[QCWA] International Growth & Communication

[Dave - VE3JX]

DISCLAIMER:  The following is an idea that has been bouncing around in my head
for some time.  It is entirely possible, in fact probable, that others have had
the same thoughts, or are studying the feasibility of this suggestion.  In fact,
I have discussed this with other members who seemed to have the same or a
similar thought.  Therefore, please recognize that the source of this is not
important; only what we can do with it.  I only lay claim to originating this
blurb.

PREAMBLE:  QCWA is an international organization in that it has members in many
other countries other than the U.S.  However, statistics show that U.S. members
are the overwhelming bulk of total membership.  International members, including
Canadians, account for a small percentage of the total.  Based on the posted
Roster of June 30th, 2008, the US membership was 6469.  The total international
membership, including Canada, was 442.  The obvious question is: How can QCWA
improve its international penetration?

COMMUNICATION:  All US members benefit from the regular reception of the QCWA
Journal.  Through it, QCWA communicates to its members all sorts of varied
information that helps, among other things, to promote a sense of unity and
belonging, not the least of which are the Chapter Reports.  A member can read
about the events and occurences within his own Chapter, and that of others.
Announcements of upcoming events, regular nets, Conventions, cruises, etc. are
incorporated into its contents.  Such communication is necessary for members to
feel a part of what's going on.  International members are not so fortunate.

Due to the cost of international postage, most international members do not
receive the QCWA Journal.  Even with Canadians, I am told that less than 100 out
of 245 roster members get the Journal.  Again, the blame is on postal rates for
going outside the US.  (Within the US, I believe QCWA benefits from preferential
bulk rates for domestic delivery.)  Therefore, for the most part, International
QCWA members lose out on the benefits of regular communication from QCWA
National.  Is there anything that can be done about it?

A 21ST CENTURY IDEA:  Postage is a big problem for many groups.  Local ham clubs
face this problem as all these groups do.  Their solution has been to publish
and distribute their Newsletters electronically, generally using PDF via email.
Perhaps, we can learn something from that.

First though, I must mention that I am NOT suggesting that QCWA go full
electronic publishing for ALL members.  The paper magazine format is
unparalleled in its usage.  You can read it anywhere.  Nothing created, so far,
has replaced the codex format in utility.  Therefore, it is suggested that the
paper format of QCWA Journal be maintained, for the US at least.

Notwithstanding, would it be possible to produce an electronic publication for
the benefit for our International members?  This publication need not be
identical to the QCWA Journal; it could be a subset of it, or an entirely new
creation dedicated to the non-US member.  However, with such a publication,
whatever its ultimate format & content become, would serve to keep our
International members informed and give them an increased sense of belonging.
It also gives QCWA the means to regularly communicate with ALL members
everywhere, without prohibitive postage costs.  If such communication
increases "customer satisfaction" internationally, then increasing membership
numbers from these other countries may be the result.

COMMENTS WELCOME:  As you can tell, this idea is pretty raw; it needs more
fleshing out to become a viable solution.  That's where we can all help.  Maybe
you have an associated idea that would make this all viable.  Remember, the only
bad idea is the one not expressed.

Cheers,

Dave Hayes VE3JX
QCWA Life #33597

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APPENDIX:  Roster Statistics - Member Totals

US - 6469
  0 - 632
  1 - 488
  2 - 668
  3 - 524
  4 - 987
  5 - 752
  6 - 697
  7 - 577
  8 - 704
  9 - 440

International - 442
  Australia - 3
  Austria - 9
  Belgium - 2
  Brasil - 1
  Canada - 245
  Czech Republic - 1
  Denmark - 1
  Germany - 123
  Honduras - 1
  Hungary - 1
  Isle of Man - 1
  Israel - 4
  Italy - 2
  Japan - 26
  Kroatia - 1
  Netherlands - 1
  Norway - 1
  Paraguay - 1
  Poland - 2
  Russia - 2
  Sri Lanka - 1
  Sweden - 2
  Switzerland - 8
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