Attendees:
Drs. Lieberman, Pitkow, Panah, Nelson, Messer, Case, Jordan, Safko, Brenner, Elfner, Berman, Hsi, Thompson and Nash.
President Leslie Lieberman called the conference to order at 11:30 p.m. A motion to adopt the agenda (Appendix A1) was made and seconded (Elf/Safko). The agenda was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
President Lieberman introduced new faces in the Board: Steven T. Case (Mississippi Academy of Science and Ronald J. Nash (Colorado/Wyoming Academy of Science).
President Lieberman began by welcoming and thanking those attending the 2001 Annual Meeting.
The first order of business was the report on efforts involving the on-going court case, which is attempting to achieve a definition of abandonment as applies to the Columbus America Discovery Group (CADG). The President spent over forty preparatory hours in contact time researching to satisfy Dr. Jordan's request for a vote on said case. The vote supports a new legal action. The President has informed the Board's decision to Mr. Paul Robel, lawyer for CADG. The President further cautioned the Board and emphasized being careful in the future concerning endorsements of commercial organizations especially when there is legal and ethical controversy among knowledgeable scientists. The President further did not recommend any set policy, and felt that each case should be evaluated and treated on its own merits.
President Lieberman with the Planning Committee of NAAS (i.e. Drs. Messer, Nelson and Brenner), traveled to San Francisco (June 8-11, 2000) to visit the Annual Meeting site of NAAS/AJAS/AAAS. The President mentioned that we have an extensive schedule of activities to be reported by Dr. Messer. The Board will meet on Thursday (2/15); the Breakfast with Scientists being on Friday and the Assembly of Delegates Meeting/Workshop on Saturday. She mentioned that the programming committee has discussed the possibility of focusing on increasing the effectiveness of media relations with NAAS and the state academies of science.
President Lieberman also reported that she has submitted detailed information on the NAAS history, mission, structure, activities, finances, etc. to be listed in the Nature Directory of Science and Technology. This enormous directory (about 4000 page plus) is being prepared for global distribution.
At the same time, she requested affiliate academies to submit their individual information for this international directory. She reported that Dr. Panah notified state academies requesting they submit their listings to this organization.
President Lieberman stated that during the up-coming annual meeting we would like to discuss the development of a 3-5 year long-range/strategic plan for NAAS. We will use Mr. Lynn Elfner's 1999 workshop information as a basis for our planning.
Dr. Lieberman sought advice from the Board regarding the content of the Evolution Alert! Packet she is planning to send to each state academy, which was approved by the Delegates at last year's workshop on Evolution and Scientific Creationism. This was a response, in part, to the Kansas School Board decision. She mentioned that this had been rectified recently.
President Lieberman sought the approval of the Board for the attached 2000-2001 NAAS Committee List, and she thanked Dr. Pitkow (President-elect) for his cooperation and advice in this matter.
Addendum to the president's Report on Tax-exempt status of the NAAS in Washington DC: President Lieberman reported that she, along with Drs. Nelson and Safko have contacted our legal representatives in the District of Columbia, as well as the Office of Tax and Revenue and the Office of Recorder of Deeds (by phone, fax and mail), and have filed appropriate papers to establish or reestablish the NAAS' Tax exempt status. She further emphasized that although she worked on this matter since last spring through the summer; still, our status remains unclear. Elfner questioned: are we filing Tax return form 990? Nelson answered: we are. President Lieberman: we are not talking about Tax-exemption from IRS, we are concerned only about our Tax-exempt status in Washington DC, where they have their own rules and regulations. Considering that four years from now we will be meeting in Washington, it is important for us to clear this matter. Nelson: considering that NAAS was chartered in Washington DC, we still have to pay a $250 Lawyers' fee every two years to tell the to pay a $250 Lawyers' fee every two years to tell the District of Columbia government that we are chartered in Washington. This is not sales tax that we are talking about. It is called a filing fee for the privilege of providing a form called a Two Year Report for Non-profit Foreign and Domestic Corporations. The filing fee is $50 in addition to the lawyer's fee mentioned above. The total expense for this reporting requirement every two years is $300.
