TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 21.26 DATE: June 27, 2021
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION OF AMATEUR RADIO
Is Amateur Radio a secret organization that should not be let out to the general public? I don't think so. Even since it's easier to get a license, most of the general public isn't going to just jump right in to Amateur Radio. However, as Amateur Radio operators, we won't be around forever, so where will the next generation of Amateur Radio operators come from?
To expose the public to Amateur Radio, demonstrations should be set up at activities where the general public can see what it is, and what it can do. Set up demonstrations at Fairs and Festivals where a lot of people may be walking by. At least once a year try to set up a demonstration at a large shopping center, or other location, and invite the general public.
When setting up a demonstration use as many facets of Amateur Radio that you can, such as Slow Scan and Fast Scan Television, CW stations, Packet stations on both High and VHF Frequencies, High Frequency Voice stations as well as Two Meter and UHF stations, and any other forms of communications that you might think they would be interested in. Be sure to have lot of pictures, posters, and show-n-tell.
If those who aren't aware of what Amateur Radio is, or what it can do, they won't know what questions to ask. But, if you have lots of posters explaining what it is, they may have some questions to ask. Don't talk technical or try to impress them on how much you know about Amateur Radio, just try to keep it simple. Have lots of handouts like what Amateur Radio is, and how it can do used in times of emergencies, and where they can get further information. Take the time to explain as much as you can so they might want to get involved.
Field Day would be a good place to start demonstrating Amateur Radio.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV