Not only have members seen the new way emails from the club are formatted, and a new look to the Website, but Haslage revealed that Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr. has taken over the role of his father, Gene Roddenberry, with IFT involvement. What many may not realize is the history between Gene and IFT goes back to its beginnings in 1983. He was a pivotal part of the creation and design of IFT 24 years ago and remained a vital part of the club until his death.
Haslage says IFT is now “stepping into a new age of the Federation.” “In the past few years, Gene (Rod), Jr. has taken his father’s role in IFT. A natural progression has taken that arrangement to making things even more official,” reported Haslage. “IFT has now become the first official affiliate of Roddenberry.com.”
So what does this actually mean for IFT and its club members? It shows that Roddenberry.com and IFT are now sister organizations working together for and with each other to help the family of Trek fandom keep Gene’s vision alive. That vision, so crucial for the success of the Star Trek legacy and at its very heart is the building of a healthy, creative and tolerant society with each individual taking active responsibility for its development. IFT lives to foster that ideal.
The IFT Website will continue to develop and grow to a location on the Net with special areas for members only, podcasts, features and much, much more.