An SPS Two-Fer: Fundraising PLUS Outreach

Imagine doing great outreach and raising money for your chapter all at the same time! SPS National has teamed up with the Galileoscope team to offer SPS chapters a new outreach and fundraising opportunity: selling replicas of the instrument that Galileo Galilei used 400 years ago.

The Galileoscope is a high-quality, low-cost telescope kit developed by a team of leading astronomers, optical engineers, and science educators. With this easy-to-assemble, 50-mm (2-inch) diameter, 25- to 50-power achromatic refractor, anyone can see lunar craters and mountains, Jupiter’s moons, the phases of Venus, Saturn’s rings, and countless stars invisible to the unaided eye. Backyard astronomy has never been this fun or accessible!

These scopes are great for educational group activities as well as individual use, so consider approaching groups (such as scout troops) as well as individuals about purchasing Galileoscopes. For ideas on when, where, and how to sell them, visit the SPS website: www.spsnational.org/galileoscopes .

• The SPS Galileoscope fundraiser follows the “Girl Scout cookie” model. Participating SPS chapters receive a Galileoscope to use as a sales sample, along with order forms. Chapters collect orders and payments and submit their orders to the SPS National Office. Shipments of Galileoscopes will be sent out to chapters, who will be responsible for delivering them to customers.

• The selling price for a Galileoscope is $40. That’s at least $10 less than in stores or on Amazon. Orders must be submitted by the case. A case contains six telescopes and costs $180, netting $60 in profit for the chapter. Remember: Each chapter will have to deliver the scopes that it sells, so stay local if possible.

• Take orders during a public astronomy program—set up a Galileoscope during a viewing night. Or even during the day with a sun filter! Be visible at community events such as local festivals, farmers markets, science cafes, or family nights at community centers. Advertise on campus and set up a table near a busy spot, offering faculty members and students the chance to purchase a Galilescope at the discounted price.

• Reach out to educational groups, as well. Scout troops have astronomy programs and can use Galileoscopes on camping trips and for badge programs. Teachers in local schools are always concerned about enhancing programs for students at a low cost. Promote the Telescopes4Teachers donation program (www.telescopes4teachers.org ). Have teachers collect donations for Galileoscopes for their classrooms, or encourage them to purchase classroom sets. There are lots of educational resources available for teachers and group leaders on the Galileoscope website, http://galileoscope.org , including lesson plans, activities, and observing guides. //