So, you have an idea for an observing club that the Astronomical League should offer to its members? And, you are willing to develop and maybe even act as coordinator? You have come to the right place.
The first thing you should do is check out the list to see if someone is already working on a club on that topic. The easiest way to do that is to contact one of the National Observing Program Coordinators: Aaron Clevenson or Mike Benson.
Then understand how the process works…
New clubs are reviewed and approved by the AL Council at an annual convention (ALCON), typically held in July or August. Submissions should be made to the AL officers and the AL National Observing Program Coordinators at least a month before the convention. This gives time for the AL Secretary toadd your proposal to the agenda for the meeting of the Executive Council and gives time for members of the Council to review your proposal and to be prepared for the meeting. It also gives them time to ask questions and it gives you time to make any changes that they recommend. A proposed club must be a complete package when it is submitted.
New clubs must add to the existing observing program. This might be a club that explores a new class of objects or one that investigates a new feature of the universe. More advanced forms of existing clubs are also an option (Lunar II, Herschel II, etc.). Some overlap with objects in existing clubs is acceptable, but it should be as small as possible. The new club must also be of interest to a large group of the membership. It should be comprised of objects that would be accessible to members using their backyard telescopes.
The AL National Observing Program Coordinators are available to help you throughout the process. Please contact one of themthrough email, and they will work with you towards successful adoption of your new club.
Here are the steps involved:
1. Identify your idea for a new AL observing club.
2. Check with a National Observing Program Coordinator to see if that club is already under development.
3. Submit your topic to one of the AL National Observing Program Coordinators. Theywill add it to the list on the website and will communicate it to the AL Officers.
4. Develop your list of objects. This list varies from club to club, but the typical club has about 100 observations. You should note the object’s designation, common name (if it has one), constellation, rights ascension, declination, object type (whatever is appropriate for your list), magnitude, and any other pertinent information about the object (class, classification, color, etc.).
5. Fill in the Observing Club Proposal form. This form will provide all of the information that is required by the AL Council to make a decision on the new club.
5. Fill in the Observing Club Proposal form. This form will provide all of the information that is required by the AL Council to make a decision on the new club.
6. Develop the manual if you plan to have one. See the information on AL Manual Publication. Manuals are a benefit to the participants, the observing club, and the Astronomical League.
7. Work with the AL National Observing Program Coordinators as needed and desired.
8. Create the content for your club’s page on the AL website.
9. Submit your proposal to the AL Officers and the AL National Observing Program Coordinators at least a month before the annual convention. This submission should include:
· The Observing Club Proposal form
· Your list of objects
· The proposed pin design
· The proposed web page contents.
This can be submitted through one of the AL National Observing Program Coordinators.
1. The proposal will be reviewed and the AL Council will make a decision at the annual convention. You are encouraged to attend and present the case for the new club at their meeting. If you do not attend, we will try to represent you as best as possible. If you plan to attend, please contact the AL Secretary to coordinate. There are three possible outcomes: They will accept the proposal, they will defer the decision pending additional information or changes, or they will decline to add the new club. Their decision will be given to the AL National Observing Program Coordinators who will forward it on to you. Normally, if additional information or changes are required, the club will be reconsidered at the following annual convention.
2. After the club is approved, additional information will be provided regarding the ordering of pins and manuals. These are ordered through the Astronomical League’s National Office to take advantage of quantity discounts.
We look forward to your submission. Please contact one of us if you have any questions.
Aaron Clevenson Mike Benson
National Observing Program National Observing Program
Coordinator Coordinator
aaron@clevenson.org ocentaurus@aol.com
A PDF Version of this process and form is available.
Click here to get the PDF Version.
Click here to get the PDF Version.
