[AJames]

Originally Posted by Night Owl

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.

The main groups of the astronomical societies are already established and are financially viable and strong. It would nearly impossible to break unless their membership is enticed away from them to better opportunities and conditions.

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.

With respect, you miss my pessimistic point. Local astronomical societies do have a positive side, they provide meetings and journals can give others the opportunities to meet others and read about of similar interests. Furthermore, experience of others can be useful to gain knowledge so you can enjoy observing - often leading to formation of a small group of several keen observers. Such camaraderie is where astronomical societies have great benefit. If you wish to be a sole observer - well then that is OK too!
However, if you are after kudos or contribute to the science of astronomy - then you really are on your own. Societies are notorious for cutting down people to size in this regard, failing to see the bigger picture.
Your question here, however, is about nationalising the astronomical scene; and you are dealing with the peculiarities of established empires that are the individual societies not just individuals.

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!

Nearly ever Society is Incorporated (about 50-60 to in Australia). Incorporation in Australia is a legal State parliamentary enactment, which exists for the protection of members and is the legal rights for groups regarding finances, property and public liability insurance. Incorporation is an agreement with membership, via a constitution, and protects individuals from being sued.
Once a group has been established, it can receive fees and legally hold a bank account, much of which covers expenses - the main one being $1000-odd dollars for public liability insurance, and other costs like a meeting hall, postage, etc.
Groups not incorporated can exist, but the finances has to be held by another organisation, who are businesses or incorporated bodies - called auspicing. These groups hold your monies in trust, which can be requested in witting for the the purposes predefined. Either way, such groups can request funding from governmental or business for project - often with the understanding of benefiting the local community.

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.

Been there, done that... Result : Just uadulterated misery...

All groups have something like this, but often it is made when the group was young and uncertain of their aims. Constitutions are only guides, but groups are unwilling to change these rules without much of a reason. Constitutions are probably the hardest thing write and enact in a society, (I've written about a dozen for new incorporated groups) and because it is a legal document, has to be writing clearly and precisely. If not written correctly or updated to meet the needs of the Society can stifle group or in meeting the needs of the members - and changes are limited by the executive itself or or 5% or 10% of the membership, the agreed upon by the majority. Controlling is isn't easy - and can be subject to abuse and manipulation. Not for the faint of heart!

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 well.

As I said, 90% of the Societies and Associations just suck. there are good ones, however, and your example os one of them.

All it takes is a spirit of co-operation.

Exactly. Agree with you 100%. Yet people being people it isn't easy to stay that way for any length duration. Experience tells me this is idealistic, and unless you are a revolutionary bum, the only spirit you will see in this regard remains from a bottle.

In the end, if you can find a better way, then good luck to you, but convincing others of the quest - well that's a different matter.