Section Three: The Structure of SEDS-USA

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Introduction

Before discussing how to set up your chapter, it is helpful to gain a basic understanding about the large-scale structure of SEDS-USA. This section explains the purposes and duties of various leadership organizations within SEDS-USA. More information can be found in the national bylaws.

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The Executive Board

The Executive Board of SEDS-USA is made up of the Chair, the Vice-Chair, and seven directorships. The Chair is responsible for coordinating the directorships and representing SEDS-USA to the outside world. The Vice-Chair represents the Executive Board to the Board of Advisors, and assumes the Chair if the current Chair is ill or resigns. The seven directorships are: Finance, Chapter Affairs, Chapter Expansion, Publications, Educational Outreach, Special Pr ojects, and High School Affairs. Each directorship is headed by a director who coordinates the actions of a committee. The Executive Board is responsible for SEDS-USA business, and acting on chapter desires. The Executive Board is elected by the chapters every year.

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The Council of Chapters

The Council of Chapters is composed of Chapter Representatives, elected by the individual chapters. The Chapter Representatives express their chapter's views on the Council by voting on issues and ensuring the Executive Board is doing its job satisfa ctorily. The Council is one place where members can make their opinions known on a given issue. The chapters, through their representatives on the Council, have ultimate authority over the Executive Board. Meetings of the Council happen rarely, but com munication is maintained between members of the Council.

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The Board of Advisors

The Board of Advisors (sometimes referred to as the BoA) is a committee made up of SEDS alumni, space industry professionals,and other interested adults. They provide guidance, support and continuity for SEDS-USA, and advise th e Executive Board on matters brought before them. The vice-chair of the Executive Board is the liaison to the Board of Advisors, providing a path for communication between the two groups. The BoA is appointed for terms as established in the SEDS-USA Byl aws, currently set at three years.

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Regional Organizations

There exist regional organizations which provide more cohesive support for chapters at a local level. Such bodies are very effective for developing projects, events or activities that no single chapter could do alone. These local SEDS organizations have been developed by chapters which are geographically close or share common interests. Current regional SEDS bodies include California SEDS (or CalSEDS) and TexSEDS.

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SEDS-USA Leadership

The leaders of SEDS-USA are there for you. They want to hear your ideas and input on any issue you feel need to be addressed. Most of the SEDS leadership are involved in their chapter leadership, and all the students of course have their load of cou rse work and exams. The main thing is to persistent. The leadership positions also come up for yearly re-election, so if you want to make a difference, run for an office! It is a very rewarding experience.