Optical Society of America
Local Section Mission Statement

History: The Optical Society of America was founded in 1916 by the Rochester local section. The formation of the Society was motivated in large part by a need to bring together a fragmented industrial and academic group of people with common interests in the field of optics. While a major part of this was fulfilled by the creation of the Society’s journal and later publications, the personal interactions brought about through local section activities were also deemed important and necessary. Strong local sections were a goal of the founders, and they were explicitly included in the original by-laws. Local sections did not proliferate in the early history of the Society in large part due to a limited number of people working in the field. During the middle of the 20th Century, an increase in local sections re-invigorated an ailing national society and helped to preserve unity within the optics community. Many local sections created during this period were formed around specific areas of expertise within a region. As the field of optics has grown, the original motivation for the Rochester section is more germane than ever: to bring together a regional group with a diversity of interests around the common theme of optics.

Preamble: The Optical Society of America has its roots in the programs and efforts of local sections. The activities of local section members are essential for the larger society to fulfill its mission to increase and diffuse knowledge of optics as well as encourage cooperation among and promote the common interests of individuals in pursuit of that knowledge. Local sections play an important role in bringing together optics professionals and enthusiasts within a geographic region. Local section members volunteer their time to share their skills and their joy in optics with the broader community on a personal level. No other activity of the Society is as effective at engaging the general public. The Optical Society of America is committed to the support and growth of its Local Sections.

Mission: The Optical Society of America’s mission in advancing local sections is to encourage autonomous organizations that promote and fulfill the mission, aim, and purpose of the national Society in a manner that best serves their own members and regions. Local Sections further the objectives of the national Society by: