Information for AAS Agents

A large number of practicing scientists in our discipline do not belong to the AAS. The Society works for everyone in the astronomical sciences — managing journals, organizing meetings, providing career and educational resources, and advocating for our discipline in Washington — all services essential to the success of our field and the individuals who work in it. Everyone who is involved in our efforts to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe can support the Society’s work through membership and service with the AAS.

The long term health of the Society depends on a culture of membership that starts with undergraduate and graduate students. AAS Agents can work with departments to ensure all students can join the Society.

Undergraduates can join for just $41, or they can get a free membership by joining their local chapter of the Society of Physics Students for $24.

Agents can help support membership for graduate students by encouraging their departments to participate in a special program offered by the AAS: if a department supports 2 years of a graduate student's member dues ($144), the AAS will match this and offer four total years of membership.

This would be a concrete symbol of welcoming students to the profession while establishing membership as an important (and routine) part of being an astronomer, astrophysicist, planetary scientist, dynamicist, heliophysicist, etc.

Most departments and observatories have a regular tea, wine and cheese party, pizza lunch, etc. A portion of one of these events that gathers a large fraction of the local population could be dedicated to providing information about the AAS and fielding questions. Strange as it may seem, many astronomers don’t realize that the Society owns and manages the highest-impact astronomy journals in the world, that it provides state-of-the-art conference-organizing services for topical meetings, that it hosts a variety of resources and runs programs for public education, and that it serves as a highly effective voice in Washington for advancing our field and in supporting federal investment in research and education. There are many opportunities for astronomers at all levels to become involved through AAS divisions, committees, working groups, and programs such as Astronomy Ambassadors and Communicating With Washington. A more knowledgeable and involved membership makes for a stronger and more effective Society.

An Agent can host such a talk annually to introduce themselves and ensure new department members are aware of the AAS, and of the role the Agent plays.

The Society exists to serve its members. The Board of Trustees, a number of committees, and the Executive Office constantly evaluate the Society’s programs and think about ways to improve what we offer. However, we are far from the sole repository of good ideas; broader consultation can only be helpful. Agents can serve as a local conduit to the AAS, ensuring communications go to the right place in the Society.

Crucial policy issues require citizen participation. When a major policy decision is about to be made, letters, calls, and visits to Congress by astronomers in each state and district can produce large effects. Having local agents who can walk into a colleague’s office instead of hoping he or she responds to a mass email would substantially boost our effectiveness. Agents can also contact colleagues who are not members of the Society and forward AAS Action Alerts to them.

First, there will be a reception at each winter AAS meeting for the Agents at which we will exchange information, collect feedback, and thank you for your efforts. Secondly, we will make available to each Agent one half-price registration discount for one AAS meeting per year for a designee of your choosing.

• The AAS Topical Conference Series
• Content of AAS Meetings (Session Types, etc.)
• List of Future Winter & Summer AAS Meetings
• List of Past Winter & Summer AAS Meetings
• How to Register for AAS Meetings

• About AAS Journals
• AAS Journals & Other Publications
• Author Instructions and Resources

• Benefits of Membership
• Classes of Membership
• Dues & Subscription Fees
• New Individual Membership
• Renewing or Reinstating Membership

• AAS Bylaws
• AAS Mission & Vision Statement
• AAS Strategic Plan
• Current AAS Board of Trustees
• AAS Executive Office Staff (member log in required)

Agents maintain a group mailing list and other forms of internal communication. Agents' first point of contact with the Society are the Society's membership department and the Lead Agent.