The first article of the AGU statutes defines the objects of the Union clearly. Although few members may be familiar with these statutes, most have definite ideas of what they expect from the Union. In general, the members look to AGU for the dissemination of knowledge in the field of geophysics through publications and scientific meetings. To a lesser extent, members expect the Union to promote, initiate, and coordinate internationally the study of the earth and its environment in space. Broadly speaking, all of these are objects of the Union as defined by its statutes.