A motion (Pitkow/Safko) was made to accept the report of the President, which was carried.
Assad Panah reported that he has participated and recorded the minutes of the NAAS Conference Call Meeting, which was held on September 1, 2000. The copy of minutes was mailed to the board members for review, and the final copy submitted to the board for approval in the 2001 Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Panah reported he has updated the online version of the NAAS Directory, Proceeding and Handbook.
Panah reported that he has collected, compiled, formatted, and submitted an updated copy of the online version and hard copy of the NAAS Directory, Proceedings and Handbook to Dr. Safko's office for publication in the URL. A hard copy of the NAAS Proceedings, Directory, and Handbook was mailed to each board member. Panah informed the board about the difficulties he had in collecting the information from the affiliate academies. He has contacted twelve academies who have failed to send updated information for enclosure in the "Directory," by July 2000 he was able to receive updated information from 7/12.
The delinquent academies are: Colorado/Wyoming Academy of Science, Louisiana Academy of science, Oregon Academy of Science, South Dakota Academy of Science, Washington Academy of Science.
Panah indicated that he has collected the NAAS Officers' report and the agenda for 2001 Annual Meeting and distributed it to the board members.
Panah informed the board that he has conducted the necessary correspondences of the Association and performed duties routinely relevant to his office. In this regard, he communicated with the senior administrative associate of AAAS and other organizations who inquired information regarding the NAAS and affiliated academies.
A motion was made and seconded (Pitkow/Thompson) to accept the secretary's report and was carried. Panah proposed that we consider publishing 100 hard copies of the "Directory, Proceedings and Handbook," to distribute to each affiliate academy. Hsi suggested and Lieberman recommended that the page on historical perspectives that include the roster of past presidents, and awardees; as well as the geographic location of past meetings of the NAAS be included in the "Directory." It was suggested that hard copies of the "Directory" be mailed to the secretary (Safko and Elfner) with a copy of the letter to the President of each affiliate academy (Pitkow). Nelson requested that invoice be sent to his office.
A motion was made (Elfner/Thompson) "NAAS secretary print and mail not to more than 100 hard copies of the 2000-2001 NAAS Directory for distribution to NAAS Board and the secretary of the affiliate academies with a notification to the president, archivist of NAAS (2 copies), and others providing that the total printing and mailing cost not exceed $1000." Motion carried.
A motion to approve the Board Minutes of February 17, 2000, and the Board Minutes of September 1, 2000 Conference Call was made and seconded (Hsi/Thompson). Motion passed with one abstention.
Edward Nelson reported that page 5 shows estimated budget of 2001 AJAS/AAAS convention expenses. He reported that this account was very active in January and the early half of February, because some vendors requested full payment before we arrive in San Francisco. Also, there will be activity after the meeting. Nelson further indicated he would point out to the auditing committee that according to page 5, the estimated surplus of the Association is $2,399 and we are therefore not in the "red." As a matter of fact, considering the additional $30,000 CD soon to mature we will add a considerable sum to our income. Furthermore this indicates that the expenses of this meeting will not erode our reserves. The estimated cash flow in the table (p. 5) shows that we will have sufficient funds on hand to meet all anticipated expenses of the convention. Nelson referred to p. 5 of his report for the list of collected $ amounts. Nelson indicated that the accounts of the Association are growing and the Association is a dynamic operation, this ever-increasing activity, which presents difficulties for a non-accountant to keep up with. He mentioned that he brought a large pack of documents including cancelled checks and receipts to enable the Auditing Committee to review and audit the account. But, he needs them returned for submission of his 2000 Tax form 990.
