Happy Groudhog Day!
2008 is under way here at the ol' RAE and here's what we have planned for you so far:
- Install new rear stairs at the EOC
- Bus trip to The Dayton Hamvention (if there's interest)
- Opening day at the EOC in May
- Public service events
- Field Day
- Summer picnic (if there's interest)
- VHF contest
- Pa QSO Party
- Christmas party
- Whatever else the membership wants to do.
These are all fine things for hams to be involved with, but I think we have to reach a little beyond our shell.
Dan, K3UFG and his crew have helped no less than two dozen new hams get their licenses in the past year. The WWA has helped a similar number of people get their tickets. Have you talked to any of these 40 new hams on the air? Have you seen them at any club functions?
I applaud the efforts put forth by those who are doing the hard part;- convincing new people that ham radio is something worth getting involved with, helping them study, and administering the exams. These new people have enough desire that they'll spend many hours studying, and pay money to take an exam. Once they get their licenses though, where do they go? Do they suddenly lose interest? I sincerely doubt it.
I think we're really missing an opportunity to make new friends and bring fresh blood into our ranks. I witnessed six bright, young boy scouts pass their Technician Class exams this week at the Red Cross. I felt really good about it and was proud that these kids thought my hobby was worth their time and effort. I'm concerned though, that I may never get to talk with them on the air, or see them at a club event. Of course, I gave each of them a flier offering them a free membership in the RAE, but I've done that before and have gotten very little response.
We all know the first contact is the hardest, (especially before you've purchased or built, or borrowed a radio) and I think maybe this is holding some of our new friends back. We've all heard how important Elmers are and I'll bet each of us can remember how our Elmers helped us get started. When you think about the person who elmered you, how do you see that person? Wouldn't you like some young person to think the same of you?
I'm asking for your help to get our new hams started in our hobby. They've proven their commitment to us by studying for and passing the entrance exam. Now it's up to us to make sure they feel welcome and to let them know we're here to help them with their questions about radio, antennas, what to say on-air, etc.
As an extension of this, I'd like to propose we hold workshops at the EOC for the new, and the more experienced hams on subjects such as contesting, antenna building, storm spotting, direction-finding, DX-ing, digital modes, portable operation, soldering techniques, and even our old friend- CW operating. We could hold these workshops on week nights, or weekends (whatever works). Our members have such a rich set of skills and experience that it would be a shame not to share them.
Please consider hosting, or at least attending some of the sessions this year and maybe you'll get to help a young person get started in ham radio, or teach an older ham some new tricks.
Another way to expand beyond our shell is to hold Field Day at a more public site. We're talking about possible sites now and welcome your ideas.
Thanks for your time & 73,
Kevin, KE3V
