NSS Chapters Network
A large number of NSS chapters exist around the world as a means to involve members in local groups for a variety of purposes. Some of these purposes include space advocacy, education, volunteering, and technical projects that can excite and energize the grassroots space movement.
NSS chapters may serve a local area such as a school, city or town, or have a topical or special interest focus, such as a rocketry or astronomy club, or educational/community outreach program. Chapters are the peripheral organs of the society by organizing events, communicating with the public on the merits and benefits of space exploration, working to educate political leaders, and inspiring new generations of space activists.
Active chapters are eligible to receive a number of resources regularly supplied by NSS. For example, chapters may establish a local web site on the NSS Chapter Network.
Physical resources, such as NSS banners, copies of Ad Astra magazine, membership brochures and the like are provided to chapters on an ad hoc basis, usually upon request via the chapters committee.
A very strong contingent of chapters is located in Australia. Prior to the NSI-L5 merger, the L5 Society had been developing chapters around the world, and in Australia, three chapters had been established. The 'Southern Cross L5 Society' was formed in 1979, with groups in Sydney, Adelaide (in 1984) and Brisbane (in 1986).
As the NSS network in Australia developed and chapter membership numbers grew, the need became apparent for a greater national structure to be developed to coordinate the many activities of the Society.
Following discussion with all chapters, it was decided in late 1989 to create the National Space Society of Australia (NSSA) which could act as an umbrella organization under which all chapters could operate, providing for them a single identity in which to be recognized by, and through which resources, finances and administration could be pooled for the better operation of all chapters. The change to NSSA, while linking to the parent organization, has helped to further strengthen NSSA's own independent, self-governed identity in Australia.
Similar efforts have taken hold in Brazil, Canada and Mexico, as well as European countries that have a strong aerospace presence. NSS chapters within the European Union include France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Individuals interested in joining as an individual member or forming a chapter of like-minded peers within their own community can fill out a "Request to form an NSS chapter" form either in writing, by going on-line to the main website, or by personally calling the Washington, D.C. headquarters office for more information or assistance.
Read more about this topic: National Space Society
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