Getting Old
If you look around at hamfests
(remember when we had them?)
and other typical gatherings you’ll
notice a lot of gray/white hair…or a
lot of ‘no’ hair. While amateur radio
licenses number higher than ever
before, it seems just from
observation that we’re all getting
older. That doesn’t bode well for
the hobby if you consider attrition
rates that naturally take place.
For many the answer is “recruit the
children!” but that’s a pretty big
project. And what happens when
their interest is swayed away from
radios to sports, dating and cars?
Is there another crop of interest
that we could positively affect? I
submit the younger professional is
a target that should be considered.
Set in career, family, and finance
many may be looking for a hobby- a
way to rest and get off the
treadmill. Ham radio certainly fits
that bill.
But unlike earlier generations who
grasped the “duty to give back”
philosophy many these days are
“What’s in it for me?”
If we can provide an answer,
including the personal benefits we
each derive from being active in
ham radio, we might have a chance
of getting their participation!
Take a look around and don’t
hesitate to ‘pitch’ the personal
benefits of ham radio any time you
can!
-Stan, N8BHL