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Now that we have heard from the IAF about the abstracts for all the SGAC projects, we can announce the projects for SGC. This year there will be seven projects, each one will be giving a presentation at the IAC the week after SGC!

The Projects are:
Yuri's Night/World Space Week
Near Earth Objects
MoonMars Workshop Case for Human Exploration in conjunction with the Planetary Society
Move an Asteroid Competition
Space For Humanity

Dear all European SGAC-ers!

I just thought I'd post a quick entry to keep you up to date as to actions in Europe so far. It has been a while since my previous introductory email to NPoCs, but there is a reason for this- the exec is currently formulating an information pack describing the expectations of an NPoC, their duties and also what help is available to them within the organisation. I am holding out for this document at the moment, and when it is finished shall email it to all NPoCs in the European region.

Finding a hotel this has been much more difficult than last year. Prices in Scotland are very high relative to other parts of the world and people seem to be less open to negotiate. In the past, we have been able to garner great discounts, but not here. We are hoping to work something out by this Friday that will be both the hotel and congress site. We are really looking to make the most of the culture in Scotland and also be able to impact the community in Glasgow.

ABSTRACT
Mauritius could play a meaningful role in select space activities, but given limited resources the
question remains as to which space related activities would produce the greatest benefit to
Mauritius while also laying the foundation for more future work in the field.
Other Island nations around the world, most notably Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, have adopted
a number of specific measures to attract the space industry to their economies with various levels
of success. Can Mauritius learn from their examples, adopting and then adapting for its own
success?

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, world-renowned science fiction author, oscar-nominated screen writer, inventor of the communications satellite and visionary, passed away at the age of 90 on 19th March 2008.

The funeral was held amid a large gathering of friends, family and fans on Saturday, 22nd March 2008 at the General Cemetery in Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.

Some photos from the funeral are now online at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23741&l=8b08e&id=506201972 (This is the public link, so you don't have to be a Facebook member to access the album.)

ESF Workshop proposal planning

1-3 days, max 30 attendees. Not a one-shot, in our proposal we need to state that we will continue some work on it
European scale event - currently scheduled for 2009.

Need:
50-70 words abstract for the proposal
Potential dates should be stated - not set in stone.
Cannot be too technical, it could include humanities, arts, medicine

We would like it to have
Suggestions:
- (in relation to 2009 the International year of Astronomical)
= Workshop for Educational Kits for European student clubs and societies

Part 5: European Coordinators sub-meeting

Discussion turned to the lack of funds available to fund delegates for SGC- the low delegate level is alarming. It is highly dependant on each country as to what opportunities are availiable, Peter suggested the idea of active, on the street fundraising. Jesper suggested merchandising such as stickers, pens etc-and stressed that this must be a priority (perhaps buy overseas?). This would work 2 fold- make money and raise awareness. Jesper put forward the idea of professional fundraisers. People want something in return for their donation.

Today's day will (and perhaps some of Day 2) will consist of the following agenda:

Activity in National Area - updates

Poland, Belgium, UK, Denmark

- Belgium: Not much going on. Missed an opportunity last year when the government bundled all the space organization. There is already a good push from the government which is pro-space and have a good space education in the form of space packages. We do not know if the packages get to the school.

Dear Space Generation,

"Space advocates needed to travel to Europe and discuss issues that matter to them - food and shelter provided. Bring bags of ideas and a sleeping bag" - in a gist, this was how the European RC Jesper Jorgensen announced the idea of the SGAC European Summit that takes place in Copenhagen from 28-30 March 2008.

Well, I have never been to France until now. This is one of the great things about volunteering for SGAC and SGC. It has opened up many opportunities to see the world. In the last four years, I have been able to go to Canada, Vienna, Japan, Spain, India, Scotland, and now France. It all started with attending the SGC in Vancouver in 2004. I met some great people and friends during that 10 days in Vancouver who I still talk to and work with all the time. This will be my last year as an organiser of SGC.