The JPL Solar System Ambassadors Program is going to be seeking an additional 100 volunteers this year. If you are a fan of planetary exploration and would like to share your knowledge to others in your community and beyond, this is a great opportunity. You will be able to attend SSA-only presentations given by mission managers and planetary scientists. This is the most "inside" peek for the ultimate space fanboy experience. And then you get to take that information communicate it to the public by giving presentations to schools, museums, libraries, and community groups.

If you know anyone who is enthusiastic about planetary exploration and wants to do educational outreach, please let them know about the upcoming announcement of opportunity for new volunteers that will come out on September 1.

They are especially interested in finding volunteers for: Alaska, Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming,District of Columbia

(I was a former volunteer before I turned "pro" and found this program to be absolutely fantastic. There are several UMSF members who are SSA's - I found out about the program through UMSF).

Full details on the program are here: http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/


And a secret message for mission managers and professional scientists: these are the guys who will leverage your exposure and do everything in their power to bring your discoveries to schools, museums, libraries and community groups. Find ways to use them in your program!

<text of letter from Kay Ferrari - Coordinator of the program follows>

Solar System Ambassadors Program Accepting Applications

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassadors Program (SSA), a nationwide network of space enthusiast volunteers, will accept applications from September 1 through September 30, 2013.

Highly motivated individuals will be given the opportunity to represent NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as volunteer Solar System Ambassadors to the public for a one-year, renewable term beginning January 1, 2014.

While applications will be sought nationwide, interested parties from the following states are especially encouraged to apply: Alaska, Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming and the District of Columbia. SSA hopes to add 100 new volunteers to the program in 2014.

To learn more about the Solar System Ambassador Program, visit http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/. The Announcement of Opportunity and application form will be available on that website beginning September 1.

If you have questions about this opportunity, contact Kay Ferrari, SSA Coordinator, by email at ambassad@jpl.nasa.gov.

Definitely on my to-do list once I retire. Montana, huh?

Maybe they need people because it is so MT up there?

That's it, Mike; you're exiled from the planet. Put on the suit, grab your rations...