Science Media Centre of Canada

Institutions or individuals who want to support the concept of the Science Media Centre of Canada have another six months to become Charter Members.

The  SMCC Steering Committee decided to extend the deadline for Charter Membership from December 31, 2009 to July 1, 2010 after strong support for the move from the current 50-plus Charter Members.

“I think the Centre should have the strongest possible foundation to work from and a larger number of Charter Members will allow not only a better financial footing, but a greater ongoing support network,” was one typical reply.
A letter from Steering Committee Chair Suzanne Corbeil to Charter Members outlined two reasons for the membership extension:

“Prospective Charter Members have been getting in touch after the publicity from our October 2 event in Ottawa. But some are at the end of their fiscal year and unable to commit the funds before December 31. In addition, with a full-time Executive Director coming on board January 1, 2010, the Centre will be able to better promote Charter Membership.”

The July 1, 2010 date was selected as the new membership deadline to coincide with the target for the SMCC to become operational. The one-time fee is $5,000.

In addition to showing tangible support for the Centre concept, Charter Members enjoy the following benefits in perpetuity–  logo displayed on the SMCC website and in SMCC presentations, voting rights at Centre annual meetings, advance notice of SMCC events and preferred invitations to special functions.

All Charter Members will also be regularly consulted as the SMCC moves towards full operations in the summer of 2010.

While there is no obligation for Charter Member to pay annual membership fees, many are opting to make a second contribution to the Science Media Centre after their 12-month anniversary.

“This extra financial support is much appreciated since our projected start-up year budget is between $1.5 million and $ 2 million in cash or in-kind contributions,” said Corbeil.

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