[W1SMH] (no subject)

[David Bodman]

>Forwarded by d.bodman@comcast.net

From: ARRL Web site [mailto:memberlist@www.arrl.org] 
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 3:54 PM
To: d.bodman@comcast.net
Subject: You Can Make a Difference!

W1AI wrote:

To all Eastern Massachusetts amateur radio enthusiasts:

You probably know that we've been introducing amateur radio to thousands
of scouts every year during their visits to the USS Salem.  This program
is currently at a turning point, and you can help us decide its
future.

Over the years, the program has been held together primarily by a small,
core group of volunteers that keep coming back to work with the scouts
week after week.  This core group constantly changes over time.  As
volunteers become unavailable, for instance because they move away or
change jobs, we've always been lucky that new volunteers show up to take
their place.

Unfortunately, I have recently lost 3 core volunteers, and 2 others have
commitments that force them to cut back on their participation.  As a
result we will not be able to continue this project unless some new
people get involved.

So I ask you:  Do you think the world is a better place because many
thousands of scouts have learned about amateur radio due to our efforts
over the past few years?  Is this program worth continuing?

And I also ask you: Is this program important enough that you,
personally, are willing to become involved?

The work is demanding, but also highly rewarding.  I usually leave the
ship feeling exhausted, but happy, energized, and looking forward to
coming back the following week.

One part of the program involves giving 30-minute presentations on
amateur radio to 6 different groups of kids.  This can be quite
demanding, as you have to vary your presentation to fit each group.  The
kids vary in age from
6 to 22.  Groups vary in size from 10 to 30 kids, plus their
accompanying adults.  Some groups are boys, others are girls.  Some
groups are quiet, some are talkative, and some are just plain rowdy. 
Some groups are disinterested, some are enthralled.  By the time you
finish giving the presentation 6 times in 3 hours, working to keep them
interested and get them excited, you are exhausted.  Yet still, somehow,
you are looking forward to coming back next weekend to do it all over
again!

The other part of the program involves giving "hands on" demos to 6
groups of kids, either on HF or 2M/IRLP.  You exercise your technical
understanding of radio, your operating skills, your knowledge of the
regulations (bands,
identification, third party, etc.), plus your skill at working with kids
-- all at the same time!  You have to know how to encourage mike-shy
kids to talk on the air, know when to back off and let them just listen,
have a repertoire of questions to suggest to the kids for asking over
the air,
monitor every word that is said on the air, and remember to give your
call sign at least once in every 10 minutes.  It's challenging, it's
exhausting, and it's every bit as much fun as Field Day!

All that having been said, you do not need any specific skills or
experience to participate.  We will show you the ropes!  We encourage
you to watch a "pro" for a while, and then jump in for some on-the-job
training when you're ready.  For the presenters, I have a sample script
that you can follow to whatever degree you wish, or you can develop your
own presentation.

The program generally runs from 3pm till 6pm on most Saturday
afternoons. While I do not require any long-term commitments, I do need
to know a couple of days in advance who's going to be there each
weekend.  I have to make sure that we have enough volunteers each week,
or else we have to cancel, and the ship has to find other activities for
the scouts that weekend.

Exhausting.  Fun.  Demanding.  Energizing.  Addictive.  Does this sound
good to you?

All activities are coordinated via email.  I have a mailing list that I
use to let people know what's going on and to recruit volunteers each
week.  The list is low volume, typically 2-3 messages per week.  The
list is private, so you only get messages written or approved by me. 
You don't see any useless replies to replies to replies.  The email
addresses on the list are private, so they cannot be farmed by
spammers.

If you want to help, please send me an email.  I will add you to my
email list.  Then when I send out a request for volunteers for a
specific weekend, let me know that you are coming.  I will make sure to
have experienced volunteers there to help you get started.

There's one other thing that you can do to help me.  If you are a member
of a club, please make sure that this message is seen by every member of
your club!  We need their help, too!

Thanks!

JC, W1AI
USS Salem K1USN Radio Club scouting program volunteer coordinator
W1AI@hamtestonline.com
www.hamtestonline.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Phillip Temples, K9HI
k9hi@arrl.org