Meteorologist Brandon Hoving Local AMS/NWA Chapter News ∫ Fall Media Day Seminar 2010

Overview  About the AMS  About the NWA  Why a local chapter?  Local chapter timeline  Goals for SW Michigan Chapter  Challenges to address

American Meteorological Society  Founded in 1919  > 14,000 members  Publishes 9 journals  Sponsors 12 conferences annually  Offers undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships each year  Administers CBM and CCM programs  ~125 local chapters, including 40 student chapters  $90/yr to be a member, $40/yr for student

American Meteorological Society in Michigan  Two local student chapters in Michigan  U of M, founded in 2000  CMU, founded in 2002  Southeast Michigan Chapter of the AMS disbanded several years ago  That leaves no professional level chapters in the state

National Weather Association  Founded in 1975  > 3,000 members  Publishes the National Weather Association Digest, and offers an electronic journal  Sponsors 6 conferences annually  Offers annual awards and scholarships  Provides NWA Seal of Approval  30 local chapters  Tailored to operational meteorology  $45-$57/yr to be a member, $18-$30 for student

National Weather Association in Michigan  No student or professional chapters currently exist  Nearest chapter is Valparaiso, IN at Valpo U.  We will be the first chapter in Michigan (Alpha Rho…?)

Why a Local Chapter?  The AMS and NWA consider them the “backbone” of their respective organizations  Local chapters are autonomous and only loosely governed by the parent organizations  The AMS and NWA offer resources and expertise to local chapters in a wide range of areas Weather Analysis and Forecasting Societal Impacts Aviation Meteorology Climate Change Numerous others

Why a Local Chapter?  Impact of having a local chapter (BAMS, Vol. 84, No. 10) Hosting speakers and lecturers Touring local meteorological facilities Supporting science fairs and serving as judges Supporting K-12 teachers as science advisors Organizing and hosting regional conferences Offering career counseling Developing relationships and making new contacts Funding scholarships and academic awards Many others…

Timeline Informal talks about forming local chapter Spring Initial sent to generate interest Petitions signed and sent to AMS/NWA AMS gives approval NWA gives approval First joint chapter meeting scheduled AugSeptOctNovDec

Goals for SW Michigan Chapter  Early on… Develop bylaws (already working on it) Elect officers Familiarize faces with names Brainstorm ideas as a group Determine frequency of meetings Develop a website

Goals for SW Michigan Chapter  Later on… Fundraising Speaker series Local workshop Regional conference World domination

Challenges to Address Rotating meeting locations… Lakeshore Kalamazoo Grand Rapids Lansing Battle Creek

Challenges to Address  Jumpstarting and then maintaining interest Why should people come? Provide incentives for people to attend… …But enthusiasm goes a long way toward motivation Don’t allow meetings to get business-like (yawn) Publicity and communication will be vital

End Southwest Michigan Chapter AMS and NWA Founded in 2010