Pitkow questioned the estimated cost of the NAAS workshop buffet (usually 30-35 people), which is listed as $6,500 in Nelson's report (p. 5). President Lieberman mentioned that it could cost significantly less, but we must keep in mind that there are additional charges for rental equipment. Nelson asked the Board to revise that number to $4,000. Elfner inquired about underwriting the costs by AAAS. Messer mentioned that AAAS provides us with rooms, projection and screen systems, microphones, sandwiches, and a discount of our registration fee (from $300 to $250). Elfner: I think we should acknowledge and record AAAS's underwriting. Elfner suggested that we itemize lists of underwriting for summer Conference Call Meeting and send a letter to AAAS. Brenner suggested that the letter should not go beyond Mike Stauss. Nelson mentioned that to date we have used a spreadsheet to report our finances, procedures, which was suggested by AAAS management to our previous Treasurer Ollin Drennan (MO) (who was in this position for 9 years).
Nelson reported that he was successful collecting 80% of the dues. There are some academies that they are big spenders such as New York and Maryland, but still they have not yet paid their dues. Safko commented that the treasurer could obtain the current address of the New York Academy of Science from Panah. Nelson expressed his concerns about the number of students who participated in the 2001 Annual Meeting. The total number 226 fell below the estimated number and further indicated that we are overflowing with adult participants. The number of rooms that were reserved for us by AAAS in each category of participants did not fulfill the planned reservations so Hilton San Francisco and Towers increased their price for the additional adult rooms $10/person/night. This causes a slight imbalance between the amount of housing fees collected and the amount that will be spent. Pitkow indicated that examination of the table of "Attendance'" (Joan's report) shows that except the 2000 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, the number of delegates was not significantly low: i.e. 1999 Anaheim, 110; 1998 Philadelphia, 105; 1997 Seattle, 116; etc.
Nelson further demonstrated that he has used a new spreadsheet, which is different from the one submitted at this meeting. He further explained that he made a serious mistake when entering the total assets (p. 4) and it should read $108,701.
Nelson emphasized the importance of his last paragraph of his report in which he stated that: "All the board members who signed the bank documents in 1999 are authorized to make telephone inquires at our bank, and any one of them can carry on the treasurer's functions in my absence, until another treasurer is elected." He announced to the board that he would not stand for next year for re-election as treasurer. Pitkow: considering that Nelson wants to stay in treasurer position only for one term (3 year), the Nomination Committee should find (at least) two capable replacements and have them contact Nelson for job training. Nelson mentioned that he had on the job training with Ollin Drennan for two years.
Pitkow and Panah commended Nelson's excellent work, to which President Lieberman concurred.
A motion was made and seconded (Elfner/Pitkow) to accept the report of the treasurer. Motion carried.
Messer reported that a total of 122 abstracts were submitted electronically one being filed late, in addition, four new delegates from the Missouri Academy of Science joined us late. Messer mentioned that we might encourage students in each state to write to their Governor to get more money for more delegates. In Mississippi, one student encouraged students to write the Governor, and the effort was successful. Messer pointed out that the Poster sessions went well and she acknowledged and thanked the outstanding help she received from the various AJAS committees this year. Many of these have served for years, including: Dean Decker (VA). Dean is retiring at the end of this convention, and Charles Lytle (NC) will assist Dean with photography and putting together the AJAS Official Scrapbook. Messer indicated that Fred Ronald will be replacing Decker and he will introduce digital photography to his activities next year. She especially thanked the National AJAS Program Committee members that include David Weaner (OH), Elemer Brenath (CO/WY), Don Cottingham (VA), Kathleen Donovan (OK), Barbara Gadegbeku (NJ), Edward Haynie (MO), Duane Nichols (CA), Tom Reeves (SC), Peg Tilgner (IA), and Ed Brogie (NE).
Messer reported that Chaperon's pull, last mail out was 292, and this will be kept in our database. She reported that we wish to improve our publicity. In that regard, she contacted the Chaperons asking them if they have students with extraordinary (unusual) projects that could be of interest and be nationally publicized. So far, she has received six responses. At this time scanned news goes to Mike Strauss, to pass on to his publicity officers. She mentioned that she is open to suggestions from the board members. Elfner: suggested that you might occasionally publish preview profiles of former student presenters, and he mentioned that he could write something like that in the newsletter. Safko: to follow the students to see how many of them really go into sciences would be a good research project on database. Pitkow: in the Pennsylvania Academy of Science we found out that many of these young scientists do not follow their career in science, as they pursue a career where they get more recognition.
