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committees

SMA gets the things we want to do as a club done through several committees. Typically (but not necessarily) a given committee is headed by a Club Director. Any club member is encouraged to join a committee based on their interests.

 

Our committees are not big, overburdened with formality, or (unusually) scary. A typical committee consists of 2-4 folks including the chair.

 

Help shape the club. Help the club remain vigorous. Joining a committee is good for you just like eating vegetables.

membership

This committee works on growing our membership and fostering a great member experience.

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Purview includes club meetings, greeting members and guests, following up with new people, providing refreshments. It will be the point of contact for club clothing and such. This committee will coordinate with the Program Committee to ensure we are offering speakers and topics that square with the needs and desires of members. It will also liaise with other clubs, including student organizations, and encourage developments between clubs.​

contact: Dave Gay or Kevin Kevin

dark sky advocacy

Liaising with Dark Sky Maine, IDA, and other groups interested in controlling light pollution. 

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Advocating for dark sky-friendly zoning and other regulations to control and reduce light pollution. This Committee hope to develop a recognition program for organizations and municipalities who undertake improvements in light pollution control.

contactHowie Marshal or Rob Burgess or Jeremy Wright

program

Planning for meetings, finding speakers, coordinating publicity.

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This Committee seeks speakers in contemporary topics of astronomy and space exploration that are of interest to the membership. The Committee ensures other engaging content to appeal to beginners as well as seasoned amateurs to improve their knowledge of the night sky, telescope equipment, observing techniques and astrophotography.

contactRuss Pinizzotto

outreach

Acting as the point of contact for the public, for things like star parties, speakers, etc., and for coordinating the club’s response.​

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This committee responds to groups looking for star parties and such events; would determine if it’s a request the club can accommodate; would organize club members willing to attend/staff the event. This committee also provides formal notice to news organizations and public bulletin boards and other third parties of club meetings and events. 

contact: Kevin Kane  or Mike Simmons

finance

This Committee is responsible for administration of club finances.

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Responsibilities include management and reconcilement of club finances and bank statements, tax filings, club insurances, etc. Recently, the club decided to undertake fundraising. This new venture will examine club short and long term goals and then find sources and develop strategies to support those goals, including the establishment of an endowment fund.

contactBob Dodge

equipment

Managing club equipment, purchased and donated, to fulfill the club's outreach and educational mission.

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Club assets include purchased and donated equipment. This committee determines what best suits club needs and then seeks to sell or otherwise dispose of excess equipment with funds received used to support the club. This committee also manages the Club's Equipment Lending Program that makes more sophisticated equipment available to club members.

contact: Kevin Kane

executive committee

Long-term and strategic planning. Point of contact for other groups or organizations.

contactRob Burgess or Russ Pinizzotto or Bob Dodge

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