Invitation
How to register and your responsibilities
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Mapmaking responsibility for each locale is determined on a "first come" basis -- the first person who contacts the GMS about a particular city/area will receive Part 1 of our Introduction to Green Mapmaking. When you tell us more about your goals and plans, and have the background and network to make it happen, we will follow up with Part 2 of the Introduction. Part 2 includes more information on what we expect from participants, what you can expect from GMS, membership information, the Mapmakers' Agreement and a registration form. This Introduction and several materials are available in Spanish, with Portuguese to come in the near future (perhaps you can assist in the translation of the complete suite of Green Mapmaking materials!).
Our registration materials also explain the Mapmakers Service Support Fees, which include a modest annual fee and a royalty based on the funds generated for (and by) your project. Both the annual fee and royalty are flexible, depending on the size and nature of your team (volunteer group, government agency etc.). Most Mapmakers pay between $30-100 annually, and "scholarships" or service exchanges are accepted where needed, so that fees are never a barrier to participation. A royalty of 1% to 3% is also requested, based on the gross proceeds of grants and donations received to fund your project, plus funds raised from map sales, advertising etc. As a not-for-profit organization, GMS applies these revenues directly to support Green Mapmaking around the globe, especially in low-income areas everywhere. Payment by check, credit card or PayPal is possible. Finally, we also ask all projects to contribute 1% of printed maps to our main office, so that we can continue sending examples to new Mapmakers and add your Green Map to our official archive.
When you have thoroughly read the Intro to Mapmaking, and understand the Mapmaker's responsibilities and rights, send your completed registration form to GMS. Your leadership will be officially declared and your participation in the global project begins. Sometimes, it takes a few weeks for local projects to decide to register; in the meantime, you can request that we "reserve" your city. Anyone inquiring about a place that is already registered or on the "reserved" list will be encouraged to contact the local (or potential) Mapmaker directly--actually, some very strong alliances have formed this way. Each registered Mapmaker is an important part of the global whole and your shared knowledge, experiences, inspiration and support is invaluable to GMS's ongoing evolution.