[QCWA Hotlist] Reactivating a chapter

[Stan Vandiver W4SV]

Greetings,

Having been the instigator in reactivating Chapter 36 almost two years 
ago, I can only offer the recruiting method that I used initially.

I got online and found a resource to get zip code listings in northwest 
Indiana, based on counties. A couple of such resources are:
http://www.getzips.com/county.htm and
http://www.melissadata.com/lookups/countyzip.asp

I then logged on to http://www.qrz.com and entered zip after zip into 
the Search box (same place you enter a call sign). I clicked on each ham 
in these zip codes, and being logged in I could see email addresses that 
were posted there. I copied and pasted the email addresses into a 
computer file.

I then sent a mass email to those addresses collected on QRZ, and also 
all my friends in my personal addressbook. In this email I introduced 
myself and stated my goal of reactivating our chapter. I apologized also 
because I don't like unsolicited email myself. And I asked those 
interested to contact me and/or forward my email to others who might 
also be interested in participating.

We had 8 people show up for our first meeting... in the worst blinding 
Indiana blizzard of the '08-09 winter. Given the weather, I was really 
pleased with that turnout. We have now just rolled over 100 people on 
our roster.

I should be clear to mention that our roster represents both QCWA 
members and also "chapter guests" which we gladly welcome. Some guests 
are unlicensed, such as many spouses, but a great many are hams who are 
not yet eligible to join QCWA. It is my hope that this positive 
association with us now will encourage them to join when they do become 
eligible. I first envisioned quarterly meetings, but our group has been 
enthusiastic enough to maintain monthly meetings, with 25-35 people 
typically attending.

Perhaps my method can help Doug get Chapter 5 back on track with some 
new blood too. It takes a little bit of work to collect the email 
addresses, but it really wasn't too bad. A large number of the addresses 
on QRZ were outdated and many emails bounced back to me, but that must 
be expected.

Best of luck to you, Doug! Please let me know if you have any other 
questions on our Chapter 36 reactivation, and I will help if I can.

Very 73,

Stan Vandiver, W4SV
Chapter 36 President