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