1. AAVSO Program Committee Progress Report AAVSO Fall Meeting 2013

2. Current Report Breaks Analysis Into 5 Sections ELECTRONIC/ REMOTE PROGRAMS OBSERVING SECTIONS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PUBLICATIONS PROGRAM SUPPORT Performs SWAT Analysis of Sections

3. Sources Utilized The AAVSO Forums (VSOF) The AAVSO Strategy and Operations Survey (2012) (SOS) The AAVSO Professional Astronomer Report (2013) (PAR) The AAVSO Staff Report (2013) (HQSR) The AAVSO Membership Survey (2013) (MS)

4. Overall Findings We need to tighten QC on our observations. All sources. We need greater visibility to Astronomical World. PAR & MS especially clear on this. Membership apathetic…needs to be excited. Low response to MS. Intense public outreach needed. Increase membership Be true to our mission/vision

5. I. Observing Sections (1) We do not advertise what we do. All sources point this out. Create Forum thread for Professionals. Pro to pro, pro to membership. Form a professional advisory committee. Similar to ALPO, CBA and other groups. Develop or update manuals in all sections for observers. Use Forums as a source.

6. I. Observing Sections (2) 1. Choice course for QC 2. Highlight sections in AAVSO Newsletter. 3. Switch Bulletin to volunteers. 1. Would save staff time. 4. Keep all sections. Archival of data is crucial for future studies.

7. II. Electronic/Remote Programs Not well advertised. Agreed by all sources. Improve AAVSONet management and oversight. Complete APASS. Seek backup providers.

8. III. Education & Outreach Develop CHOICE course to assist in QC of observations. Expand Speakers Bureau. Include local clubs, AL, colleges, schools, and libraries. Develop more PowerPoints on WebPage. Update same. Link to Astronomical League. Expand Mentor Program. Improve management

9. IV. Publications Make format compatible with other journals. Encourage observers to publish in JAAVSO. Enhance scientific rather than historic content. Improve content of AAVSO Newsletter. Consider Letters for immediate communication.

10. V. Program Support With limited staff time, enlist volunteers. Consider meeting with AL, ALPO. Reduce cost of meetings. Greater exposure.

11. What Remains To Be Done Develop was of expanding our reach. Electronic media and networks. Collaboration with other successful groups. Europeans. Archive their data. Other approaches. Assist Director with goal setting. Prioritize activities. Work with Budget Committee to assess program impact.

12. Program Committee Members Roger Kolman, Chair Arlo Landolt David Turner John Martin Kevin Paxson Presented: September, 2013.