| The future of amateur radio is with the youth (May 10) |
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The future of amateur radio is with the youth and we need to adapt if we want to attract them.
This was the message from IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T. He delivered the after-dinner address at the SARL Awards Banquet in Port Elizabeth last night He said that the expectations of the youth were very different from those that moved the current generation to become radio amateurs. What interested us at that time no longer enthuses the youth of today, said Timmerman. He continued to say: "My advice is let go on much of what we know and love and let them do what they love. Their focus is more visual. They are keen on new technologies but also want it to happen fast. "Clubs can do much to promote amateur radio. Start a junior section with a young leader in your club. Focus on visual, virtual and new technologies. "Promote amateur radio as an art and a science, different from the Internet and cellphones. Senior members should provide the resources and support and let youngsters off the leash. We urgently need a new appoach." Timmerman commented that on the regulatory front we, as IARU and national societies, must justify our spectrum requirements. "Focus on the emergency communications support radio amateurs provide. Society needs technically skilled people; we must lead young people in that direction. We must produce papers on our technical work and participate in scientific research." In summary the youth is our future. Timmerman stressed that we must be proud of our achievements and that amateur radio is alive - but radio hams should not sit and wait. We can do much better! Article: Southgate amateur Radio Club |
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