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ASSA Presidential Address 2003-2004

[Updated: 2004.09.19]

Comments on 2003/2004

Case Rijsdijk

(Delivered at the 2004 Annual General Meeting)

I gather that this is a deviation from the normal procedure! Good – I really think that in many ways we are getting stuck in a rut. In my year as President (more of that later) I have come across some aspects of the ASSA that I think need a serious review. I think that most people serving on Council would also be aware of these things, but as Secretary and President I have had to prepare a number of documents for this AGM, and in doing so some issues have been highlighted. I will identify these, not as a criticism of the ASSA, its office bearers or any other individuals, but simply that if we are to remain a vibrant and successful Society, then we need to be aware of potential pitfalls and address them: not just sweep them under the carpet and leave it for someone else to eventually stumble over the lump!

So in no particular order here follow some items that we as a Society need to look at.

(1) The tenure of office of Council members needs looking at. Currently the President is in office for one year, or about four or five Council meetings. This is really not enough time to implement any long-term goals. I know that as President I will be on Council for at least one more year, but I have to hope that my successor will continue to nurture the seeds that I have tried to plant. But they may well have their own ideas and, knowing that they are there for only one year, means that old or other's ideas are shelved and they then push through their own. This is entirely natural and reasonable. Halfway into their term they realize, as I did, that there isn't enough time to achieve the goals set, it is too late to try and re-establish the other ideas, so effectively nothing or little is achieved. As a result I would like to propose that it might well be an idea to break with tradition occasionally and have some members of Council stay on for more than one term (a year at present); there is nothing in the Constitution that says otherwise.

(2) There should also be a brief "job description" of what various Council members duties and responsibilities are. This is not an uncommon aspect of many committees or councils. This becomes especially true for ASSA Council members who are spread far and wide. In addition, AGMs are often attended by only a small proportion of members where the AGM is held. As a result few Council members have ever attended an AGM and are thus blissfully unaware of what is expected of them!

(3) The strength of the ASSA must lie in its observational work. This point was made by my predecessor Tim Cooper last year – there is ample work that can be, and needs to be, done. As is the case with many similar situations, e.g. School Science/Astronomy Clubs, they thrive as long as the person or teacher in charge drives the club/society. If that person leaves or loses enthusiasm for it, the organization runs down. As all past Presidents will testify, getting reports from the various Sections within the ASSA is difficult, and it might be an idea to try and get in reports to each council meeting. This idea would fall in line with some suggestions from members to stimulate observing. However it should not be seen and a 'policing' process! Experience tells me that by submitting regular 'progress reports' is a reminder to do things and make sure that I have something to report next time!

(4) Non-observing members should be encouraged to join active observers, learn how to, then start their own programmes – in many cases equipment requirements are minimal and such activities will strengthen interest in astronomy and make members more knowledgeable as well. Modern technology has put a great deal of significant work within reach of amateurs and we as a Society, especially Council, should be exploiting this. The ASSA has a proud history of observers that the Council should try and sustain.

(5) Council should try and get more professional astronomers to take an active role in the society. When I compare the ASA (Australian Astronomical Society) with the ASSA the difference becomes clear: they are society for professionals with amateur membership as opposed to an amateur society with professional members. I know that the ASSA is a society for both, but that I fear is the reality of the ASSA today. I am aware that in SA there are fewer astronomers than in Australia, but our membership does show that few of our astronomers, radio and optical, are members. In addition to this, I think that Council should endeavour to get younger members to join the ASSA. Here Centres should all try and change their membership profile and possibly reach out to schools to run Astronomy Clubs. The creation of Associate Membership might need to be looked into.

(6) If one looks at the structure of the ASSA, Council at the top with the centres and observing sections "reporting" to Council (diagram below).

But what if the Council was not there? Would amateur astronomy in SA suddenly cease to exist? I think not and therefore the role of Council needs to be looked at and see if it cannot play a more active, supportive and stimulating role. I feel that Council should spend more time being pro-active in looking for things to do that can be passed onto ASSA Centres or Sections. Council should take the lead in developing astronomical activities and spend more time in developing these, than on administration. If necessary there should be more frequent meetings of Council to discuss these issues.