NASA Looking for Ambassadors

[sloracer]

News Release: 2004-243 September 29, 2004<br /><br />NASA Recruits Community Outreach Volunteers for 2005<br /><br />Calling all space buffs! NASA's Solar System Ambassadors program is recruiting more volunteers to spread the marvel of space science and exploration across the nation. <br /><br />Applications for Solar System Ambassador positions are being accepted through NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., until Oct. 15. Those from underserved areas are especially encouraged to apply. <br /><br />"Ideal candidates are ambitious and able to actively personalize the space program for their communities," said Kay Ferrari, national coordinator for the Solar System Ambassadors program, based at JPL. "These volunteers are enthusiastic about space exploration and come from all walks of life." <br /><br />"As a Solar System Ambassador in Rochester, N.Y., I have made a number of presentations in the last few years to minority, inner-city, underserved groups such as low-income rural schools, church organizations and fraternity youth events," said Earle Kyle, a consultant and former engineer and physicist for military and aerospace organizations. He has been a Solar System Ambassador for two years.<br /><br />"I think the best answer to today's challenge of getting kids interested in pursuing engineering and science degrees is the cutting edge technology of NASA and JPL," Kyle said. "We need as many bright brains as we can gather to keep us at the forefront of all the relevant technologies. The Solar System Ambassadors program can play a significant role."<br /><br />The program consists of more than 370 volunteer ambassadors who have committed to organizing and carrying out at least four public outreach activities a year. JPL provides them with educational materials and training sessions, including videos, NASA mission updates and contacts with mission scientists. <br /><br />"Living in Corbin, a small town in rural

 

[halman]

sloracer,<br /><br />Thank you for posting this information. This program is certainly needed to raise awareness of the challenges and rewards that space exploration involves. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> The secret to peace of mind is a short attention span. </div>

 

[jmilsom]

Hmmm. Pity they don't have an international arm. Space exploration is one of those few things that seems to be to inspire and unite humanity - where national boundaries mean nothing. My idea of a great job, would be to bring all nations rich and poor into the space research effort. <br /><br />While each country has its own office, the only transational organisation I know of is a tiny UN agency called OOSA. The Office for Outer Space Affairs, that was set up to promote international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[jmilsom]

For anyone interested, OOSA's home page is here:<br /><br />http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/index.html<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[juwong]

thanks, sloracer<br />NASA is doing a good job. its Solar System Ambassadors program make people from coast to coast, from the deep valley to the high mountain, know about what the space. perhaps that's why so many people would send their taxes to the up-high sky.<br /><br />wish NASA get his job well done.<br />BTW, i'd like to be one of the Ambassadors,<br />but i'm not in American. hrr.......

 

[sloracer]

Well, it wouldn't hurt if some of us wrote to them suggesting that they set up an International branch of Ambassadors. I will, how about you? <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />