Join the LAS Committee
Help shape the future of our society
The Lewes Astronomical Society is run by its members for the benefit of the local community. We are a friendly team of volunteers who give our time freely on the committee to help organise the society, run events and keep everything working behind the scenes.
We are always happy to hear from members who would like to get more involved. You don't need to be an expert in astronomy – enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to help are much more important.
Whether you're interested in organising events, communicating with members, working with schools, managing our finances, maintaining the website or simply helping things happen, there's probably a way you can contribute.
Make a difference
Help shape the future of oue society and support our membership.
Develop your skills
Gain experience in areas such as events, communications, finance, web development and outreach.
Meet new people
Work with enthusiastic colleagues and make new connections.
What does being on the committee involve?
Committee members meet occasionally to discuss LAS activities, make decisions and share the work of running the society.
The time commitment varies between roles. Some require regular involvement, while others are more occasional. Nobody is expected to do everything – we work as a team and share tasks wherever possible.
Committee members are expected to be LAS members, be proactive, attend committee meetings, help at society events, take responsibility for their roles, cooperate with other committee members and volunteers, respond to committee communications, and tell us if circumstances make it difficult to fulfil a commitment.
Committee roles
Our constitution provides for four core positions: President, Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Other roles have been created to enable the society to be run effectively and efficiently.
Roles can be combined, shared or adapted to match the specific skills and experience of each committee member. You can apply for an existing role, a new role to suit your skillset, or a generic position of 'committee member' with no specific role.
President
A senior representative and ambassador for LAS.
- Supports and advises the committee.
- Represents LAS at appropriate events and organisations.
- Chairs meetings when required.
- Helps welcome members and introduce speakers.
The President does not necessarily have day-to-day responsibility for running the society.
Chair
Provides leadership and helps the committee work effectively as a team.
- Chairs committee meetings and the AGM.
- Helps set priorities and agree activities.
- Coordinates responsibilities between committee members.
- Supports the committee and helps resolve issues.
Secretary
Keeps the committee's administration and communications running smoothly.
- Organises committee meetings and the AGM.
- Prepares agendas and minutes.
- Maintains committee records.
- Handles general correspondence and enquiries.
- Helps ensure that constitutional and administrative requirements are met.
Treasurer
Looks after LAS's finances and financial records.
- Maintains the accounts and financial records.
- Monitors income and expenditure.
- Makes approved payments.
- Prepares financial reports and annual accounts.
- Advises the committee on budgets and expenditure.
Membership Secretary
Looks after membership administration and welcomes new members.
- Processes new memberships and renewals.
- Maintains membership records.
- Manages membership payments.
- Welcomes new members and provides information.
- Helps administer member communications.
Programme Manager
Creates and coordinates our programme of talks and activities.
- Finds and contacts speakers.
- Arranges talks and other regular activities.
- Liaises with speakers.
- Coordinates the programme with the committee.
Outreach Officer
Develops LAS's links with schools, youth organisations and the wider community.
- Organises astronomy outreach activities.
- Liaises with schools and community organisations.
- Recruits volunteers for outreach events.
- Helps ensure appropriate safeguarding and safety arrangements.
Universities Liaison Officer
Builds links between LAS, universities and the professional astronomy community.
- Develops relationships with universities and astronomy departments.
- Identifies potential speakers and collaboration opportunities.
- Encourages links between astronomers, students and LAS members.
Web Developer
Keeps the LAS website and online services working effectively.
- Updates and maintains website content.
- Publishes information about meetings and events.
- Maintains website and hosting arrangements.
- Helps ensure appropriate security and privacy.
Website experience is useful, but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are equally valuable.
Newsletter Editor
Produces the LAS newsletter and helps keep members informed.
- Gathers and edits contributions.
- Produces and publishes the newsletter.
- Promotes forthcoming events.
- Includes interesting astronomy news, photographs and member contributions.
Publicity Officer
Helps promote LAS and its activities to the wider community.
- Produces publicity for meetings and events.
- Liaises with local media.
- Promotes major LAS activities and public events.
Social Media Manager
Keeps LAS active and engaging on social media.
- Creates and curates suitable content.
- Promotes meetings, events and astronomy activities.
- Maintains an appropriate posting schedule.
- Works with other committee members on publicity.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Officer
Helps ensure LAS remains a friendly and welcoming society for everyone.
- Promotes an inclusive environment.
- Listens to members' concerns and suggestions.
- Advises the committee on accessibility and inclusion.
- Helps identify ways to make participation easier for everyone.
Prefer to volunteer without joining the committee?
That's absolutely fine.
We also need occasional help with:
- Welcoming members and visitors.
- Refreshments and meeting arrangements.
- Public events and outreach.
- Stargazing activities.
- Setting up and clearing away.
- Publicity and distributing information.
Even an occasional contribution makes a difference.
Interested?
You don't need to know which role you'd like to take on.
If you're interested in helping LAS, talk to any committee member or email us. We'd be very happy to have an informal chat about how you could get involved.