How to Contact the Sub-Urban Chicago Grotto About Taking Over as Grotto Chair

Updated

The Sub-Urban Chicago Grotto (SUCG) is currently under "inactive status" while it looks for a local National Speleological Society (NSS) member to take over as Grotto Chair. If you want to express interest in that role, the site names Gary Gibula as the contact. The page does not publish an email address, phone number, or contact form, so reaching him means finding his own contact details independently rather than using a link on sucg.org.

What the site actually says

The only contact instruction on the page is:

"If you are someone you know would be interested in facilitating, please contact Gary Gibula."

That is the full extent of the guidance. There is no listed email, no form, and no meeting schedule, because meetings are paused while the grotto is inactive.

What to include when you reach out

Since Gary Gibula is the named point of contact, a useful first message should make your eligibility clear up front:

  • Your NSS membership status — the site specifically asks for a local NSS member, so state that you are one and, if relevant, your member number or chapter history.
  • Your location — "local" matters here; note that you are in or near the Chicago area.
  • Your caving background — any prior grotto involvement, trip leadership, or conservation work.
  • What you are offering — that you want to take over as Grotto Chair and help reactivate the chapter.
  • Your availability — how much time you can commit to organizing meetings and activities.

What the role involves

According to the page, SUCG exists to promote:

  • Safe and responsible caving
  • Cave conservation and protection
  • Fellowship with other cavers

As Grotto Chair, you would be the person facilitating those aims locally and coordinating with the National Speleological Society as a chapter.

Practical notes

  • The site provides no other contact route, so do not expect a reply form or a general grotto inbox.
  • Because the grotto is inactive, there may be a delay in response.
  • If you are not an NSS member, the page's wording suggests membership is expected before taking the chair.

If you are a local NSS member interested in reviving the chapter, contacting Gary Gibula with your membership details and caving experience is the step the site points you toward.