[CVCC] MISSING - Please help

[Kyle Chavis]

Did anyone else notice what was missing from Field Day this year?  I saw a
couple in the photos but we could certainly use more to help save the future
of CVCC. We need to do something now and invite the youth into our hobby.

How can we do this?

First we need some type of media that'll make it interesting for the viewers
to understand Amateur Radio. I found this video on You Tube that's pretty
good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw2byLEjeSw
I saw some camcorders at Field Day and maybe we could put together our own
video or perhaps we have some media help in our club already?

In the 35 mile local club circle we have a huge amount of schools. Science
teachers usually love it when people ask to put on a demonstration and this
will usually lead to others within the school(s). Police, Fire, EMS, and
others are already using two-way radios and would be a good target for
membership. Science clubs, youth groups, boy and girls scouts, and others
are even more young people.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to put on a ham radio demonstration
for the 3rd grade class at one of the local schools. The next year I was
invited to visit the science club and know of 2 students that became hams
from that visit. The opportunities are there but we're going have to go
after them and show the community about amateur radio. We don't have to wait
for Field Day to show the community about our hobby. Let's form a VEC group
and help people become hams, this is a great way to welcome new members.
Years ago I was ARRL and W5YI certified and willing to do it again if it
helps the club.

Schedule a contact with the Space Lab NA1SS and present it at the local
schools. You'll get free media coverage from the local TV channels and what
a great way to let Richmond and the surroundings about CVCC. Several clubs
have done this already and I'm sure some of you have read about the events.

The School Club Roundup and Scout Jamboree is coming up in October, both are
excellent opportunities for CVCC to demo ham radio to the public. I'm sure
others can think of ways to increase membership, what you think?

Thanks,
Kyle
WA4PGM