Volunteerism

by Ed Ladner

First, let me express my appreciation to all the DAS members who participated in the most recent elections. Without your support, this Society could not exist.

I’d like to talk with you about volunteerism—the only thing that makes our Society work. We have volunteer needs for tasks big and small, once a year and monthly, for the experienced astronomer or the complete beginner. At last count, we had over 600 current members; with a membership as large as that, we should be able to accomplish great things together—even more now, since our membership has grown!

I am asking each of you to step up and offer something. If you can only promise to be a greeter at the Open House twice a year, we need you. If you can take up the reins of a committee chair, we need you. If you can attend your local town hall meetings and speak about light pollution, we need you. If you think you can show up for a planning committee and just help out, we need you.

Some of the openings that you can volunteer for include Telescope Operator, Membership Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Assistant Treasurer, lawn mowing at the dark site, community outreach, backup General Meeting videotaper, and so many more. It is only with the investment of time and effort of our volunteers that we will be able to continue our programs, or to expand them.

Upcoming

We have a big event coming up this summer: The 125^th anniversary of first light at DU’s historic Chamberlin Observatory (July 14^th, 1894), coupled with the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (July 20^th, 1969). We have an Open House and a BBQ picnic scheduled for Saturday, July 13^th, so we will be observing both events on that day.

There will be quite a few more anniversaries of moon landings, but the Apollo 11 landing is special to me. My local newspaper normally titled “The Vancouver Sun,” changed its name for the day, and was instead “The Vancouver Moon” (my mom still has a copy). I further remember my Dad pointing up to the Moon and saying to me, “There are men up there right now.” It’s one of those things that stick in the mind of a young child—this summer, I hope we can excite and inspire young minds of all ages.