Section Two: Introduction to SEDS and SEDS-USA

History of SEDS

In the early 1980's, SEDS was founded on the campuses of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University to bring together students sharing a common enthusiasm - exploration and development of outer space. SEDS has grown over the years into an international society with over 60 chapters worldwide, some of which are the UK-SEDS and SEDS-Canada organizations.

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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 key to our future in space.

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SEDS-USA and Its Chapters

SEDS-USA is a federation of student space chapters located throughout the United States and its territories. SEDS-USA's purpose is to unite chapters to move towards common goals, provide a central contact point for SEDS chapters, facilitate communication between chapters, and keep track of SEDS and space-related activities around the world. Chapters are comprised of students or young people with an active interest in the space community. SEDS-USA is composed of its individual chapters; therefore, its strength hinges, to some extent, on the vitality of its chapters.

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Individual Members

IDMs are members of SEDS-USA who do not belong to local Members chapters or wish to receive more benefits than a chapter member. There are three different categories of IDMs: Chapter, Student (non-chapter), and Non-Student. Chapter IDMs get personal copies of the SEDS-USA newsletter, NOVA. Non-Chapter Student IDMs are the launch pad for new SEDS-USA chapters. They also get a newsletter and mailings encouraging them to start a new chapter. Non-student IDMs are usually alumni or older space community members who are interested in SEDS' goals. They get a newsletter and other benefits as well.

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Youth Involvement

SEDS is the worlds only youth-dedicated international space society. There are many space societies around the world, but their leaderships tend to be comprised of accomplished and senior space professionals. SEDS is composed 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. As a young person, SEDS is the only space society that will allow you to play an active and vital role in its future; it is our distinguishing quality. 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 you will make contacts and friends that last a lifetime.