Jul 22nd, 2008
IYA 2009 Challenge: Reaching New Audiences
Our goal in the United States is simple: To offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in the country, nurture existing partnerships and build new connections to sustain public interest.The challenge is “every person in the country”, which means we must all consider very carefully for whom we are preparing this global celebration of astronomy. So what is a new audience?
Here are some examples of what might be a new audience for you:
- People who are institutionalized: e.g. in prison, in hospitals, in nursing homes, in assisted living homes.
- People who live in rural and/or isolated regions: e.g. farming communities, mining communities, trailer parks
- People who live in urban or suburban areas: e.g. inner cities, gated communities.
- People with disabilities: e.g. sight, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments
- People who are homeless
- Migrant workers
- Military bases, military families
- Community organizations like churches, mosques, synagogues, community centers
- Shopping Malls
- etc. We suggest that you identify one or two new audiences for your activities and programs during 2009, in your region. In some cases it will mean seeking and establishing collaborations with social, governmental or other local organizations. But that’s part of the goal too. As always, if you have a question or want more information please contact us by email at info@astronomy2009.us
