We are Volunteers
The SAS runs on volunteers. If it were not for our volunteers the club would stop. There would be no star parties, no meetings, no special interest groups, no loaner library, newsletter, social media, or website. The club needs you and every single one of us are the club.
Maybe it is simple as your heading to a star party and your friend asks where you are going so you tell them, you are doing outreach, invite them to come along. You wished there was a star party near where you lived and not an hour away, volunteer to start one, we will lead you to set that up. Want to get together with other club members and talk astronomy, then start a meeting at a pub or coffee house. Were you a den leader when your kids were young? Then how about helping a scout pack get their astronomy badge. Are you good with social media, then offer to help with a platform you like. There are lots of ways to volunteer..
Public Outreach
We get requests from the scouts, schools, cities, and businesses asking for us to help with an event. In fact the club fields over 100 requests a year asking for someone to do an astronomy presentation.
Examples of these might be running a telescope for a group, it might be a craft like making an exo planet or comet with craft paper.
New volunteers are paired with members experienced doing outreach.
Star Parties
Star Parties are the core of what we do. It’s practically why we exist. There is nothing nicer than sitting under a clear night sky looking at the stars except for maybe sharing that experience with others. You would work with the host to get things setup before the public arrives. Then maybe you will start off handing out flyers and directing people, once you get more comfortable you might bring your own telescope and share what you are looking at. Maybe you decide to get bold and give a 15 minute presentation on the night sky. It’s all about what you are comfortable with. The more volunteers we have the easier it becomes. Most of the time your getting caught up with other members, learning new things, and passing on what you do know to beginners.
Board
When you serve on the board, you help guide the club along with other passionate members. You don’t need to be in the club for years before serving on the board. Many board members have served on the board in their first year of being in the club. Also don’t do it alone, a board member is encouraged to foster a team of volunteers.