May 2008
We often hear people lamenting the impending demise of amateur radio. The competition from cell phones and the internet seem to have steered potential hobbyists in other directions. EBAY and other online outlets have also taken away many of the hands-on opportunities to see and touch equipment, an experience that always seemed to help generate interest in the hobby. What can we do to stop this downward spiral?
Well, we can stop lamenting and start doing something about it. Become more involved with the educational programs that help to promote amateur radio. Programs like School Club Round-up, Kid’s Day, and Scouting’s Jamboree on the Air, are all fine programs that give youngsters a great opportunity to see and hear what ham radio is all about. LIMARC will also be re-establishing an ongoing educational program and we encourage you to get involved. And while we are about it, how come so many of our own children have never become involved in our hobby? Education does truly begin at home!
We also educate through example. The way we use the air waves becomes the standard to which we ask new members and listeners to live by. So many times however, it is obvious that we discourage rather than encourage a real interest in the hobby. We are “whitewashing the picket fence”, and people must believe that it is fun in order to want to do it. The future of amateur radio is at stake, and its destiny is in our own hands.