Survey Results of Society Membership: Demographics. The Face of Our Profession at the Threshold of the New Millennium

When the American Meteorological Society was founded back in 1919, the initial membership numbered less than 600. The modest sized group was populated by meteorologists from the U.S. Signal Corps and the U.S. Weather Bureau, along with a smattering of weather hobbyists. As the study and application of atmospheric science advanced over the years, the society witnessed substantial growth in terms of its membership. Although the mission of the Society, to serve as a scientific and professional organization committed to the atmospheric and related sciences, has remained unchanged over time, the shifting characteristics of the membership require new sensitivities and a new appreciation for who we are today.

To best serve the needs of the membership and clarify the Society's objectives in the next century, the AMS updated its demographic information and knowledge of the workplace by surveying members in the fall of 1998. The survey was sent out with the dues statement on a separate form returned independently to Headquarters to protect privacy and maintain anonymity. The responses were captured on a newly employed machine-readable format, to provide ease of statistical analysis and data compilation not available in prior survey assessment.

This data collection and proposed demographic analysis represents the first attempt to update information regarding the membership since the 1993 survey results were presented by Zevin and Seitter (1994). The format of the 1998 survey was designed to logically follow and expand upon the historical data of the membership collected at varying intervals since 1977. New questions addressing the changing employment trends in the broadcast sector were included along with more poignant and controversial questions about lifestyle choices. Questions regarding workplace issues were restructured from the 1993 survey to elicit greater clarity for subsequent analysis.

The 1998 survey was broken into six parts. The sections on demographics, education, and current employment closely followed, with the above noted exceptions, the previous surveys from 1990 and 1993 to facilitate direct comparisons between historical data sets whenever possible. The last three sections addressed personal circumstances, workplace circumstances, and additional issues concerning career choice and AMS membership, respectively. An additional space was provided for narrative comments regarding improving opportunities for women and minorities in the AMS- related sciences.

Some 10,000 members were sent the 1998 dues statement and enclosed survey questionnaire. A total of 4,669 members responded representing roughly a 47% return rate. This return rate has consistently dropped over the last decade from a 72% response rate in 1990, to a 54% response rate in 1993, to the current diminished returns. It should be noted, however, that the current return rate still represents a statistically significant body of data to provide a robust analysis of the current membership.

An assessment of the demographic data compiled by the 1998 survey will include statistics on membership characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, citizenship, place of residence, disabilities, educational background, and detailed employment information. Appropriate statistical tests will be employed during final analysis to ensure the significance of any and all conclusions.