Will the Circle be unbroken?
“Our science, and every science, would amount to little if since its very origins it were not nourished with the dreams and visions of those who devoted themselves to it.”
A math circle, like mathematics itself, would amount to little were it not nourished by the dreams and visions of those who devote themselves to it. But the Director of a math circle cannot subsist on dreams and visions alone. No matter how passionate his commitment may be to the nurture of mathematically talented children, he must still be able to earn a living from his efforts.
And this is why, in the long run, the Stanford Math Circle must win major charitable support if it is to survive. Charging its participants fees they can afford will never generate enough revenue to pay its Director an income comparable to that of a local high school mathematics teacher. And a volunteer Director is not really an option, either — for, as recent experience has shown, the demands of the job are simply too great to sustain out of pure goodwill.
Down to brass tacks
So if you’re a fan of the Stanford Math Circle, and you work for a company that might consider supporting the Circle's mission, please do ask around a little on our behalf. Might someone at your place of work be willing to review a grant proposal from the Circle? Might our Director visit your employer to explain the Circle's unique advantages and attractions? We’d be open to arranging a sort of demonstration circle for your employer, too (especially if the prospects for winning its support would be significantly enhanced thereby.)
And if you can think of any more good fundraising ideas, please do share them with our Director. Our goal is to find practical ways for everyone who loves the Stanford Math Circle to do something meaningful and constructive to help it survive and flourish.