Call for Members/Supporters to Join Astrosociological Community

(Astrosociology:  the study of astrosocial phenomena,
or social/cultural patterns related to "outer" space).

Please join us if you are interested in the concept of astrosociology or related areas of theory and research!!!  All interested parties from the social science and space communities, and the humanities, are encouraged to participate.

The astrosociological community will grow and prosper to the extent that astrosociologists contribute to this website's activities and objectives, in addition to related efforts beyond this website.  Joining formally as a member or supporter remains important because it reflects the size of the astrosociological community.  Members and supporters must cooperate in order to establish and build a viable astrosociological literature.

(See information and instructions below, along with the registration form at the bottom of this page).

Definitions of the Two Statuses

Two Available Statuses for Participation:
member and supporter

Member is a designation reflecting the greatest level of commitment to the cause of establishing and constructing astrosociology as a new subdiscipline.  Modest membership dues are required on a yearly basis based on the calendar year.  Members enjoy all benefits available to supporters in addition to extra benefits (see the box below for details).  Members agree to assist financially as well as participate in various events (on a voluntary basis).  In essence, however, the greatest distinction of members is their willingness to take concrete actions to help advance the cause of astrosociology in the midst of an indifferent and even resistive sociological discipline.

Supporter is a second designation requiring no fees to join Astrosociology.com.  Thus, supporters may join the astrosociological community for free.  Supporters are vital to a viable and productive astrosociological community and can volunteer for events just like members.  While supporters do not receive all benefits on the website that members enjoy, they do remain apprised of important developments.  Supporters receive notifications about upcoming events, news regarding the status of astrosociology, Update Bulletins, and many additional "perks."  The information provided in the form below is necessary for new supporters if they wish to receive this type of correspondence.  The donation is optional.  Please enter "$0.00" if sending no donation.  (Note:  an informal supporter is a person who wishes to send a donation without further contact initiated by Astrosociology.com).

Purpose of Membership Dues and Donations

Donations are gratefully accepted at any time during the year from members (in addition to the modest membership dues), known supporters, and informal supporters as well.  Membership dues and donations are used exclusively to offset the costs associated with (1) updating and maintaining the Astrosociology.com website, (2) promoting the successful acceptance and growth of astrosociology as a new sociological subfield, and (3) developing the astrosociological community.  (Click on the link in the membership form for more details).  Neither membership dues nor donations are tax deductible at this time.

Step One:  Sending the Membership Registration/Renewal Form

There are two issues related to the registration of new members and supporters.  The first issue involves filling out and sending the online form below.  New participants (members and supporters) only need to fill out this form completely once.  Renewing members must only fill out a few of the fields as indicated on the form.

Members and (formal) supporters may send membership renewal dues or optional donations with the form by entering only their names and preferred email addresses (unless information changed since the time they joined as either a member or a supporter).  This confirms to us that no changes occurred.

Informal supporters may send a donation without filling out the form below -- skip to the next section to see the options for sending the donation and ignore references to filling out the form.  (Note:  informal supporters will not receive updates or unsolicited information).

Step Two:  Sending the Membership Dues or Donation Separately

The second issue involves sending either membership dues or a donation.  Both donations and membership dues may be sent via PayPal by clicking on the button below.  Additionally, one may send membership dues or donations via snail mail (please make the check payable to Astrosociology.com). Those filling out the form will receive a receipt of choice via snail mail or email upon receipt of payment.  (See the bottom of the membership form below for the mailing address and two email addresses should a problem develop with the online form).

Please indicate your payment amount by entering this total in the appropriate box on the Membership Registration/Renewal Form below and send it by either method listed above.

Reminder:  informal supporters may send a donation via PayPal or check
without filling out the membership form.

Donations are accepted at any time (filling out the membership form below is optional unless you wish to receive updates concerning the astrosociological community).

Purpose of this Page / Benefits

This Membership / Supporter page serves (or will serve) several purposes as follows:

            (1) location for signing up as a member of astrosociology.com;
            (2) sign-in location for all membership services on this website;
            (3) place to review membership rules which may change over time;
        (4) location of new membership news and listing of membership benefits;
        (5) place to update your membership profile;
        (6) location for paying membership dues/donations; and:
            (7) other purposes to be determined in the future.

Member and Supporter statuses provide (will provide) many benefits:

        (1) email updates concerning the astrosociological community;
        (2) calendar providing updates about the astrosociological community;
            (3) access to restricted areas on the Virtual Community page
                    (including message boards) (members only);
        (4) access to restricted areas on the Virtual Library page;
        (5) access to restricted areas on the Journal page (members only);
            (6) other benefits to be determined in the future.

The form form below may be used to initiate membership and former supporter status,
renew an existing membership (fill out minimal information -- see form),
make changes to membership or supporter information (at any time),
or indicate a donation was sent (optional).