![]() Aside from leveraging Internet-based technologies to communicate more effectively with this pool of enthusiasts, we have never quite found the ‘secret sauce’ for engaging with this large community, which has been an ongoing frustration. Even though we are the largest professional society in the astronomical sciences, representing roughly 25% of the active researchers worldwide, our size is tiny compared to the amateur community, which is at least ten times if not a hundred times larger in number. The American Astronomical Society has roughly 7,500 members of all types, with just over 4,500 core members, representing active researchers in our discipline along with about 1,500 students and a range of affiliate and emeritus members. The limited resources were a paramount concern. With limited resources and a substantial range of events, businesses, and amateur organizations already serving this community, it was challenging to find a foothold that would allow us to fulfill our mission of enhancing and sharing humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe with the amateur community. One big issue our organization had been grappling with for years was how to engage with the large population of amateur astronomers, who represent the most interested members of the public in the scientific advancement of astronomical knowledge. ![]() Setting aside the time and space to think big is something all non-profit CEOs need to do, while actively working toward the inclusion in all policy matters of their elected leaders, who are the guiding force for any scholarly society. The next day he called me and that got the process started, but where we ended up was far from what we envisioned during that initial call.Īs the CEO of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), a membership organization, I’m faced with all kinds of challenges, most of which are near-term and always pull me away from long-term strategic matters of significance. Among possible solutions floated was an outright purchase of the venerable astronomy periodical by the American Astronomical Society, a truly outside-the-box idea. Difficulties not with itself or the community it served, but with the parent company, which owned many dozens of similar enthusiast magazines. Over hamburgers and potato salad, our Society’s Press Officer was candidly informed that the magazine he used to serve as Editor in Chief, Sky & Telescope, was facing difficulties. It all started with a picnic in Cambridge. ![]() He regularly speaks to the public about astronomy and will happily teach anyone to recognize the bright constellations, while incessantly sharing with anyone who will listen the latest discoveries in astronomy. ![]() Kevin is the author of numerous articles both scholarly and general interest as well as two books. ![]() In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of Society operations, including the publishing of the primary research journals in Astronomy, the Astrophysical Journal and Astronomical Journal and providing support for and guidance to the Board of Trustees of the Society. Kevin has served as the Executive Officer of the American Astronomical Society since 2006. Editor’s Note: Today’s post is by Kevin Marvel. ![]()
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