ANNOUNCEMENT OF
The
National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), in partnership with the Society of
Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) invites you to apply to become an NRAO
Navigator to the public for calendar year 2006/2007.
Highly
motivated individuals will be given the opportunity to represent NRAO as
volunteer Navigators to the public for a one-year, renewable term beginning
July 1, 2007. Applications will be accepted from June 1 through June 30.
The NRAO
Navigator Program is an informal education effort accomplished by motivated
volunteers across the nation who communicates NRAO's
mission and the excitement of radio astronomy to general public audiences.
These volunteer Navigators become an extended part of NRAO's
team and an important interface between the Radio Astronomy community and the
populace at large.
Background
Currently, this program is in trial. The program and selection
process could change drastically as we implement the program during this pilot
year. Volunteers are being sought
from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the
The
Navigators Program aims to engage highly-motivated volunteers who have the
means and initiative to share the excitement of space exploration in standard
and diverse ways with their local community members. Navigators reach broad
sectors of the general public that are often unaware of NRAO's
ongoing scientific efforts. Their enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, radio
astronomy personalizes the experience of learning about our local neighborhood
in space, and the Universe beyond.
Training Navigators
Each
Navigator participates in online (telephone and web-based) training sessions to
acquaint them with the NRAO mission and provide interaction with NRAO
scientists, engineers and project team members. These training sessions educate
Navigators about NRAO program guidelines; provide them with solid, general
background on NRAO efforts.
Navigator's Role
By
imparting their knowledge, energy and enthusiasm for Radio Astronomy,
Navigators serve as key members of NRAO's volunteer
public outreach team. Using materials provided by NRAO, and the knowledge
acquired during the training sessions, Navigators will present simple hands-on
programs to the general public, school groups and youth groups, which features the use of the Itty Bitty Radio Telescope. NRAO
will provide Navigators with brochures, hand-outs and other materials such as powerpoint presentations and
videos to use in these presentations.
Navigators' Responsibility
Navigators
highlight the mission of NRAO and general information about radio astronomy. Navigators
are asked to conduct at least four community-based events per year, or
approximately one event every three months. During the course of the year, Navigators
will reach 100 people.
The Ideal Navigator Candidate
· has an active interest in radio astronomy.
· has a genuine desire to share knowledge about radio astronomy.
· has demonstrated ability in public engagement and/or disseminating information.
· has the initiative and ingenuity to engage his/her community in learning about NRAO's efforts
· establishes contacts with local institutions.
· builds strong ties with the community.
· inspires community youth to seek careers in science and technology.
· submits a well-thought-out, complete application.
· participates in online training sessions and/or reviews archives.
· keeps up with Navigators Program email and web postings.
· makes the best responsible use of the materials provided.
· reports on events in a timely manner using an on-line form provided.
Navigators
come from diverse backgrounds and professions including, but not limited to,
education, science center, museum, planetarium, engineering, parks and
recreation, medicine and accounting. Qualified individuals who propose a viable
plan for their four events may be selected for a one-year, renewable term as a
volunteer Navigator to the public. Please join the NRAO Navigator program in
bringing the pursuit of knowledge about NRAO's radio
astronomy program to your neighborhood.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS June 30, 2006.
Selections will be made and applicants notified ASAP.
Apply by completing the on-line application form at this link (PDF).