Messer indicated that the AJAS convention fee of $165 remained the same as the last year. This was due to lots of negotiations by convention site committee Drs. Lieberman, Nelson, Brenner and myself. This year for the first time the NAAS Treasurer has went on the site visit. I feel that this should be considered as the NAAS policy in the future years. Messer pointed out that the AJAS fee was used to purchase T-shirts, liability insurance, bus transportation, entrance into a number of attractions, receptions, and a Bay cruise. Messer informed the board that her office is a tremendously big job and is overwhelming. She mentioned that she just found out Gloria Takahashi's recommendation that this position should be run by two individuals!! She suggested that we should have someone trained for this position in case I decided to step down after my first term. Pitkow: Kathleen Donovan was receptive when I told her that she makes a great Assistant Director to AJAS. Messer indicated that there are several well-qualified candidates including Barbara Gadegbeku (NJ) and others. Safko: set up the names in a ranking order as Director and Assistant Directors so the board can make a decision. Pitkow: asked Messer how many years she planned to stay in this position? She responded that I might stay three years. Pitkow: it is good to have two deputies trained for the job.
Nelson brought up the liability insurance issue for discussion. Safko and Panah suggested that this is an important issue and we need to consult liability lawyers explaining the type of the kind of work we do in AJAS/NAAS and liabilities involved as a person as well as the Association.
After lengthy discussions President Lieberman decided to consult the issue with at least three lawyers at her campus law school and report back to the board. Safko: it is important to consult with lawyers who are working with board of directors similar to us.
A motion was made and seconded (Safko/Pitkow) to accept the report of the AJAS Director. Motion carried.
Howard Pitkow reported that in his capacity as the outgoing secretary of the NAAS; he participated, recorded, duplicated and mailed out the minutes of February 17, 2000. He thanked Thompson for the corrections he received for the minutes.
Pitkow indicated that he wrote a letter to NAAS Board Members in June 2000 asking for suggestions for funding sources for the "Breakfast with Scientists" event at the San Francisco Annual Meeting. He reported that he mailed 105-120 letters to recognized scientists inviting them to participate in the "Breakfast with Scientists" in San Francisco. As of January 2001, 41 scientists have graciously consented to participate at the Breakfast, of which two were no shows. To fund this event he sought financial support by mailing approximately 80 letters to various foundations, private companies, government agencies and universities. After each mailing he called the agency to pursue the request, and after receiving each donation, he sent a letter of appreciation. He received financial support from the following resources: Burroughts-Welcome Fund ($2,500), Lutron Electronics ($2000), San Francisco State University ($1,500), California Academy of Science ($500), and Pennsylvania Academy of Science ($400). He mentioned that in this regard, he contacted the Dean of Science and Engineering at San Francisco State University, the Associate Vice President of Research at San Francisco State about sponsoring the "Breakfast with Scientists," and made arrangements with the catering manager at Hilton San Francisco and Towers for the "Breakfast with Scientists." He reported that Dr. Judith Parker (NAAS Past President), has generously sent a check in the amount of $2,000 to fund "Breakfast with Scientists," and she has donated 20 dimmers to be distributed amongst the delegates at "Breakfast with Scientists."
Pitkow explained that we have collected a total of $6,900 for the Breakfast event. He reported that a total of 39 Scientist and 122 student delegates will participate in the "Breakfast with Scientists" costing $4,900 plus $25 for the Microphone and AAAS pays the room. Subtracting all expenses, we have approximately a $2000 surplus.
A motion was made and seconded (Case/Safko) to keep the surplus or any overage fund of the "Breakfast with Scientists" in a separate account for this purpose. Motion carried.
A motion was made and seconded (Lieberman/Panah) to invite Dr. Judith Parker to serve in the NAAS Fund Raising Committee. Motion carried.
