On Wed, 22 Jun 2005 09:56:45 -0400 "Todd, KA1KAQ" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > > I also think they only thing that will 'save' amateur radio will be > more hands-on involvement by active hams giving something back > through > public service, school visits, or other demonstrations. Giving away > licenses hasn't done it, and won't.
Here's four recent examples off the ARRL site. Many clubs also have activities that target public service, school visits, or other demonstrations. You need to get out more from behind the gowing tubes and dancing meters and see what's really happening with today's youth and amateur radio. http://www.remote.arrl.org/news/features/2005/06/16/1/?nc=1 http://www.remote.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/06/09/3/?nc=1 http://www.remote.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/06/03/100/?nc=1 http://www.remote.arrl.org/news/features/2005/05/17/1/?nc=1 >Today's radio gear resembles the > computers, video game consoles, cellphones and stereo gear kids use on > a daily basis, so even that is a tough sell. Show them some glowing > tubes and meters with needles dancing around and their eyes light up. Even some of us "seasoned hams" enjoy the flexibility, performance, and the wealth of options that today's rigs provide us. I fail to see how showing the youth of today "glowing tubes and dancing meters", who, most likely, could not relate to these images, would entice them to embrace amateur radio. > Something about sending your voice across the country or around the world without the aid of connected wires still has appeal. Doing it with a box that's 2 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, and doesn't weigh 500 pounds and take up an entire table space, and has more flexibility, features, performance, and has dancing LED meters and other blinking novelties, probably can relate better with today's youth. >You're not going to get every kid, or even a lot of them, but when was that ever the case? Glowing tubes and dancing meters may have worked 30, 40, and 50 years ago as an enticement, but that's past generation, It has little use as a carrot in today's world. Pete, WA2CWA
