Would you join StarFleet, right now?

[Levi]

Let's say, there was an organization right now that worked and ran like StarFleet.

Since we're not actually travelling the galaxy, this organization would be more like a Cadet/Cubs/Scouts/Military School type of club.
Everyone would meet once a week, one weekend a month type thing. Classes would cover anything that could be covered at StarFleet Academy and more. Current world events would be covered, as well as a good tie to community events. Leadership, Survival, Astronomy, and various trades could be available. Could basicly be a no age limit Space Cadet type organization.
Members would wear StarFleet uniforms and would advance in rank. Local clubs would be treated as individual starships instead of companies or troops.
And official organization with official ranks and the whole deal. Let's even say that it was established enough that it was considered an officer organization such as Cubs or Scouts or Cadets. Could even go as far as to say that some courses that you can take in StarFleet could be per-requisits for applying to NASA or other government organizations, or something along those lines.

Obviously this topic could go on and on, but Im sure you get the overall idea. And there could be a lot of holes for making this work. Im just curious about sole interest and what would be needed or not to gain your interest!

Is this something that would interest you?
What things would draw you towards or away from something like this?

 

[Timewalker]

Let's say, there was an organization right now that worked and ran like StarFleet.

Since we're not actually travelling the galaxy, this organization would be more like a Cadet/Cubs/Scouts/Military School type of club.
Everyone would meet once a week, one weekend a month type thing. Classes would cover anything that could be covered at StarFleet Academy and more. Current world events would be covered, as well as a good tie to community events. Leadership, Survival, Astronomy, and various trades could be available. Could basicly be a no age limit Space Cadet type organization.
Members would wear StarFleet uniforms and would advance in rank. Local clubs would be treated as individual starships instead of companies or troops.
And official organization with official ranks and the whole deal. Let's even say that it was established enough that it was considered an officer organization such as Cubs or Scouts or Cadets. Could even go as far as to say that some courses that you can take in StarFleet could be per-requisits for applying to NASA or other government organizations, or something along those lines.

Obviously this topic could go on and on, but Im sure you get the overall idea. And there could be a lot of holes for making this work. Im just curious about sole interest and what would be needed or not to gain your interest!

Is this something that would interest you?
What things would draw you towards or away from something like this?

For lack of a better analogy, this would be like the Starfleet version of Boy Scouts?

In that case, no. I never joined the Canadian equivalent, nor had the interest. However, I did belong to a local Star Trek club back in the late '80s/early '90s. We had our ship, alternate character personas, club 'zine, etc. No merit badges, though.

 

[Levi]

For lack of a better analogy, this would be like the Starfleet version of Boy Scouts?

I refereed to that because it kind of makes sense yes. But only to the sense that it would be an organization, that would have regular meetings, a uniform to be worn, and events organized within that benefits go towards the community. And it would not be for kids. Members would be from say 17-40.
I would think it would be more close to say a StarFleet reserve force? Courses would be real world and university style. Like StarFleet.
Ugh, so much I could keep going on and on about everything that would be covered lol
Its also just ideas, suggest things you would want to see that would make you join
I'm really just curious if something like this could actually work or not.

 

[BigJake]

I'm not much into dressing up in costumes (no offense to those that are, I just can't justify the time and expense). What you're describing sounds like it would be most attractive to those who do LARP, which ain't me either but it does have an audience.

 

[Timewalker]

Well, I'm already 10 years too old for your demographic, so that's that.

Seriously, I would love astronomy/space-related organizations such as the one you're proposing. But given how little importance the government places on such things these days, how would you get it funded and recognized? And how would you make it international, so everyone can have a chance at it (I'm in Canada)?

 

[Levi]

Well, I'm already 10 years too old for your demographic, so that's that.

Seriously, I would love astronomy/space-related organizations such as the one you're proposing. But given how little importance the government places on such things these days, how would you get it funded and recognized? And how would you make it international, so everyone can have a chance at it (I'm in Canada)?

Well, there is lots I would like to say, but since nothing can be confirmed, and since a lot of people will pick things apart beyond what should be right now Ill just stay quiet. These types of organizations can be started, but require enough people dedicated enough to make things happen. Funding is from private sector people.
Right now just talking about what if's

As for age demographic, I just gave a number. Im sure if this organization was set and going, we could have admiralty over 40, as long as they were dedicated to keeping things moving, just like the real Starfleet

If anyone would happen to be seriously dedicated to something like this, feel free to send me a message

 

[Levi]

I'm not much into dressing up in costumes (no offense to those that are, I just can't justify the time and expense). What you're describing sounds like it would be most attractive to those who do LARP, which ain't me either but it does have an audience.

There is no LARPing going on. The closest thing to that is that uniforms during regular meeting nights would be in uniform. Not really a public thing. Again, this would be an actual organization with real world learning classes based around 'classes' offered at the Academy in StarFleet. People could take classes (not in school) about Astronomy, Archaeology, Engineering, Tactical Classes, etc.

 

[Melakon]

It sounds like a Trekkie version of the Masonic Lodge.

 

[Sindatur]

It sounds like a Trekkie version of the Masonic Lodge.

Yea, my thoughts instantly went to Howard Cunningham's Leopard Lodge

 

[2takesfrakes]

Ordinary people can work for NASA. Or uhm ... the Peace Corps. People can work for/volunteer with Green Peace. Or Red Cross. Or even the United Nations. And the U.S. Navy does alot of work with disaster relief. Churches do so much - directly - towards helping the homeless and recovering addicts and feeding the hungry. None of these organizations got their ideals from STAR TREK. Rather, it's quite the reverse. StarFleet doesn't have to be real for people to make a difference. The one thing about all that which really makes me happy is that all such organizations are usually well-manned. A lot of people want to do good in this world. The only thing they really lack is the money to fulfill their mission. Otherwise, you really don't have to look too hard, or far, to find something resembling some aspect of StarFleet, somewhere ...

 

[USS Triumphant]

Something like this, maybe?:

http://www.sfi.org/

My family and I joined for a year. We got a newsletter, and that was pretty much it, although I know that some people DO get WAY more involved. I believe that juror from a decade or so ago that insisted on wearing her uniform while on the jury was a member, for instance. (I actually don't fault her for wanting to wear a Starfleet uniform. I fault her for not wearing a DRESS uniform, and also for trying to insist on a toy phaser and tricorder. A phaser has no place in a courtroom until it is on the bailiff, and a tricorder is unnecessary unless it contains evidence. )

 

[Timewalker]

Interesting... the website has not been updated during the last 5 years (January 2009).

 

[bbailey861]

Interesting... the website has not been updated during the last 5 years (January 2009).

That, in and of itself, is a telling indicator of how well a 'new' club would be supported. There may be some interest at first, but I suspect that it would quickly taper off.