Because it works.  The tech may be sci-fi but the leadership and organizational development lessons are real and apply to the work we do every day.

http://www.associationsubcultureblog.com/2009/12/where-no-association-ha…

So, I have been thinking about the second item listed in our specific objectives and purposes in our Bylaws, namely:

(b) Promote development of a spacefaring culture by sponsoring activities that inspire the public to embrace the possibility of life beyond Earth

and how that relates to engaging our various constituencies.  Specifically, I have been wondering how can we engage with the enthusiasts (both fans of science fiction and of space flight programs), professionals (engineers, policy makers, etc), and other members of the space exploration community (astronauts, legislators, etc).  One thought I have had is a conference/convention, but most of the ones I have attended are either strictly technical, or strictly fan oriented (though I will be the first to admit I have been to only a handful of the events listed at the link).

What would be cool is if there was a conference that really split the line down the middle, having engaging content for fans, amateur engineers, professionals, and explorers all at the same site and at the same time.  Kind of an Origins for Space.  Origins is a Gaming Convention that includes official product launches, professional meetings for members of the gaming industry, and lots of opportunities for gamers to get together, play games, and meet the people who make the games.  Of the handful of events I have attended, only one that I can recall blurs the line (ISPCS) between technical conference and community engagement.  But it is small (a few hundred people) and is really aimed at allowing industry members to get together face to face.  Participation by enthusiasts is an added bonus more than a goal.

Not that we don’t already have enough to do, but at some point, I think it would behoove us to either find this kind of blended event, or if nothing like it exists, create it.  It would allow us to cross pollenate our constituencies, and hopefully help them see each other as allies and not unrelated groups.  It might also help us build up a core of dedicated community members (I know Maureen, Andy, Bekah and I are so dedicated to attending Origins that we plan for it a year in advance, committing to next year’s hotel room before this year’s convention has even started).  Finally, it would make a great place to hold our version of the state of the industry address.

Yes.  What are you going to do to help?

What I’m doing to help

I’ll answer first.  I’m reading everything I can find about building on-line communities, and working in consensus models so when we reach people (like you) who want to be a part of something cool they will want to join us 🙂

I’d also like to note that I have an MFA–not an engineering degree.  Don’t pass up working with Mach 30 just because you aren’t an engineer.  We’ve got projects for everyone.

Count me in – J. Simmons

I am actively researching how to use open source methods in engineering and just what it takes to go from expendable rockets to reusable launch vehicles.  “Ad astra per civitas”

Here’s a thread from the sustainable leadership department.  Who governs people in space?  I started thinking about this after reading an article about the muli-national group of folks onboard the ISS right now.  click here: http://www.russiansentry.com/?area=postView&id=1821

Share your thoughts:  Do we need an new interational organization?  Do the space treaties from the 1960’s still apply now, fifty years later?  What does the “President of the first international space state” actually mean?  Comment on how you think Gennady Padalka, the ISS commander did in his first “term.”  Will each space vehicle have it’s own “territory”?  I’m interested in your comments.

Thanks!
-G