Pitkow presented the NAAS committee assignments for his administration for year 2001-2002. He mentioned that our NAAS Constitution (Article VII, Standing Committees) dictates the incoming NAAS president's committee appointments are "subject to the approval by the Executive Committee." He mentioned; "that please note that I have added a Fund Raising Committee (open to discussion) to work closely with the Strategic Planning Committee." Pitkow's committee assignments are as follows:
| AAAS Liaison Committee | Collegiate Academy/Membership Committee |
| Ertle Thompson (VA), Chair | Assad Panah (PA), (Chair) |
| Don Jordan (SC) | Jerrold Mabien (NY) |
| Lynn Elfner (OH) | John Safko (SC) |
| David Hsi (NM) | |
| Newsletter and Communications Committee | NAAS Program Committee |
| Don Jordan (SC), Chair | Leslie Lieberman (FL), Chair |
| John Safko (SC) | Joan Messer (MS) |
| Assad Panah (PA) | Charles Lytle |
| Howard Pitkow (PA) | |
| Audit Committee | AJAS Program Committee |
| Steven Case (MS), Chair | Joan Messer (MS), Chair |
| Susan Kafko (MN) | Elemer Bernath (CO/WY) |
| Ertle Thompson (VA) | Ed Brogie (NE) |
| Finance Committee | Don Cottingham (VA) |
| Edward Nelson (OK), Chair | Kathleen Donovan (OK) |
| Ollin Drennan (MO) | Edward Haney (MO) |
| Joan Messer (MS) | Juan Rodriguez (KY) |
| Nominations Committee | Tom Reeves (SC) |
| Leslie Lieberman (FL), Chair | David Weaner (OH) |
| Fred Brenner (PA) | Howard Pitkow (PA) - ex-officio |
| David Hsi (NM) | Barbara Gadegbeku (NJ) |
| (/TD> | Peg Tilgner (IA) |
| Breakfast with Scientists Committee | Strategic Planning Committee |
| Steven Case (MS), Chair | Lynn Elfner (OH), Chair |
| Joan Messer (MS) | Donald Nash (CO/WY) |
| Kathleen Donovan (OK) | |
| Fund Raising Committee* | Jerrold Mabien (NY) |
| Steven Case (MS), Chair | Recognition and Awards Committee |
| Leslie Lieberman (FL) | Leslie Lieberman (FL), Chair |
| Joan Messer (MS) | Fred Brenner (PA) |
| Lynn Elfner (OH) | Steven Case (MS) |
| Judith Parker (PA) |
A motion was made and seconded (Safko/Elfner) to approve the list of the NAAS Committees assignments presented by Pitkow for 2001-2002. Motion carried.
A motion was made and seconded (Panah/Elfner) to accept the report of the President Elect. Motion carried.
Fred Brenner reported that in his position as the NAAS Program Committee chair, he participated in the organization of this meeting. Brenner presented the following slate of nominees to the Board:
Brenner: Bob Howard from the Atlanta Center for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct the workshop on Saturday. He is an outstanding speaker and he will speak on " Good Interview."
A motion was made and seconded (Safko/Messer) to approve the nominations and accept Brenner's report. Motion carried.
Ertle Thompson reported that the amendment to the AAAS Bylaws (Article I. Membership and Affiliation, Section 2, Fellows) was approved by a vote of 68 in favor, and one against.
Thompson reported that according to report of the Richard Nicholson, executive Officer of the AAAS "the financial health of the association is very strong. He indicated that the building was financed with tax-exempt bonds that were insured with a policy that required the organization to maintain $16 M in liquid assets. According to Nicholson since 1996 the Board had charged him for rebuilding the organization's reserves to insure the organizations ability to meet this requirement. Nicholson announced that AAAS had been successfully rebuilding its reserves ever since and finished 1999 with another surplus."
Thompson reported that according to Mark Frankel, NCLS Staff Officer: " the five-year demonstration project-Court appointed Scientific Experts-to provide scientific and technical expertise to the courts made enormous strides in 2000. Handbooks for experts and judges were drafted, with final copy available in January 2001."
