Article/Document:
An Introduction to MUFON
John Schuessler, MUFON International Director
original source | fair use notice
Summary: The Mutual UFO Network, Inc. is an international scientific organization composed of people seriously interested in studying and researching the phenomenon known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) by combining their mutual talents, areas of expertise and investigative efforts. MUFON is the acronym for the Mutual UFO Network. MUFON firmly believes that a concentrated scientific study by dedicated investigators and researchers will provide the ultimate answer to the UFO enigma.
The Mutual UFO Network, Inc. is an international scientific organization composed of people seriously interested in studying and researching the phenomenon known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) by combining their mutual talents, areas of expertise and investigative efforts. MUFON is the acronym for the Mutual UFO Network, Inc., a Texas nonprofit corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) and a publicly supported organization of the type described in Section 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. MUFON firmly believes that a concentrated scientific study by dedicated investigators and researchers will provide the ultimate answer to the UFO enigma.
Founded on May 31, 1969, MUFON's phenomenal success may be attributed to the "grass roots" nature of the organization, in which a majority of the leadership and motivation is achieved at the local level. In North America, a State or Provincial Director oversees the investigative activities of the Field Investigators through State Section Directors. An International Coordinator and seven Continental Coordinators work with the Foreign Representatives and National Directors in each country on the international scene. MUFON is governed by a Board of Directors composed of 21 men and women and administered by an Executive Committee.
MUFON's Board of Consultants, most of whom are PhDs or MDs, represent some 45 areas of science and technology, including medicine, psychiatry, psychology, theology, engineering, astronomy, communications, political science, photo analysis, etc., and are readily available as an advisory group to apply their expertise to UFO cases under study and to conduct advanced research in their respective fields.
Starting in 1970, MUFON has sponsored an Annual International UFO Symposium where world reknowned scientists, engineers, university professors and authors lecture on their particular specialization or contributions to resolving this perplexing scientific dilemma. To provide a permanent record of the presentations, copyrighted Symposium Proceedings are published annually for worldwide distribution.
In order that only qualified, competent and sincere people may become involved, membership in MUFON is by invitation only. Anyone interested in helping to resolve the UFO phenomenon is invited to join by submitting a membership application and appropriate dues for approval. Based upon their education and experience, members may serve in one or more of the following positions: Consultant, State or Provincial Director, State Section Director, National Director, Foreign Representative, Field Investigator, Research Specialist, Amateur Radio Operator, Astronomy, Field Investigator Trainee, Translator, UFO News Clipping Service, Journal Subscriber or Associate Member (under 18 years of age).
Field Investigators are trained and high standards of professionalism are required by MUFON. As objective, scientific researchers, MUFON Field Investigators uphold the confidentiality of witnesses and case information. Investigators are volunteers who conduct research at their own expense, and attempt to document sighting information in a thorough and unbiased manner. The latest edition of the copyrighted MUFON Field Investigator's Manual (4th edition) provides effective guidelines, techniques and suggestions for members conducting UFO sighting interviews and investigations.
Amateur Radio Networks, operating weekly, are utilized to receive and disseminate UFO sighting reports and current UFO information. The exact date, time and frequencies are published in the MUFON UFO Journal. A computer bulletin board service, MUFONET-BBS, is in daily operation. A master file, containing all submitted UFO sighting reports arranged chronologically by state, province and country, is maintained in the MUFON administrative offices. UFO sighting reports are being entered into a computer data bank.
Our 24-page monthly magazine, the MUFON UFO Journal, is our most significant means of sharing details of UFO sighting reports and vital information related to the UFO phenomenon with our members throughout the world. A subscription to the Journal is included in the annual membership dues of $35.00 in the U.S.A. and $40.00 in foreign countries in U.S. funds. Updates and additional information will be periodically posted here on the Web.
For a downloadable application form to join the world's largest UFO membership organization and/or to receive the Journal on a monthly basis, click here now, or call, write, or fax one of the above addresses for additional information. We invite you to actively participate in the resolution of the greatest mystery of the space age.
John Schuessler
MUFON International Director
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