[W2CRA] CRA Hamfest 2013 Follow Up (Corrected)

[Bob Grear KA2OEE]

Hello Cherryville!
 
It has been over a week since my message seeking volunteers for the kitchen and other tasks at the 2013 CRA hamfest. In that time, I have received only one response.  Yes, that's right. ONE (1) response!  I know we have more members of CRA than that, and so do you!  I know you are busy with other aspects of your life.  I am, too.  So is the reason for lack of response that we are too busy to take part in the hamfest?  In CRA?  In amateur radio?  I think not!
 
So, why do we not respond?  Could it be:
 
1. We think that if we don't volunteer that someone else will step up and do the job in our place?
 
2. We've done it every year, and are tired of doing it, so let someone else have the opportunity?
 
3. We are too old and don't want to do it?  Such events are for the younger crowd?
 
4. We are lazy?
 
What's your answer?  Have I listed it above, or is there another that I have not listed?
 
Folks, Cherryville Repeater Association II is MY club, and has been since 1981 when I first joined.  I have been loyal to CRA from the start, and have done my best to support the club through the years whenever and however I can.  I would hope that you feel the same way.  When I became a member, I knew that with membership came responsibility.  As a club member, I was just as responsible for the club's success as every other member.  If we wanted CRA to be a top notch club, we ALL had to step up and make it that!  Charlie (WB2NQV) didn't make CRA successful by himself!  It was done by ALL the members working toward common goals and supporting CRA initiatives and activities!
 
I realize that between hamfest 1983 and hamfest 2013, that 30 years have passed, and things have changed.  For one, we all are 30 years older.  I understand that changes our energy level, but it does not change our responsibility as club members to make CRA the best it can and yes, that we want it to be.  I don't want CRA to drift off to a slow death.  I don't want CRA to be seen as a useless bunch of Old Timers!  How about you?  Do you want to be a member of an active, exciting, innovative amateur radio club, or a bunch of old fogies playing with an outdated hobby that is dying out and soon to be forgotten?  I know which one I want. Which do you want?  
 
If I have angered anyone, good!  Perhaps you will send me a reply to let me know you read this.  Perhaps you will step up to your responsibility as an active club member and ask me what you can do for your club!  Perhaps you will finally visit the Wizard and get your courage to speak up about this at the next club meeting on April 12!  Are you a loyal club member or a dying old fogie?  That is entirely up to you!  If you want to volunteer, send me a response. If you don't, come to Friday's meeting and tell me why!
 
Until Friday,
 
Bob Grear,KA2OEE
President, CRA II