It seems over half the club even goes to the Christmas Party, point being people join for many reasons. I know a few who simply want to support SLAS efforts through a $20 donation. SLAS has been welcoming for a long time, finding friends goes both ways and you cannot force friendships. Something that attracts one person will be a turnoff for others, I don't go to star parties to inform them about anything but the beauty of the night sky. Meaningless triva detracts from the exprience, focus on where the object lies in a distance scale not specific numbers. When distance comes up on this list it seems there is always a source that assigns a different number.
I agree with what has been said here but specific solutions are hard to institute. SLAS has made a concerted effort in the last 8 years at public relations. The ZAP Grant has helped, although random give aways might not be the best way put the telescopes in deserving hand. Winning them on merit sounds better, it seems to me kids appreciate earning something. The ZAP Grant comes with restrictions mandated by state law that limits what we can do for the public school system with it. I have been disappointed that the grant has not been used in some way to benefit the schools, but the BOD needs to research what is legal. We put out an information brochure and certainly the Harmon's Observatory has attracted many. I would also include our partnership with Bryce Canyon with the july Astrofest. Botttom line, SLAS certainly has many benefits of membership, and this is why we attract members. It would be interesting to see astro society membership as a per capita relationship. 200 seems in line with the population of the Wasatch Front. The temperature of the winter nights also seems to be factor. Pheonix has a couple of clubs with nearly 200 members and a scattering of 3 or 4 other groups. You have to go to Orange Co to find groups with over 500. The Rose City Astronomers in Portland does will with focusing on member observing with few public events. Perhaps SLAS is too focused on public star parties and not enough on the membership. With a busy public schedule you stress the volunteers with public events it makes it harder to find time for the general membership. Either way be careful what you wish for, size isn't everything. Club events on weekdays are always going to fail, most people work for a living and a good lively hood is always going to be more important than Amateur Astronomy, regardless of you might have heard. As for OAS, perhaps have your ALCOR contact the AL, they have resources for Societies wishing to grow and develop. OAS, may also suffer because of it proximity to Salt Lake City and SPOC. Erik
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