Strategic Assembly

The Strategic Assembly is responsible for the Society's long-term strategic direction. Composed of the Board of Trustees, the Chairs of our Divisions, and the Chairs of our Committees, the Strategic Assembly is positioned to drive our strategic planning to new levels of impact.

Three key tasks of the Strategic Assembly are:

• establish and update over time the AAS strategic plan;
• monitor progress of the Society toward specific goals included in the strategic plan;
• review the projects and programs of the Society to ensure they are aligned with and supportive of our strategic goals and mission.

A draft version of the Society’s Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals is ready for review and comment from our membership. Please email us with any questions or comments. We look forward to your input!

AAS Strategic Plan (DRAFT)

8 January 2021

Vision

We seek a world where all people value and benefit from a scientific understanding of astronomy that enhances their connection to and enjoyment of the universe around us.

Mission

To foster a diverse and welcoming astronomical community who investigates and shares our understanding of the universe.

Values

• We exhibit curiosity about the universe, which drives our pursuit of scientific research.
• We act with scientific integrity and transparency as we responsibly and impartially acquire, share, manage, and use scientific data and understanding.
• We demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior in our interactions with scientists and the public.
• We advocate for fair and accessible processes that broaden participation for all to create a diverse, welcoming, supportive community of scientific inquiry.
• We inspire, support, and advance the next generation of astronomers.
• We strive to effectively communicate scientific knowledge that is derived from scientific and peer-reviewed observational, computational and theoretical discoveries, robust and transparent scientific processes, and rigorous critical thinking.
• We demonstrate respect for our environment through sustainable actions rooted in scientific understanding.
• We use Society resources to sustainably create positive impacts for the astronomical community.

Five Strategic Priorities

1. Build equitable and inclusive practices within the astronomy research community.

• A. Strengthen (and act on) AAS's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• B. Continually improve access to and participation in meetings and events, and all AAS services.
• C. Construct a clear pathway to inclusive leadership in the AAS.
• D. Increase the diversity of our governing Board, Division Leadership, and Committees.
• E. Ensure equitable access to publishing in our journals by training editors, reviewers, and authors.

2. Address significant global issues that affect astronomy.

• A. Develop a strategy for post-pandemic support for our members.
• B. Engage a wide set of stakeholders in addressing the burgeoning industrialization of space and the degradation of the night sky from space and from the ground.
• C. Be an effective scientific voice and advocate for addressing and mitigating climate change.
• D. Engage AAS membership more deeply in policy advocacy.

3. Improve astronomical science dissemination, scientific publication and literacy, STEM education, and professional learning across all career paths chosen by astronomers.

• A. Emphasize the role of the AAS in professional development and increase the number of development opportunities for our members throughout the year.
• B. Build a college-to-career pipeline for new AAS undergraduate members.
• C. Support and enhance formal and informal science education initiatives that make astronomy relevant and accessible.
• D. Ensure ethical scientific standards and behavior in the AAS member community.
• E. Enable open access for scientific content in our journals.

4. Cultivate our network of partnerships to strengthen new initiatives, advance our mission, and strive toward our vision.

• A. Recruit and organize a larger pool of volunteers from our member community.
• B. Enlarge and broaden the AAS member community.
• C. Deepen the AAS relevance to and interaction with astronomy advocates (e.g., AAVSO, NPS, OCA, and many others) as well as the public.
• D. Create a liaison group that pairs AAS members with specific organizations, giving those organizations connection to and investment in the AAS.

5. Improve transparency and interconnections among the AAS Board, Divisions, Committees, and Members to accomplish our goals.

• A. Enhance transparency and communication between our Board, Divisions, and Strategic Assembly.
• B. Enhance communication between Society leaders and members.
• C. Establish training, documentation, and onboarding processes for volunteers at all levels.
• D. Increase the operational efficiency of our governance structure.
• E. Leverage wealth of AAS reports for community use and engagement.