[QCWA] 25 year requirement

[Raymond Makul]

I am President of Chapter 146.   One thing that has been frustrating about being Chapter President is having to tell people with less than 25 years that we have no formal way of accommodating their interest in associating with our members.   They are even willing to pay dues, at least to the Chapter!!

Rather than being simply a self congratulatory organization to celebrate ourselves by ourselves, I have often thought about the resources and experience we have to offer the amateur radio community.  What better source of Elmers than QCWA members?   An associate membership class would facilitate our ability to help others, and for others to help us.  To amplify on that point,,,,,,

A pool of interested, younger members would help the "full" QCWA members as well.  For example, if you had to have somebody climb a tower to adjust an antenna, would you rather do it yourself, or get the help of a 85 year old QCWA member, or possibly have available some younger associate QCWA members?  Having some younger folks involved would facilitate we oldsters helping them, and they helping us!!

Amateur radio has always been about service.  Creating some accommodation for newer hams through an associate membership arrangement would improve our relevance to the amateur radio scene.

Raymond Makul   K1XV