Chapter Starter Kit:

Introduction to SEDS-USA and the Chapter Starter Kit

Starter Kit

The following is the SEDS-USA starter kit. This starter kit is a group effort based off of the former kit wonderfully designed by Cherish Bauer in 1994 and restructured by Mark Schaffer and Alex Rechenmacher in 2004. These are a list of rules, guidelines, and suggestions that will help your chapter to become both strong in numbers and in participation. In addition, it will be explained to you how to become an official chapter of SEDS.

Explained in the following pages is a brief history of SEDS and its purpose, including the duties and privileges given to its chapters and their members. We will cover the structure of SEDS-USA and the basic structure of one of its chapters.

Finally, we will be covering the heart of the expansion kit, which is, quite simply, steps and ideas to be considered for chapter initiation. This will include suggestions not only for structure and leadership, but of course for activities and fundraising as well. You will find that there are many small parts that go into becoming an official organization. The level of work that you and your fellow students undertake will dictate the level of involvement and success you see

History of SEDS

Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) was founded on the campuses of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University in 1980. Peter Diamandis and Todd Hawley, the founders and original members, formed the society with the simple vision of uniting students with the common enthusiasm of one day exploring and developing that which lies beyond our atmosphere. During its lifetime, SEDS has seen incredible levels of success and at one point consisted of over 60 chapters worldwide and was globally recognized amongst the space community.

SEDS Mission Statement

SEDS is an independent, student-based organization which promotes the exploration and development of space. SEDS pursues this mission by educating people about the benefits of space, by supporting a network of interested students, by providing an opportunity for members to develop their leadership skills, and by inspiring people through our involvement in space-related projects. SEDS believes in a space-faring civilization, and that focusing the enthusiasm of young people is the key to our future in space.

SEDS-USA and Its Chapters

SEDS-USA is a federation of student space chapters located throughout the United States. The heart of SEDS lies in the chapters that compose it, while Nationals remains a governing body, as well as a channel of communication between the independent chapters. The national organization allows for the chapters to communicate to the larger world by collectively voicing its goals and ideas to the world as a conglomeration of many hundreds of students. Simply put, however, without its chapters, SEDS has no voice to convey. Our strength relies on the many students who support it and participate actively in it.

SEDS Individual Membership Program

There are three different levels of membership categories for SEDS members:

1. Chapter Member
2. Student (Non-Chapter)
3. Non-Student

The student (non-chapter) and non-student member will receive many of the benefits associated with being a national chapter as far as SEDS-USA is concerned, including a limited voice in the Council of Chapters (explained later) as well as personal copies of the newsletter , NOVA. The non-chapter members will not be expected to pay the same dues expected of an entire chapter, but annual dues of a smaller sort will be required. These members will, however, not receive the benefits of a well-organized chapter. These will include a national vote on issues and consideration for elected positions, barring unforeseen circumstances. It is strongly recommended that all non-member students make an attempt to join a nearby chapter.

In addition, it is expected that non-chapter students attempt to begin an actual chapter at their school/university. Non-chapter students will often receive (in addition to the newsletter) mailings encouraging them to start a new chapter.

Youth Involvement

SEDS is the world’s only youth-dedicated international space society. There are many societies around the world, but their leaderships tend to be comprised of accomplished and senior space professionals. SEDS is comprised strictly of students and is a space interest group , not a professional society. All decisions and policies are determined by students, and all work is done by students. The distinguishing quality of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space is that we are the only space society that will allow you, the student, to play an active and vital role in its future.

A fundamental principle behind SEDS is that one learns best by doing. We apply this concept by giving youth a chance to get valuable experience working with other SEDS members and industry professionals. You will find that through SEDS, you will make contacts and friends that will last a lifetime.