Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Why form a special interest group, or "SIG"?

Of course, members can always meet on their own without creating a SIG, but forming a SIG offers special advantages. SIGs are promoted at general meetings, through Gemini -- the Society's monthly newsletter -- and via the Society's web page. SIGs may also receive financial support and insurance coverage under the policy maintained by the MAS (both require approval by the MAS Board

How are SIGs created?

If a SIG does not already exist for your area of interest, propose one using this process:

Create a descriptive name for your group.
Outline a purpose for the SIG. Draft a "mission statement" for why this group needs to be created and what it will do.
Describe how the SIG conforms to and supports the general interests and goals of the Society.
In addition to a SIG coordinator, enlist two other members in good standing to become charter members of the SIG.
Present all of the above to the Board for consideration, either in person at a monthly Board meeting, or via e-mail (send to MASBoard@mnastro.org).

The Board will review your suggestion and ensure it is consistent with the goals and interests of the Society, and consistent with the MAS constitution, by-laws and rules.

How do SIGs operate?

SIG operation is dependant on the desires of the participants. Some may have regular meetings. Others may use e-mail communications as their forum.

Regardless of how the SIG's participants structure their activities, each coordinator must submit a brief, monthly summary of activity to the board prior to its monthly meeting. The report can be by e-mail, or in person at the Board meeting. (The main reason for this requirement is to have an idea of what your SIG is doing so that the board can promote it to the rest of the MAS.)

[Note: The Board may terminate a special interest group if no activity exists in the group for more than a year. After that time, the SIG can simply be restarted again using the guidelines outlined above.]

How do SIGs maintain their web page?

SIG members can update their web pages by downloading small files containing their content, modifying them and then e-mailing them to web master for publication. Please see www.mnastro.org/mnastro/sigs/instructions.htm for details.