The Mars Society's Civilization and Culture Group is a forum for the discussion of the technical, political, economic, social, and ecological aspects of Martian exploration and settlement. The Group's members review, draft, and discuss proposals that may affect the course of Martian exploration and settlement. The Group periodically publishes summaries of its proceedings.

The Mars Society's Civilization & Culture group was originally known as the Law & Governance Task Force. The group was created at the Founding Convention of the Mars Society in August 1998 and led by John Carter McKnight ( kaseido@earthlink.net ) After the convention, it quickly became one of the most active Internet mailing lists run by the Mars Society. Participants talk about all issues related to Mars: law, politics, government, settlement, terraforming, calendar systems, missions, public outreach, Mars Society strategy, and much more.

Shortly after John McKnight became the first Mars Society Executive Director in early 1999, he stepped down as chair of the group and it was taken up by Ruth Waterton ( ruth@h2oton.freeserve.co.uk ), a founding member from the UK. During and after the second annual Mars Society Convention, there was much discussion about refocusing the group. At an online meeting, the core members voted to rename the group Civilization & Culture to better reflect the new focus. The new name does not contain "Task Force" because we feel that we are a permanent group with no specific task other than to promote discussion about Mars in this forum.

In January 2000, Ruth Waterton stepped down as chair of the group. A discussion immediately began on what the future of the group should be, including the possibility of splitting into subgroups. Possible subgroups include:

1. Habitation Design

2. Agriculural / Life Support

3. Health

4. Industry / Economics

5. Law & Governance

6. Social Aspects of Settlement

7. General Civ-Culture discussions

8. Civ-Culture Announcements

9. Journals & Publications

10. Website / Internet