Growing Your Astronomy Club |
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Tips on Diversifying your Club
Many clubs are concerned by a shortage of younger adults and women among their membership. Clubs indicate that they would like to increase diversity in their club and reduce what many refer to as the “white-hair syndrome.”
Here are some things to be aware of:
Younger Adults (18-35):
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May be less confident and easily intimidated. Don’t try to impress them with your knowledge or array of equipment -- instead get them talking about themselves and what interests them.
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Are more likely to depend on electronics and online sources for information and communication. Make sure your club has online resources for your calendar, paying dues, and communicating with other members.
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May have a reduced sense of privacy due to the culture of social media. They may be more candid than older members are accustomed to.
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Might be using electronic devices during meetings and events to share their experiences with friends.
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Could be potentially intimidated by a lack of other members their own age. Be sure to let them know they are welcome and ask them to invite their friends next time. Avoid being condescending or parental.
Women:
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Might be intimidated by a lack of other female members. Introduce them to other women in the club.
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Are likely to require a restroom at dark-sky observing sites -- more likely than men might. Be sure facilities are available.
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Feel a sense of safety with the club -- she can attend star parties and observe at remote sites with a group of people instead of by herself. As one woman said, “It was kind of fun to tell my friends: I partied all night in the dark with a bunch of guys.”
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When appropriate, be sure to welcome families to your events: Tell your members “Bring the whole family” to public astronomy events where other families might attend.
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Sharing the Universe videos are produced by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) from research conducted by the Institute for Learning Innovation, the ASP, and from astronomy clubs like yours. www.astrosociety.org/SharingTheUniverse
The Sharing the Universe project is funded by the National
Science Foundation and is supported by the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) of the National Science Foundation under Grant Number DRL 0638873. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Video production by Flying Moose Pictures