46 North Astronomy Club Membership Guidelines

1. Who the Club is for

The Club is for neighbors, families, students, teachers, casual skywatchers, and anyone who enjoys looking up. Members do not need to own a telescope, have a science background, or already know the night sky.

2. Membership categories

Membership categories may be created or revised by 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. as the Club develops. Possible categories may include individual members, household members, youth or student participants, educator participants, volunteer participants, supporting members, and community partners.

Membership categories, dues, benefits, and participation expectations may change as the Club grows and as the 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. Board of Directors approves program structure and financial procedures.

3. Dues and fees

The Club may charge member dues or program fees when approved by 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. Dues and fees help support approved Club activities such as public observing, educational materials, outreach, equipment, volunteer training, and member programs.

Member dues, program fees, donations, and other Club-related funds are funds of 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. and are handled through Center-approved financial procedures.

4. Member input and voting

Club members may provide input, recommend activities, help with planning, volunteer at events, and participate in Club discussions. Club membership does not create voting rights in 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. unless such rights are specifically created by the Center’s bylaws or by action of the 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. Board of Directors.

5. Youth members and families

Youth participation is encouraged through family activities, school outreach, student leadership opportunities, observing assistance, and approved youth programs. Youth participation may require parent or guardian permission, adult supervision, school coordination, or partner rules depending on the activity.

Youth members may have meaningful voice and responsibility, but minors may not hold roles that require legal, financial, contractual, or governance authority on behalf of the Club or 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc.

6. Volunteer expectations

Volunteers may help with greeting participants, parking flow, check-in, beginner questions, telescope setup, safety support, school outreach, communications, equipment care, and event cleanup. Volunteer roles may require orientation, safety review, youth protection expectations, or additional approval depending on the activity.

7. Use of Club identity and resources

Members and volunteers may use approved 46 North Astronomy Club materials, equipment, branding, and communication channels only for authorized Club activities. The Club’s name, branding, equipment, websites, accounts, records, and program identity are part of the 46 North Astronomy Center structure.

8. Conduct and participation limits

Members and participants are expected to be respectful, welcoming, safe, and community-minded. 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. may limit, suspend, or end a person’s participation in Club activities when needed for safety, youth protection, conduct, legal, financial, insurance, or community-trust reasons.

9. Updates

These membership guidelines may be updated by 46 North Astronomy Center, Inc. as the Club develops.