Meteorologist Brandon Hoving

Meteorologist Brandon Hoving

Local AMS/NWA Chapter News

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Fall Media Day Seminar 2010

Overview

About the AMS About the NWA Why a local chapter? Local chapter timeline Goals for SW Michigan Chapter Challenges to address

American Meteorological Society

Founded in 1919 > 14,000 members Publishes 9 journals Sponsors 12 conferences annually Offers undergraduate scholarships and

graduate fellowships each year Administers CBM and CCM programs ~125 local chapters, including 40

student chapters $90/yr to be a member, $40/yr for

student

American Meteorological Society in Michigan

Two local student chapters in Michigan

U of M, founded in 2000

CMU, founded in 2002 Southeast Michigan

Chapter of the AMS disbanded several years ago

That leaves no professional level chapters in the state

National Weather Association

Founded in 1975 > 3,000 members Publishes the National Weather Association

Digest, and offers an electronic journal Sponsors 6 conferences annually Offers annual awards and scholarships Provides NWA Seal of Approval 30 local chapters Tailored to operational meteorology $45-$57/yr to be a member, $18-$30 for student

National Weather Association in Michigan

No student or professional chapters currently exist

Nearest chapter is Valparaiso, IN at Valpo U.

We will be the first chapter in Michigan (Alpha Rho…?)

Why a Local Chapter?

The AMS and NWA consider them the “backbone” of their respective organizations

Local chapters are autonomous and only loosely governed by the parent organizations

The AMS and NWA offer resources and expertise to local chapters in a wide range of areas

Weather Analysis and Forecasting Societal Impacts Aviation Meteorology Climate Change Numerous others

Why a Local Chapter?

Impact of having a local chapter (BAMS, Vol. 84, No. 10)

Hosting speakers and lecturers Touring local meteorological facilities Supporting science fairs and serving as judges Supporting K-12 teachers as science advisors Organizing and hosting regional conferences Offering career counseling Developing relationships and making new contacts Funding scholarships and academic awards Many others…

Timeline

Informal talks aboutforming local chapter

Spring 2009

08.05.10

Initial email sentto generate interest

09.24.10

Petitions signed and sent to AMS/NWA 10.28.10

AMS gives approval

NWA givesapproval

11.11.10

12.04.10

First jointchapter meeting

scheduled

Aug

Sept Oct Nov Dec2009

2010

Goals for SW Michigan Chapter

Early on…Develop bylaws (already working on it)Elect officersFamiliarize faces with namesBrainstorm ideas as a groupDetermine frequency of meetingsDevelop a website

Goals for SW Michigan Chapter

Later on…FundraisingSpeaker seriesLocal workshopRegional conferenceWorld domination

Challenges to Address

Rotating meeting locations…

Lakeshore

Kalamazoo

Grand RapidsLansing

Battle Creek

Challenges to Address

Jumpstarting and then maintaining interest

Why should people come?Provide incentives for people to

attend……But enthusiasm goes a long way

toward motivationDon’t allow meetings to get business-

like (yawn) Publicity and communication will be

vital

End

Southwest Michigan Chapter

AMS and NWAFounded in 2010