1. The society may be seeking funding from other nations and private interests. Are there any entities that will not be approached? Why?

At the moment, the Fundraising Task Force is targeting the adventure/outdoor sports industry to help support our arctic base project, because we believe that the relationship could be mutually beneficial. While The Mars Society does not currently have a set of procedures or requirements for approaching companies (we are in the process of creating them), as with any major organization, certain ethical considerations will have to be taken into account. For instance, it would probably be inappropriate for us to accept funds from the Flat Earth Society. For the time being, however, we encourage any organization or individual who is interested in pursuing Martian exploration to support our cause.

2. What kinds of responses are the chapters receiving from legislators? Interest? Indifference? Doubletalk?

A congressman?s job is to represent the people. From what I understand, up to this point the representatives have been enthusiastic and have shared the dream of us becoming a space faring nation with colonies on Mars. Like the common citizen, however, they want to see tangible benefits of Martian exploration. Part of our job, therefore, becomes not only to identify individuals who share the dream, but also to convince people that Martian exploration will have some very positive effects on life here on Earth. For instance, we will gain a better understanding of our environment, and perhaps we will learn new ways of protecting our own biosphere. Also, the money that we spend will be put into supplies, rockets, and equipment which means more jobs and money funneled into the economy. Of course there are the other obvious scientific and educational benefits that will inevitably arise from exploring a new world. Once we can convince the public that Martian exploration is not only possible, but also a very beneficial thing for Terrans, I believe that our legislators will play a more active role in promoting the Mars program.

3. What is the purpose of the Mars Society aside from lobbying the government and private industries for money to support Mars missions?

By bringing together people of different professions and cultures from all around the world who share the Martian dream, we hope to create an environment where positive action can be taken to speed up the inevitable exploration and colonization of the planet Mars. Some ways that this action and energy are taking form are by creating a Martian base simulation in the Canadian arctic to test out living modules, machinery, and exploration equipment for a mission to Mars. By stimulating public interest and lobbying our congressmen, we hope to get the governments of the world to play a more active role in Martian exploration. Finally, by forging strategic alliances with individuals and companies, we hope to begin launching our own missions to the red planet.

4. As primary motivators of Mars exploration, what do you feel are the society's responsibilities should the endeavor become a source of international tension?

When I arrived at the Founding Convention of the Mars Society, I did not know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised to see such diversity in the participants. The first friend that I made at the convention was a businessman from Mozambique--the second was a lawyer from Australia. As the conference went on, I listened to presentations by a French engineer, a British consultant, and a New York musician. Never in my life have I seen so many different people united under a common goal. Our strength is in our unity and our diversity. The Mars Society was founded on international cooperation. Not that we discourage a bit of friendly competition, as that can keep us on our toes and motivate us to achieve higher levels of excellence. As far as international tension is concerned, I have every confidence that we would be able to work out any internal problems, and that we would be a very positive influence on the global community as we lead by example.

5. Does the society have any contact with the U.N.? What kind of relationship is being built with that entity?

Being a new organization, we are currently in the process of improving our internal organization and communication, refining our specific goals and objectives, and building credibility and legitimacy. Up to this point we have delegated all political action responsibilities to the local chapters of the organization. Consequently, we have not yet established communication with the United Nations. We are very excited that they have opened up their UNISPACE III conference on "Space Benefits for Humanity in the Twenty-first Century" next June in Vienna to the general public, however, and if possible, we would like to participate in that conference.