Thompson reported that Science Linkage in Community (SLIC) staff conducted science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) workshops for over 200 in-school and out-of-school K-12 educators and librarians, as well as with the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, Delta Sigma Theta Society, and Jefferson Parish School District (Louisiana) Fun Family Science Day. Also staff prepared a paper on the AAAS Black Church Initiative for the informal science education publication of the National Science Teacher Association. Thompson indicated that this is the first year that there was no new resolution in the Council.
Thompson reported that 5 fellows were elected from a section of the General Interest in Science and Engineering (Y-section) from which three are members of this Board.
They are: Drs. Judith E. Parker, Leslie Sue Lieberman, and Assad I. Panah, Robert C. Cowen, and Susanna Hornig Priest. He further stressed that during this very rigorous review procedure. None of the five people received a descending vote (five reviewers from Y-Section and 78 Council members).
Hsi appreciated the opportunity for being nominated to serve for another term on Council.
Don Jordan reported that a minimum of three issues of the NAAS Newsletter is published annually. He mentioned that he mails 1100 newsletters. All adults and students registered in the Annual Meeting received newsletters. Jordan mentioned that he likes to have at least one article from each state academy to include in the Newsletter. Lieberman indicated that she likes the diversity that we are getting in the Newsletter. Jordan announced the deadline for the next issue, March 1, 2001. Jordan wants to have hard copy of the pictures for inclusion because of better quality those digital pictures. Jordan informed the Board that we are making database for the top 20 persons in every state academy. This is a crucial database to keep our connection with state academies. Lieberman: Although the database is not published in URL, it is a good resource. She encouraged the Board members to take advantage of the database.
A motion was made and seconded (Safko/Elfner) to accept the Newsletter Editor's report. Motion carried.
John Safko reported NAAS web site has been running for most of the academic year. Currently no record has been kept of hits. All member academies have been contacted and the web sites were corrected where needed. He indicated that he was able to get a web address for all member academies and a separate email address for many. The site will need to be updated on an annual basis. He mentioned that the materials for the AJAS are also posted. He mentioned that he would publish the information as long as state academies keep their information updated. He related that he would revise the home page in html format (searchable) so one can search it. Safko: send your materials in standard word processing for publication in the URL. Jordan indicated that Webmaster committee is unspecified. Safko will continue as Webmaster of the NAAS.
A motion was made and seconded (Elfner/Panah) to accept the report of the Webmaster. Motion carried.
Elfner proposed that he would like to receive samples of the past programs and other well organized data compilation from Gloria Takahashi through a formal request to file as a permanent record. He asked for two hard copies of the NAAS Directory, Proceeding and Handouts for archived filing.
Elfner stressed the impact of electronic publication during the past 10 years. He passed around two handouts on State Academies of Science Abstracts (SASA) and Publications of the State Academies of Science (published in Science and Technology Libraries Vol. 19(1): 21-37.
He mentioned that SASA is an authoritative reference on studies specific to states and regions of the U.S. become familiar with the current status of the SASA refer to: http://www.acadsci.com. SASA is also available on CD-ROM. The "trial version" of SASA is now available through May 31, 2001, and can be accessed at: http://acadsci.marshall.edu:8765/ User Name: acadsci, and Password: springtrial.
A motion was made and seconded (Pitkow/Safko) to accept the Archivist's report. Motion carried.
A & B Program & Nominations - Fred Brenner
For the report of the Program Chair (A) and the Nominations (B) refer to section F under the report of the Immediate Past President.
No report was forthcoming.
As NAAS financial statements were just handed to Case, no report was forthcoming. An attempt will be made to convene the committee during the next 48 hours.
No report was forthcoming.
Panah reported that he has been in contact with the NAAS affiliates (44 state academy of science membership) regarding their membership status, collecting and updating their information for enclosure in the electronic version of the Directory, Proceedings and Handbook 2000-2001. The total membership with some estimates is approximately 81,000 members strong, from which more than half belong to the New York Academy of Science.
