Members of the NSS Board of Directors are volunteers from the space activist community; the organization holds to democratic principles, and we are always looking for good candidates to help keep the organization on a sound footing.  If you would like to run as a grassroots candidate, there is a petition process that interested individuals are welcome to use: see the bylaws and rules of the organization for details on the process.  The following is a brief summary of what you have to do to run.

There are two categories of board positions, "at large", with a four-year term, and "regional", with a two-year term.  Regional candidates must live within their region and be nominated by members from their region, at large members can live and be nominated by members anywhere.  Regional candidates require five signatures from NSS members on their nominating petitions, while at-large candidates require 40 signatures with at least 5 signatures from 3 different regions.  The petition deadline is January 15th of even-numbered years; campaign statements (no more than 400 words) should be submitted by February 17th, and the election is held through ballots printed in the next issue of Ad Astra magazine.

• Petition for Regional Board candidate: Word, PDF.
• Statement from candidate accepting nomination for Regional Board position Word, PDF.
• Petition for At Large Board candidate: Word, PDF.
• Statement from candidate accepting nomination for At Large Board position Word, PDF.

Some hints on collecting signatures (thanks to Don Doughty):

• When collecting signatures for several candidates the members name and address is needed only on the first petition, on the rest only the name and signature is needed.
• This is an opportunity to sign up new and lapsed NSS members.  If there is question about the NSS Members status it can checked online.  Also, the new and former member recruiting rate is $30, however a current or lapsed U.S. Membership renewing is $55.  Be sure to note on the petition form which signers are rejoining or joining the NSS and included the checks with the petitions.
• Faxes to NSS HQ have not been allowed in the past, but members have been allowed the send printed copies of scanned or faxed At-Large Petitions to NSS HQ.  This saves on shipping costs when collection the regional signatures.
• Submitting the 400 word statement and Short Bio (with date) when the petitions are sent in starts the process of completing the package and email these to the Secretary and Elections Committee Chair.