Submission + - NASA Forcerd to Suspend Outreach and Education Programmes (universetoday.com)
TrueSatan writes: Due to cutbacks triggered by the US Sequester http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/06/politics/cnn-explains-sequestration NASA has been forced to indefinitely suspend all its public outreach and education (STEM) programmes. The memo, from NASA Public Affairs, detailing these measures is below.
"Subject: Guidance for Education and Public Outreach Activities Under Sequestration
As you know, we have taken the first steps in addressing the mandatory spending cuts called for in the Budget Control Act of 2011. The law mandates a series of indiscriminate and significant across-the-board spending reductions totaling $1.2 trillion over 10 years.
As a result, we are forced to implement a number of new cost-saving measures, policies, and reviews in order to minimize impacts to the mission-critical activities of the Agency. We have already provided new guidance regarding conferences, travel, and training that reflect the new fiscal reality in which we find ourselves. Some have asked for more specific guidance at it relates to public outreach and engagement activities. That guidance is provided below.
Effective immediately, all education and public outreach activities should be suspended, pending further review. In terms of scope, this includes all public engagement and outreach events, programs, activities, and products developed and implemented by Headquarters, Mission Directorates, and Centers across the Agency, including all education and public outreach efforts conducted by programs and projects.
The scope comprises activities intended to communicate, connect with, and engage a wide and diverse set of audiences to raise awareness and involvement in NASA, its goals, missions and programs, and to develop an appreciation for, exposure to, and involvement in STEM. Audiences include employees, partners, educators, students, and members of the general public. The scope encompasses, but is not limited to:
- Programs, events, and workshops.
— Permanent and travelling exhibits, signage, and other materials.
— Speeches, presentations, and appearances, with the exception of technical presentations by researchers at scientific and technical symposia.
— Video and multimedia products in development (and renewal of existing products).
— Web and social media sites in development (excludes operational sites).
— External and internal publications, with the exception of Scientific and Technical Information as defined by NPD 2200.1B.
— Any other activity whose goal is to reach out to external and internal stakeholders and the public concerning NASA, its programs, and activities."
"Subject: Guidance for Education and Public Outreach Activities Under Sequestration
As you know, we have taken the first steps in addressing the mandatory spending cuts called for in the Budget Control Act of 2011. The law mandates a series of indiscriminate and significant across-the-board spending reductions totaling $1.2 trillion over 10 years.
As a result, we are forced to implement a number of new cost-saving measures, policies, and reviews in order to minimize impacts to the mission-critical activities of the Agency. We have already provided new guidance regarding conferences, travel, and training that reflect the new fiscal reality in which we find ourselves. Some have asked for more specific guidance at it relates to public outreach and engagement activities. That guidance is provided below.
Effective immediately, all education and public outreach activities should be suspended, pending further review. In terms of scope, this includes all public engagement and outreach events, programs, activities, and products developed and implemented by Headquarters, Mission Directorates, and Centers across the Agency, including all education and public outreach efforts conducted by programs and projects.
The scope comprises activities intended to communicate, connect with, and engage a wide and diverse set of audiences to raise awareness and involvement in NASA, its goals, missions and programs, and to develop an appreciation for, exposure to, and involvement in STEM. Audiences include employees, partners, educators, students, and members of the general public. The scope encompasses, but is not limited to:
- Programs, events, and workshops.
— Permanent and travelling exhibits, signage, and other materials.
— Speeches, presentations, and appearances, with the exception of technical presentations by researchers at scientific and technical symposia.
— Video and multimedia products in development (and renewal of existing products).
— Web and social media sites in development (excludes operational sites).
— External and internal publications, with the exception of Scientific and Technical Information as defined by NPD 2200.1B.
— Any other activity whose goal is to reach out to external and internal stakeholders and the public concerning NASA, its programs, and activities."
