Section Representative Report
Illinois Section of AAPT
March 1, 2004

Dave Sykes

The AAPT National Meeting was held January 24-28, 2004 at the Radisson Deuville Resort in Miami Beach, Florida. The Section Representatives Exchange and Meeting were held on January 25 and the National AAPT Council met the following night on January 26. The following is a summary of pertinent information shared during these meetings.

During the Section Representatives exchange, a group activity was conducted to brainstorm possible events, exhibits, etc. for the upcoming World Year of Physics (recognizing Einstein’s published works of 1905). Some of the ideas presented were:

1.  Dedicate a paper session at Section Meetings for any and all presentations on Einstein’s work or consequences of his works.
2.  Create a moving exhibit (e.g. The Physics Van) of Einstein’s works.
3.  Create a poster(s) of Einstein’s works or consequences of his works to be displayed at public places (libraries, schools, etc.).
4.  Enhance public awareness of physics and physics education by soliciting spots on popular shows such as Leno and Letterman.

The Section Representatives elected Ann Brandon, Joliet West High School, for a three (3) year term as Secretary.

The treasury of the National AAPT is very sound with long-term savings (approximately $4.5 million) nearing the goal of being equal to one year’s budget (approximately $5.0 million).

It looks as though AAPT Sections (including the ISAAPT) will have to undergo changes for the IRS. Some possible changes might include:

• Shifting beginning and ending dates for office terms.
• Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Become incorporated as a non-profit corporation in our state.
• Obtain a Seal.
• Obtain a Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Considerable time and discussion was spent during the Council Meeting on the subject of future National AAPT Meetings. The following is the schedule of future meetings through 2007.

Summer, 2004: July 31-Aug. 4; California State University in Sacramento, California.
Winter, 2005; January 8-12; Hyatt Doubletree & Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Summer, 2005; August 6-10; University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Winter, 2006; January 21-25; Convention Center & Hilton in Anchorage, Alaska.
Summer, 2006; July 15-19; Ohio State University, Syracuse, or The University of Maryland.
Winter, 2007; January 6-11; Joint with AAS in Seattle, Washington.
Summer, 2007; July 28-Aug. 4; University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Sykes
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL 62794-9256
dave.sykes@llcc.edu