One of our most important functions is to share the wonders of the cosmos with the people in our community and state. We do this in a variety of ways.

We will gladly organize an astronomy night for your school, youth group, or other community organizations. Our members volunteer their time and their telescopes to bring the Universe to you. We also provide knowledgeable speakers and activities on various astronomy topics either in a classroom/meeting setting or in conjunction with a night at the telescopes.

We just ask that you let us know a minimum of four weeks in advance of when you would like to schedule an event.

We have a few requirements if you would like a night with the telescopes. For example, we need to choose a date without a full moon, a site with access to a fair portion of the sky, minimal artificial lighting, and easily accessible to everyone. And we want to make sure we can accommodate the size of your group.

If you are interested in our programs, please contact us by clicking the link below and filling out our easy outreach form.

The VCAS is a nonprofit, scientific organization whose members share a common interest in the diverse field of amateur astronomy. The Society is not only dedicated to its members, but to bringing astronomy to the public, families and children through school programs, public and other outreach events.

Our bylaws include a policy of performing background checks on club members who participate in outreach activities that may include contact with children. This is in accordance with standards set by such other groups as the Scout programs and juvenile athletic organizations. This practice not only provides protection to children; it also protects our club from possible lawsuits and negative publicity. While club members are rarely in charge of children in a "one-to-one" situation, we have decided to perform these checks to reassure schools and organizations requesting programs from our club.

The VCAS maintains a confidential list of club members who have been checked through the Megan's Law computer. This list is updated at least once a year. Any questions concerning this policy can be addressed by the VCAS Club Secretary and Outreach Coordinator.

Due to the heightened awareness of child safety in public areas, we have decided to expand our outreach policy to include member volunteers at VCAS sponsored public events. These guidelines were established using the "Best Practices for Screening Volunteers who Work with Children in Ohio" as a reference. This new policy is an addition to the original School Outreach Policy instigated in March of 1999.

This policy applies to any member who wishes to present astronomy related information to the public as a representative of the VCAS. Failure to follow this policy could lead to dismissal from the club.

1. VCAS members who wish to volunteer at a club-sponsored public event will be screened through the Megan's Law website. Permission is not needed, as this website is public domain. Members should tell the Club Secretary, VP of Observations, or Outreach Coordinator of their plans to volunteer, so the screening can be done before the event.
   
   If a member is listed on the Megan's law website:
   • They will be asked to help with public events, but in a manner that does not bring them into direct contact with the public, or
   • They will be asked not to volunteer at club-sponsored public events.
2. Volunteers will ask permission of parents or adult with a child if they need to lift the child or otherwise assist them in viewing through the telescope.
3. When feasible, club-sponsored public events will be attended by at least two club members.
4. All announcements of club-sponsored public events will include the statement, "Children must be attended by a parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times during this event"