Minnesota Astronomical Society Membership
Many activities of the Minnesota Astronomical Society are open to the public. Our monthly meetings,
star parties, web site, forum-based discussion list and MAS e-mail list are available to all.
While meetings and star parties are open to all and in fact everyone is greatly encouraged to attend, MAS membership provides other substantial, tangible benefits, along with participating in a society of people sharing a common interest.
Your membership provides access to member-only benefits, such as keyholder privileges allowing use of any of the MAS observing sites and telescopes. MAS members also become affiliate members to the Astronomical League, qualifying for their observing programs designed to expand your astronomical abilities. Members also receive discounted prices for magazine subscriptions and books through the Astronomical League.
Your membership dollars and patron donations also provide the MAS with the financial resources needed to maintain and develop the great facilities and services enjoyed by members and non-members alike.
Follow this link for a comprehensive list of all the services and benefits the members of the Society enjoy.
Membership Levels
Regular Membership
This is the basic membership level for the Society.
Regular members have access to all the benefits of membership. A
regular membership includes the entire household of the member of record.
(Only one copy of the Society's newsletter is provided, and only the member
of record can vote on business matters.)
Membership dues are renewed every year on the anniversary of
date the membership application was processed by the Society.
Patron Membership
The ''Patron Member'' level is for individuals who have the
wherewithal and interest in supporting the MAS with an additional annual
donation, above the regular membership rate. The patron membership
dues are set at two-and-a-half times the regular membership rate.
The additional money collected from patron members
accumulates in a ''Special Projects'' fund that is used to fund things that
are not covered by the Society's annual operating budget such as observing
site improvements or purchasing new equipment.
Patron members receive all the benefits of regular
membership, plus recognition in each month's issue of the Society's
newsletter. The Society may also sponsor special events exclusively
for patron members.
Student Membership
Individuals who are full-time students qualify for the
''Student Membership'' rate. The benefits are the same as those of
a regular membership, except that only the individual, not the household, is
covered. (Note that some benefits of membership, such as keyholder status at
an observatory, have age-specific restrictions.)
How to Join the MAS
Join using PayPal
You can join online using PayPal by following the ''Use Paypal'' link in the left-hand margin.
|
PayPal users must supply a ''shipping address''
when prompted by PayPal! This is the address the MAS will use to
mail your copy of the newsletters, supply for your optional subscription Sky and
Telescope and for all other correspondence.
By using PayPal you agree to
release MAS from liability for loss or damages incurred from using
the PayPal system.
|
(Note that dues for those using PayPal are slightly higher due to the
transaction fees charged to the MAS by PayPal. Please refer to the
PayPal ''User Agreement'' at www.paypal.com
to fully understand the risks and costs of using PayPal.)
Join by mail or in person
You can pick up a membership form at the Society's monthly meetings, or
you can print one from this web site by following the ''Membership Form'' link in the left-hand margin.
You can also request a form by mail (see below for address), by leaving a message on our telephone answering service (952-467-2426) or by sending an email request to Info@MnAstro.org. (For all these options, please supply your full name, a complete mailing address, an evening telephone number and your email address, if you have one.)
The address for membership form requests and submission of applications forms and dues (new or renewal) is:
Minnesota Astronomical Society
P.O. Box 14931
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Attn: Membership Coordinator
PLEASE NOTE:
Membership applications and renewals, whether submitted through PayPal or in the mail, are processed by our membership coordinator at least once per month, generally on a mid month weekend day. Although our intent is to process them more often than the single mid-month time, it is a relatively time consuming volunteer activity that must be balanced against other priorities. We ask for your understanding as it may take a few days to several weeks to process of your application or renewal and for you to receive confirmation.
Please consider yourself a member as soon as you send in your application by mail or submit your PayPal application and take advantage of our monthly meetings, star parties, Onan public nights and other special activities such as the monthly Beginners' Special Interest Group meetings. For the schedule of these activities and more, follow the ''Events Calendar'' link in the left hand column.
| 