[QCWA] Memberships, Local, National and Associate???

[hammond_ham at juno.com]

All of a sudden, and in recent weeks, there have been numerous discussions, pro and con, about membership levels. Keep in mind, when I join ARRL or Lions or most other service organizations, I pay my dues and have immediate, full member privileges. Not so with QCWA with its requirement for 25 years in the hobby. A newbie ham is made to defer membership until he has reached the 25 year mark. How can we bring them into the QCWA at an earlier time in his ham experience? Right now, we can't. Some chapters have unofficially permitted "associates" outside the national criteria. I have had some discussions and some feel I am proposing a change to the charter, to eliminate the 25 year requirement. This is a thorn in the side and unpalatable to some, not so much with others. Consider that during an emergency, during times of an emergency, it became necessary to jettison excesses, like fuel, equipment etc, to save an aircraft or a ship. It appears that QCWA needs to consider the jettisoning of our piece of "excess weight", if not now, then at some future date in order to keep the organization "aloft" or "afloat". All options need to be considered. As I have been told, when I asked a ham to join the QCWA, he responded that "we didn't want him before he had 25 years and he does not need us now". Yet, we really do need him now, probably more than ever to keep QCWA financially afloat. I realize the bitter pill, but good medicine for an ill often tastes bad. And, Yes, I am a life member, licensed over 50 years, having served as a Chapter (41) officer for over 6 years. Associate membership? NO! Full Membership? YES!
de Steve Brodie, K5ZYZ

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