The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Solar System Ambassadors Program invites you to apply to become an Ambassador to the public for calendar year 2009.

Highly motivated individuals will be given the opportunity to represent JPL as volunteer Solar System Ambassadors to the public for a one-year, renewable term beginning January 1, 2009. Applications will be accepted from September 2 through September 30.

The Solar System Ambassadors Program is an informal education effort accomplished by motivated volunteers across the nation who communicate NASA's exciting discoveries and plans for future exploration of the solar system and beyond to general public audiences. These volunteer Ambassadors become an extended part of each space exploration mission's team and an important interface between the NASA community and the populace at large.

Background

Currently, volunteers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia are serving under this program as local representatives for participating NASA space exploration programs and missions, including Cassini, Stardust NExT, Voyager, Mars missions, Discovery missions (EPOXI, MESSENGER and Dawn), Spitzer Space Telescope, STEREO, Earth Missions, New Horizons, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Deep Space Network. Ambassadors also support Astrobiology projects, Teaching From Space Educator Astronaut missions, Astrobiology projects and the International Polar Year initiative. In 2009, Ambassadors will support the International Year of Astronomy.

The Solar System Ambassadors Program aims to engage highly-motivated volunteers who have the means and initiative to share the excitement of space exploration in standard and diverse ways with their local community members. Ambassadors reach broad sectors of the general public that are often unaware of NASA's ongoing exploration efforts. Their enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, space exploration personalizes the experience of learning about our neighborhood in space, our home planet and the Universe beyond.

Training and Equipping Ambassadors

Ambassadors participate in online (telephone and web-based) training sessions to acquaint them with the space exploration missions and provide interaction with NASA scientists, engineers and project team members. These training sessions educate Ambassadors about SSA program guidelines, provide them with solid, general background on NASA's efforts exploring space, and supply materials needed to support specific mission milestones, such as launches, planetary flybys, first image returns, arrivals, and ongoing key discoveries. As requested, Ambassadors are sent materials to aid them in their outreach efforts. These materials may include DVDs, CDs, pamphlets, posters, bookmarks and lithographs. Online materials, training archives, and other resource links are available as well.

Ambassadors' Role

Collectively, the direct interaction with JPL personnel, ongoing training, support and materials provided by the SSA program lay the foundation for Ambassadors' successful planning and execution of community-based events. Armed with inspiration and knowledge, Ambassadors spread this excitement throughout their local areas, personalizing the NASA experience for hundreds of thousands of people. By imparting their knowledge, energy and enthusiasm for space exploration, Ambassadors serve as key members of JPL's volunteer public outreach team.

Ambassadors' Responsibility

Solar System Ambassadors are asked to arrange, conduct and report at least four community-based events per year, or roughly one event every three months.

The Ideal Ambassador Candidate

• has an active interest in space exploration.
• has a genuine desire to share knowledge about space exploration.
• has demonstrated ability in public engagement and/or disseminating information.
• has the initiative and ingenuity to engage his/her community in learning about NASA's space exploration efforts
• contributes to the geographic diversity of the group.
• establishes contacts with local institutions.
• builds upon strong ties with the community.
• inspires community youth to seek careers in science and technology.
• submits a well-thought-out, complete application.
• participates in online training sessions and/or reviews archives.
• keeps up with Solar System Ambassadors Program email and web postings.
• makes the best responsible use of the materials provided.
• reports on events in a timely manner using an on-line form provided.

Ambassadors come from diverse backgrounds and professions including, but not limited to, education, science, museum, planetarium, engineering, and parks and recreation. Qualified individuals who propose a viable plan for their four events may be selected for a one-year, renewable term as a volunteer ambassador to the public. Please join the JPL Solar System Ambassadors program in bringing the pursuit of knowledge about NASA's space exploration program to your neighborhood.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS September 30, 2008.
**Selections will be made and applicants notified in early December.**
Apply by completing the on-line application form at this link: GO TO THE APPLICATION FORM