Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Robert Heinlein

A couple of years ago, I was looking for some organizations to join to help network. After all, though I have a day job, I dream of being able to write for a living and having a large network of contacts can be the make or break point for that. I joined the World Future Society which my father had been a member of for many years, but it didn't cover every angle I wanted. So I kept looking and eventually found the Heinlein Society.

The Heinlein Society was established in 2000 by the late Virginia Heinlein as a means to continue Heinlein's legacy of 'Paying it Forward'. Some of the activities that the Society supports include blood drives, the inclusion of Heinlein's books in school libraries (especially hus 'juvenile' books), and the support of ongoing human exploration of space.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Robert Heinlein's birth. There are a number of events planned, including a convention in Heinlein's home state of Missouri. The Heinlein Centennial takes place from July 6th to the 8th and will play host to a variety of events and a number of special guests, including former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and science fiction writer Spider Robinson. While this isn't an event that is sponsored by the Society, many members will be in attendance and are supporting the gathering.

The Society is working to get panels at a variety of conventions throughout the year to help promote the Society's activities and continue to spread the word during the centennial. But that's not their biggest activity this year.