[QCWA] 2010 Membership

Wed Aug 11 11:12:00 EDT 2010

Yes to all of that, Larry.

The one point in all the discussion I have NOT heard made explicitly is 
that we must LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Each and every member of QCWA is an EXEMPLAR -- an example of what 
maturity and time-in-grade can do to mold an amateur from a perhaps 
fly-by-night, into-everything, dilettante, into a well rounded, 
committed amateur radio operator who strives to be the best he/SHE can 
be.  We use our somewhat unique perspective to show the way to those who 
have come behind us.  We do, that is, if we do anything at all.

While being a QCWA member, I'm betting that each member is also a member 
of a local group, or club.  We should stand up at those meetings when 
self-introductions are being done to put in a plug for QCWA: " I'm Joe 
Ham, WxDX, and I'm a member of QCWA.  We meet at the local Greasy Grill 
on Such and Such a day for breakfast, and lunch, and/or dinner.  You 
would be most welcome at our meetings.  Spouses are most welcome."  
That's not hard, and it would help to make us better known among our own 
local groups.

When you join a net (HF, VHF, or whatever mode you prefer) identify 
yourself as a QCWA member.  Be quick to provide information about QCWA 
activity in your area.  No activity in your area -- who's to blame for that?

Look over your local Clubs rosters.  You DO have a roster, don't you?  
If there is someone you don't know -- get to know who they are.  What do 
they DO?  Could they perhaps say a few words about what they do, what 
they used to do, what they want to do, maybe, at your local meeting.  
One doesn't have to be a MEMBER of QCWA to make a presentation, however 
informal, at a QCWA gathering.  Do you 'track' ANYONE, regardless of 
longevity in amateur radio, as prospective members -- for SOMEDAY?  My 
Chapter (Ch. 119) has as many FRIENDS on a list as we have members -- 
some 160 all together -- and we make sure all of them get the WEEKLY 
newsletter, info about meetings, info about activities we are doing.  We 
have some FRIENDS who have to wait up to 24 years and 1 month to become 
an official member.  We have others who are virtually knocking on the 
door, and when their calendar rolls around we will greet them joyously 
as official members, raised up from the Friends List.

There are few of us who can do everything.  There are even fewer of us 
who can do NOTHING!  Most are in a position to do SOMETHING.  Which 
category do you fall into, and are you really satisfied being in that 
category?  If you should happen to fall into the NOTHING category -- 
please explain to me how it is that you cannot be an Ambassador of Good 
QCWA WILL.  It takes very little effort, and it is the kind of activity 
that will help us to grow.  Put those of us who can and will do 
SOMETHING to work!  Feed us names, show up to eat, or to watch us eat, 
and we can light up your life.

Change starts with ME.  If there is something in me I need to change, I 
WILL.  If there is something in my Chapter that needs to change -- WE 
can change it.  If there is something in our ORGANIZATION that needs to 
change, WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT AND IF IT'S A GOOD CHANGE WE CAN CHANGE 
THAT, TOO.

Change cannot END with me.

Congratulations to you all for being among the 300 best informed QCWA 
members via this electronic marvel, the QCWA LIST.  The above rant is 
preaching to the choir, in most cases.  I've read the comments that 
appear here, and most seem to be indicating the need for change.  Having 
raised the issue, the ball is now in your court.  NEED CHANGE?  MAKE IT 
HAPPEN.

Respectfully, Vic, W4VIC, QCWA Chapter 119 Inc.

Larry Essary wrote:
> Bob...
>
> The times we are living in are far different than 20 or 30
> years ago.   People, for whatever reason, no longer seem to
> be "joiners".
> Its not just QCWA or ham radio in general, but in all
> groups.    Be it less disposable income or certainly less
> time... getting people to do something that isn't in the top
> 3 things on their list to do is difficult if not impossible.
>
> I'm more concerned that there appears to be a whole
> generation of hams that have no idea or knowledge of QCWA.
> There are a significant number of hams that have be licensed
> over 25 years that don't know about QCWA.
>
> It's a great idea to sponsor any number of hams...  but it's
> like the saying, "You can get a horse to water....".
>
> I think that we, as multiple generations of hams, need to
> figure out just how to get people to be "joiners" again.
>
> It's going to take all of us nationally to address this
> issue.   One more member is one more member.
> Let's all do our best for  QCWA.
>
> Larry K5XG  Chapter 41
>
>
>
>
>
> From: "Bob Roske"<broske at hutchtel.net>
>
>
> Hi Everybody,
>
> This topic has slowed to a crawl and I think everyone that
> wants to, has responded.
>
> My thoughts in no particular order.  If I disagree with
> something you said, good for you!
> If we all agree, it would be a dull and boring world.
>
> For those that don't realize it, the members already have
> the power.  It was member power
> that insured my election in 2008, it will be member power
> that saves this organization.
> The Board Members can (and do) sponsor dozens of members a
> year.  During his 4 years as
> President, John, W3BE sponsored 78 members.  I guess leading
> by example doesn't work.
> I've sponsored as many as 5 during a year, not counting
> Dayton.  It takes time, and
> effort, and money.  Every member needs to sponsor someone.
> Val, W5PUT suggests by
> the end of the year.   I suggest an easier approach, sponsor
> one new member every 5 years.
> Yes, 1 every 5 years.  That would be 3 or 4 times the
> current annual number of new
> members.
>
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