Local Chapter Network

DARK SKY MAINE CHAPTER NETWORK

Welcome to Dark Sky Maine’s chapter network webpage! If you’re a DSM Ambassador or are thinking about becoming one, you’re in the right place! We hope this page answers any questions you have, but if you want to learn more, please reach out to Jan Heimlich at jan.darkskymaine@gmail.com.

What is the Dark Sky Maine Chapter Network?
It’s a network of chapters around the state of Maine, similar to how Dark Sky International is made up of chapters around the world. Each chapter is led by a DSM Ambassador who is responsible for communication among their own local volunteers, coordination of activities, and communicating with DSM. The DSM Chapter Network Coordinator is Jan Heimlich.

What makes up a DSM chapter?
That’s left largely up to the DSM Ambassadors who know their local areas and needs, so they should propose to DSM what they think will work best. Most likely, larger communities would have a municipality as a chapter and more sparsely populated areas would be a region. DSM can also provide guidance to ensure that chapter areas don’t overlap.

What are the benefits of starting a DSM Chapter?
While DSM will always be there to support all dark sky advocates in Maine, the DSM Chapter Network has an infrastructure that makes it efficient for chapters to receive information and resources from DSM. This could be via online folders, monthly Zoom meetings, or communication with the DSM chapter network Coordinator.

Would dark sky advocates in Maine be required to start or belong to a chapter?
No, it’s only a resource for those that would find it helpful. DSM will set guidelines for how to remove themselves from the network if they chose to do so.

What are the requirements to become a chapter?
An Ambassador starts by visiting the DSM webpage and talking with Jan, who can take them through the basics. If they are interested in forming a chapter, they would fill out a brief questionnaire that asks about their location and objectives, as well as agreeing to some fundamental rules, such as joining monthly zoom meetings when possible. After reviewing the questionnaire, Jan would then approve the chapter and set the Ambassador up with a Google Drive folder.

Ready to get started? Fill out the DSM chapter network questionnaire here.