Please allow me to introduce myself, Sandra Robinson, Director of Volunteer Activities for the newly created Massachusetts Academy of Sciences. Let me begin by thanking you for expressing an interest in volunteering for the Academy. Volunteers are an integral part of the MAS team. Indeed, as a non-profit organization, we are dependent upon the efforts of people like you.
The goal of this letter is to provide a short summary of the variety of volunteer opportunities available. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to provide some sense of how we could best use your particular talents. Please don't hesitate to propose new volunteer activities for consideration.
MAS Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer at MAS headquarters: (UMass Amherst)
For those in the local area there are a variety of administrative opportunities available for volunteers, including stuffing envelopes.
Visit and Report on Museums, Parks and Zoos:
Have a favorite museum? Go for a visit, take notes on what you see, perhaps even snap a few photos and then send us your thoughts. We will even provide a "Museum Field Trip" form for you to use as you record your experiences. Let's share our love of science and spread the news about the wealth of science-based destinations in the Commonwealth!
Lobby your Legislators:
The MAS is working to become a primary resource at the local and state level to inform the legislature regarding science-based issues. You can help us accomplish this goal by speaking to your local legislators and simply spreading the good word about the creation of the Massachusetts Academy of Sciences. We can provide brochures, slide shows, or even visit your town to help in your efforts.
Invite MAS to visit your town:
Is your child's school having a science fair? Does your PTA need help thinking about the importance of science education? Does your town have a challenging scientific issue to address? Send us an email and we will work with you to determine how best to fill your needs. We are available to attend your children's science fairs. The MAS President is happy to speak at your PTA or town meetings. We are here to serve your needs.
Spread the good word:
Want to volunteer but can't commit very much time? How about placing brochures in your library or town hall? We will send you brochures, flyers and posters for distribution.
If you have a bit more time, let us train you to present an MAS slide show for use at K-12 schools, PTA, town hall, or whatever organization you feel might be interested in our goals.
If you want to do a bit more traveling, we need volunteers to attend local and national meetings. Our meeting - volunteers set up our exhibit booth, meet attendees and sign up new members, show off Monty (our ball python), and just chat with interest people. We will try to provide resources to help defray your travel expenses.
Contribute to our web site:
Are you a writer or simply want to say something about science? We welcome contributions to our "hot topics", "MA science" and "just for kids" pages.
Recruit new members and volunteers:
Is there a devoted science teacher in your community, a budding young scientist, or a science-loving philanthropist? Bring them to the web site or give them a brochure and let us know their names so we can contact them directly.
Do any of these activities interest you? Do you have other volunteer ideas you wish to share? Please don't hesitate to contact me and I would be happy to tailor a volunteer experience that will meet your interests and needs. We are a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers – we will only survive if people like you are willing to give a bit of your time.
Check out the . If you are interested in attending conferences with MAS, this is the place to look for specific dates and locations. In particular, please note that we will be attending the Shutesbury Science Fair on May 8th and National Astronomy Day on May 10th. If you know of meetings you think we should attend, please send me the details.
