[QCWA] QCWA

[Richard]

      I agree Norm we do need to come up with some kind of activity go get 
people to join, not lowering standards, as this service has been doing for 
years for the sake of numbers. Matter of fact a lot of the organizations I 
belong to , American Legion, Marine Corps league are having trouble 
recruiting and keeping members. Seems people don't have the time or health 
reasons or whatever to join or even be active. We do things and its always 
the same faces you see each project. These groups are certainly not going to 
lower or change their standards to join!!

       A few months ago, we ( old old timers club) had a CW contest and I 
only heard from three others in Ca. Of course the bands really stink now 
compared to years ago, but we still got out there and did it. FD was another 
story though I alone made over 250 contacts on CW. But I wish we would have 
done this as a chapter thing for FD. The uhf/VHF clubs are having trouble 
filling the void for CW ops for FD, they just don't have an interest in it, 
but it was funny they made mention of the fact ,they had no one to operate 
CW, why learn something , when you can get someone else to do it.....  I 
have obligations to my family or I would have went and helped out at the CW 
station, instead I stayed home and operated. And I also agree on the 
certificates, it is nice that they recognize your time but it pretty much 
means nothing as far as a reason to join.
      Rich

      -------Original Message-------

      From: Norm Gertz
      Date: 7/24/2008 12:12:57 PM
      To: Discussion of QCWA or Ham Radio
      Subject: Re: [QCWA] Re: QCWA Digest, Vol 51, Issue 14

      This thread is becoming a bit treacherous and is wandering far from 
the
      intent of the founders.

      You all have amateur radio clubs in your areas which have many members 
well
      over the 25 year requirement for QCWA and they are not members.  I 
wonder
      why?

      There has to be incentives and activities of interest to draw in some 
new
      members.

      Issuing certificates for longevity or a combination of your age and 
years
      licensed really are meaningless from an achievment standpoint.

      Take a look back at the QCWA QSO party activities of years ago when it 
was a
      two weekend party (one CW/one PHONE).  Participation was far beyond 
what we
      see today.  Good example, the high scorer for CW this past session won 
with
      only 50 contacts.

      Times have changed for sure but we will never resolve anything by 
random
      observations and self serving statements.

      If you have an idea of how to improve things;  put it in writing and 
send it
      to the board.  For a bit more horsepower perhaps your chapter would 
vote in
      a resolution to submit.

      73    Norm    K1AA
      (W1KYK- 1937-1966)