NEWSLETTER   No. 1     [ first page only]    February 23, 1969

         a new organization of scientists concerned with all the problems
         of today's world and seeking a radical redirection in the control
         of modern science and technology.

SSPA, a nationwide organization open to all scientists, engineers and students
in these fields, was launched during the annual meeting of the American Physical
Society in New York City on February 4, 1969.  The call for the first meeting stated:

                                      THE PROBLEMS:
1. Government support of research and development is overwhelmingly dominated by
military projects, while the existing levels of armament already constitute the
greatest threat to world peace and security.  The ABM program must be stopped.

2.  The uncontrolled spawning of technology has produced the many hazards of envir-
onmental pollution and has also contributed to the socially destructive conditions
in our cities;  yet there is no real attempt to apply technical skills in a con-
structive plan to improve life for all men [sic] on this planet.

3.  There is no organization which represents the professional community of
scientists.  Leadership has fallen to a pocketful of government advisors who,
though for the most part very talented and well-meaning men, have been absorbed
into the Washington establishment.  We need a vehicle to sponsor vigorous expres-
sion of our own self-interests, of our opinions on federal policies and of our
moral responsibilities to society at large.
                     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

     Conceived of as an independent and loosly organized assembly, we hope to
provide a means whereby socially aware scientists can act as a coherent body
to help solve the vital problems pressing upon us all.  While maintaining coop-
erative relations with older groups working in this area we feel the need for
a fresh start;  and we particularly seek active participation by the younger
scientists,  including students at all levels.  The structure will be very dis-
persed:  we consist of a set of local groups formed upon the initiative of their
members;  the national framework will act to coordinate projects begun at the
local level rather than to fix policy.  This arrangement should allow autonomy
of action and also puts the burden of leadership on the maximum number of
individuals.  The chief organ of communication will be a newsletter, to which
members will contribute reports on their local activities along with research
studies, proposals for group actions, etc.

     We invite your membership and active participation:  please send your name
and address, along with dues of $5 ($2 for students) to
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