As we get down to approximately 100 hours before the start of the 100 Hours events, everyone is taking care of last minute details. Technical checks and double checks for the webcasts, posting the event reports and award information and applications on the site, and sending last-minute emails to organizations that haven’t registered events yet to get them involved. It’s pretty much a crazy time for the Task Group and our extended group of organizers.

It has taken months of work, long hours, and late nights to bring this project about and almost all of that work has been done by volunteers. With obligations to careers, family, and trying to keep some kind of balance and social life, many are hesitant to take the responsibility and make the commitment and often think that those of us who do are: a) independently wealthy, b) lonely and bored, c) crazy, or d) all of those. In truth we are none of those things.

We make the commitment and take on the work because of what we get out of it. And we get a lot.

First and foremost, we get to see the idea, the scattered thoughts and different possibilities form into a definite plan and then become reality. As days pass and we see parts of the project falling into place and start getting positive feedback and more people joining us to make it a success, we know that we are on the right track. With the 100HA, we have gotten overwhelming positive support for the project and enthusiastic responses from the global astronomy community.

We also get to meet many people with common interest in astronomy and with the popularity of conferences, on line blogs, and large star parties, meeting others outside of your astronomy club seems to be something that many amateur astronomers like to do. The connections we form often go beyond astronomy and become true friendships which allow us to grow as astronomers and people.

We learn, continuously throughout the organizing process. We learn to “play nice” and compromise. In our adult lives, there are things we have to do and things we choose not to do, but we don’t often put ourselves in the position of having to make things work out of choice. Organizing a project, you have a common goal and you do what you need to make it successful, this is self check most of us could use now and then. We learn how others do things, what has worked for them and what hasn’t. We learn about different cultures and different practices.

So whether you help organize a small local event or a larger event; I encourage everyone to get involved helping to organize future events. The Sidewalk Astronomers are always looking to have new groups hit the streets in their city and Astronomers Without Borders is moving forward with many events depending on international cooperation. Join us and get involved.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work on this project. It was a wonderful experience to work with this Task Group and I feel lucky to part of such a dedicated, talented, and energetic group. I also again want to thank all of our Sidewalk Astronomers Regional, National, and District Organizers for the work and passion they have given this project. And I also thank all the thousands of astronomers and teachers helping to make this project a brilliant success.

Now, it’s just about time to grab your scopes and get out there. The clock is ticking….