The Uncertain Future of Ham Radio
I&#x27;ve been a ham for over fifty years.  The problem with a lack of young hams starts at the local level.  When I took my novice test at 14 the guy who was giving it became my lifelong friend or in ham speak my Elmer.  I started a high school club (still going strong) and all its members were friends with this guy.<p>He strongly encouraged me to join the local club and I did.  Not only did I meet other teenage hams but I made friends with older hams who taught me stuff and were happy to be supportive.<p>Contrast that with today, the club is still around but its moribund.  I reached out when they were having problems keeping their repeater on the local university tower.  I was told my help wasn&#x27;t wanted.<p>I reached out again when the local marker space wanted to do a joint event.  I&#x27;m a life member of the group but I was rebuffed.  I can only imagine the 14 year old me taking one look at this cliquish group of older guys and being discouraged about the hobby.<p>I&#x27;ve run a programming group for twenty years.  Sometimes the members get on me for having introductory type meetings.  But I&#x27;m always reaching out to the greater community and trying to get new members.  That&#x27;s how you grow, if you don&#x27;t do it you die.  There&#x27;s plenty in the ham radio hobby to attract young people, but if the local community turns them off they quickly chose to do something else.