A radical idea for recruiting

[N7AAO]

Has anyone yet considered becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister to a child with an interest in technology, and showing them your ham setup?

According to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America (http://www.bbbsa.org/) website, they carefully match "Bigs" with kids based on a number of factors, including interests.

Of course, I know, you're all way too busy to spend even an hour a week with a child who really needs an adult to look up to. I mean, there's the time ragchewing with your buddies about how ham radio is dying, and we can't forget the afternoon nap, right? [/sarcasm]

(For those of with truly full schedules, please disregard the above paragraph.)

But for those of us who really want to see more new hams, well, it's something to consider as another avenue to recruitment.

Beam me up, Scotty, I've donated my $0.02 for today.

[KB9YCO]

Interesting idea David. It makes me wonder what ever happened to the schools that had eletricity/electronics classes. When I took those classes they did address radio fundamentals, we even built a crystal radio in one of the classes, long after I'd done it on my own. Are there even schools that have that as part of the class these days? Showing kids how different and important traditional radio is, to the often times unreliable internet or cell phone options (especially in extreme scenarios), is the key.

[N7AAO]

YCO,

You might ask your local high schools if they have any exposure to amateur radio in their science classes. If they have none, you might suggest some. If they can't see the benefit, point out that you can talk to the International Space Station on ham radio, which would probably help teach about space.

Beam me over to the ISS, Scotty!

[W9DDK]

I know in my area that you will not find a high school with anything dealing with working with your hands. All book work. They have a career center, but is mostly for those that don't "fit" into the normal classes and is really difficult for non-college bound kids to get into (unless they are trouble makers).

[N7AAO]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kc9cms @ July 23 2004,10:03)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I know in my area that you will not find a high school with anything dealing with working with your hands. All book work. They have a career center, but is mostly for those that don't &quot;fit&quot; into the normal classes and is really difficult for non-college bound kids to get into (unless they are trouble makers).[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
So, call them and volunteer to teach about radio. All they can do is say no. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Beam me up, Scotty!

[w5lda]

AAO,
But you never know,they might also say yes

Larry kd5vsg

[w5klb]

Most teens think that talking on a radio is rather old fashion. They think this because they have the internet and cell phones (but that's a radio device also).

I have got two (yes, two) teenagers I am working with now. One is 16 and the other is 14. The 16 year old is showing a little bit of interest and thinks it's &quot;amazing&quot; that a repeater can talk back to you (when the repeater ID's itself). The Jury is still out on the 14 year old, but I keep trying and hoping I am not &quot;forcing&quot; it on them.

One day I will have to take them and let them talk to an Amateur Extra friend of mine who uses the digital modes. This combines Amateur Radio and uses a computer. I'm hoping this will spark a little more interest.

[N7AAO]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kd5vsg @ July 24 2004,02:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">AAO,
But you never know,they might also say yes

Larry kd5vsg[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
True, I was pointing out a worst-case scenario. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif hee hee hee

you folks dont REALLLY want me to go out and ELMER some one out there to be just like me do you ?

I did not think so http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[n5tjd]

In my highschool, unless something has changed in the two years since I graduated, the hands on classes were Welding, Mechanics, Building Trades, and Electrical Trades.

Of course, I was in electrical trades. It was taught by the master electrician of the school districts. It dealt with residential and some commerical... not anything like building a radio though.

The building and electrical trades built a house that year, and we auctioned it off.