Elfner passes handouts describing the details of Visions for NAAS, Vision Statement of Board Members (NAAS), Strengths of NAAS and State Academies, Weakness of NAAS and State Academies Opportunities (Needs), Threats (Challenges), Constituents and Markets (NAAS), Governance and Administration, and Review Consensus - Actions Needed. By consensus it was decided that Elfner report his Strategic Planning in the Assembly of Delegates meeting on Saturday.
Brenner: Congratulations are in order for Dr. Thompson's retirement and his recognition by the University of Virginia, where the University established a scholarship under his name in Virginia School of Education. Brenner related that Bob Howard is our speaker for Saturday's workshop. He is the Public Relation Officer of the Atlanta Center for Disease Control, and comes to us highly recommended
President Lieberman presented four issues, which she classified as combination of old and new business. First, Elfner (Chair) has prepared an outline of agenda to be discussed in the Strategic Committee. Strategic Planning Committee will take a hard look at this report. Elfner: this is also published in the Internet, and if we do not respond to grass roots, it will not be effective.
Second, Lieberman stressed that we need to continue the development of the academies of science in those states (such Washington State) that where there is no established academy of Science. She related that we might need to bring the Connecticut and Massachusetts Academies of Science on board. She further mentioned that the NAAS might need to expand its outreach. Lieberman asked the Board if anyone has connections with the Massachusetts and Connecticut academies of Science? There was no response from the Board members. Pitkow: this is a good topic to discuss. Elfner: the Connecticut academy supports a state science fair and they do have a sufficient student population and are conducting some workshops for teachers. They also have a lot of policy studies with state government, so their model is more advisory and less publishing and so forth. Their focuses are somewhat different. Thompson: the Connecticut Academy is the entity of state revenue charter in Connecticut and it is the oldest chartered academy actually founded by any state government. We explored this twenty years ago and we succeeded getting a representative, but they found themselves inconsistent with the direction that we were doing with AJAS and NAAS. The Massachusetts Academy essentially functions with the Boston museum. We met there in 1976 and the museum had a program for us.
Third, President Lieberman: the third issue is increasing our visibility through the workshop that Brenner has developed. In my institution particularly hospitals and the health centers having radio programs, a television program and a full page in the newspaper every month concerning a variety of health issues. What we want is to develop something similar for the state academies to increase their visibility, not only one shot such as science fair, but something sustainable and ongoing. For example a weekly column published in the newspaper about some scientific facts, scientific discoveries by the members of the state academies of science and the students might thereby increase ongoing visibilities.
Thompson: There is a potential shortage for nurses in this country. We might create opportunity for nursing students and faculty to participate in the activities of the State Academies. He stressed that according to the report this week, starting salaries for nurses for the first time in quarter century will be comparable to a BS in chemistry and mathematics.
President Lieberman suggested that we might need to look for funding sources for the workshop. She asked the Board if anyone knew of any particular source for funding workshop?
Elfner: trustees of the Helen White Reed Educational Foundation, lead a management role and has taken under its wing a number of academic publications, environmental education journals, and a number of others, and one of our board members is the sister of the Jean Patrick, former ambassador to the United Nations. Elfner: I think they might be interested. Next time Elfner goes to Washington DC; he will contact them concerning the possibility of funding the NAAS workshop. Lieberman added that some small publishing companies might be interested (e.g. Allen Press or other companies).
Fourth, this item concerned itself with the composition of the NAAS Board. We might want to bring to the aboard some members as elective officers and/or committee members from science and technology section, industry, education (teachers) and other scientific societies from whose expertise we might benefit.
A motion was made and seconded (Safko/Brenner) that NAAS Secretary purchase ribbons for the NAAS Board members. Motion carried.
Lieberman proposed that the Strategic Planning Committee get together by conference call and have something to report during the Summer Conference Call Meeting. Pitkow: I would like to see a plan for no more than three years.
Motion to adjourn was made and seconded (Brenner/Howard) Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Assad I. Panah NAAS Secretary
Annual Meeting of NAAS Delegates
Saturday, February 17, 2001 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mason Rooms A & B, Hilton Hotel
Delegates Workshop 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Mason A & B with Bob Howard of CDC "Getting it Right in Prime Time."