I thought AJames' post of the State of National Astronomy in Australia might have been that way. But it doesn't need to stay that way.
I suppose the biggest hurdle is there is no need to cooperate, as anyone can just walk out in their back yard and 'commit astronomy'. And, I suppose anyone who is committed to astronomy is also resigned and committed to being alone while doing it.
Might as well have a bumper sticker...
Astronomers do it in the dark; on there own!
Anyway, who would be intersted in finally getting something together?
My first question is, how many astronomy clubs etc are actually incorporated? Anyone know? Incorporation is the first step to bigger and better things. Governments and local councils like dealing with incorporated organisations lots more than one of two reclusive, pale, vitamin D deficient, over dressed, binocular holding boring people!
And there are things you can do to a clubs consitution that prevents empires and dynasties being made. Things like no more than 2 or 3 terms of office, in any position, so you stop them roating through the executive. And you can include a mission statement, like "To establish a permanent local viewing site, and provide, install, and maintain the best facilities for the members and community". It ain't that hard.
As I said, if model aircraft flyers can do it, (and they did it in the 1950's) then guys who like spending huge amounts of dosh on slabs of polished glass and bent mirrors should be able to do it just as welll.
All it takes is a spirit of cooperation.