Overview Do you have an idea for an observing program that the Astronomical League should offer to its members? And, you are willing to develop and maybe even act as coordinator? You have come to the right place. The first thing you should do is check out the list to see if someone is already working on a program on that topic. The easiest way to do that is to contact one of the National Observing Program Coordinators: Aaron Clevenson, Cliff Mygatt,Al Lamperti, or Maynard Pittendreigh.

Here are the Steps to Submit a Proposal

1. Identify your idea for a new AL observing program.
2. Check with a National Observing Program Director to see if that program is already under development.
3. Submit your idea to one of the AL National Observing Program Directors. They will add it to the list of Observing Programs being developed and will communicate it to the AL Officers.
4. Develop your list of objects. This list varies from program to program, but the typical program has about 100 observations. You should note the object’s designation, common name (if it has one), constellation, rights ascension, declination, object type (whatever is appropriate for your list), magnitude, and any other pertinent information about the object (class, classification, color, etc.).
5. Fill in the Observing Program Proposal form. This form will provide all of the information that is required by the AL Council to make a decision on the new Observing Program.
6. Develop the manual if you plan to have one. See the information on AL Manual Publication. Manuals are a benefit to the participants, the observing program, and the Astronomical League.
7. Work with the AL National Observing Program Directors as needed.
8. Create the content for your Observing Program’s page on the AL website.
9. Submit your proposal to the AL National Observing Program Directors at least a month before the annual convention. This submission should include:

• The Observing Program Proposal form
• Your list of objects
• The proposed pin design
• The proposed web page contents. 
• Any additional documentation needed to consider your Observing Program

This must be submitted through one of the AL National Observing Program Directors.

• The proposal will be reviewed and the AL Council will make a decision at the annual convention. You are encouraged to attend and present the case for the new program at their meeting. If you do not attend, we will represent you as best as possible. If you plan to attend, please contact the AL Secretary to coordinate. There are three possible outcomes: 

1. They will accept the proposal,

2. They will defer the decision pending additional information or changes, or

3. They will decline to add the new program. 

Their decision will be given to the AL National Observing Program Directors who will forward it on to you. Normally, if additional information or changes are required, the Observing Program will be reconsidered at the following annual convention.

• After the Observing Program is approved, additional information will be provided regarding the ordering of pins and manuals. These are ordered through the Astronomical League’s National Office to take advantage of quantity discounts.

We look forward to your submission. Please contact one of us if you have any questions.

• PDF version of the form
• PDF version of Publishing Guidance