this MOU is to provide a framework between the Society and Project Underground for mutual support and cooperative activities. Included within this MOU is
1) the advancement of the knowledge and appreciation by educators and young people of caves and karst, and the value of protecting and managing these resources; and
2) the initiation, promotion, and facilitation of the incorporation of cave and karst resource education within the national science curricula.
Statement of Mutual Interest and Understanding
Project Underground is a national non-profit organization providing interdisciplinary instructional programs through train-the-trainer and in-service workshop models. The environmental education programs are designed for use by K-12 classroom teachers, staff of show caves, parks, museums, and nature centers, or adults working with youth groups. Participants in Project Underground activities gain an understanding of the value of cave and karst resources and ecosystems and the impact of human activities to them.
The National Speleological Society is a volunteer organization of cavers and speleologists dedicated to the study and science of speleology and the protection of caves and their natural contents. The Society understands that education is fundamental to the long-term protection of caves and their contents.
It is the desire of both organizations to cooperate fully in matters relating to the creation, distribution, and effective use of educational materials developed to assist in educating others about caves and karst.
In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows: The Society and Project Underground shall support each other’s educational programs and initiatives and provide access to expertise and educational program information when it is requested by the other organization. This shall include, but is not limited to, permission to reprint copyrighted materials; distribution of each other’s materials at events and workshops; offering opportunities to participate in events and programs; and providing resources and contacts to support educational projects.
The Society and Project Underground shall each be recognized as a contributor in all printed, digital, audio-visual, and electronic materials associated with collaborative educational initiatives, programs, or projects.
Liaisons The Society shall designate the Society’s Environmental Education Committee Chair to select a member of its committee to maintain a liaison with Project Underground. This person shall establish an effective working relationship with Project Underground, inform the Project Underground Board of Directors of upcoming Society business meetings, minutes, and opportunities, and be the conduit for Project Underground to the Society’s infrastructure. The Society shall also designate no less than three of its members to serve as directors of the Project Underground Board. These members are to be appointed and confirmed annually at the Society’s Board of Governors’ summer meeting.
Project Underground shall designate a representative of its Board of Directors to maintain a liaison with the Society, through the Society’s Education Division.
Modification and Termination 1. This agreement in no way restricts Project Underground or the Society from participating with other public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals or from accepting contributions and gifts for the improvement, development, administration, and operation of cave and karst education programs.
2. This MOU may be revised, as necessary, by the issuance of a written amendment, consented to, signed and dated by both parties.
3. Either party may termaninate this MOU by providing 60 days written notice. Unless terminated, this MOU will remain in full force and effect.
Effective date IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the last written date below.
National Speleological Society, Inc.
Approved (date)
/s/____________________________
Scott Fee, President
Project Underground, Inc.
Approved (date)
/s/_______________________________
Barbara L. Moss, Chairman
5-19-04
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