new hams and will eventually take on leadership positions in the club.  However, a club is destined to fade away if they choose to adopt the attitude "build it and they will come."

 

      Be sure to invite the new licensees to your next club meeting.  Using

written invitations is a nice touch and sends a message that you really want them to attend.  The focus of this meeting should be on your new hams and getting them into the mainstream.  Several clubs have organized the meeting following a license class using the "Ham Radio 101" format where the entire evening's programming is to show the novices the basics of operating.  Have refreshments on hand and be ready to talk about the fun activities such as Field Day or a community activity that your club is involved in.  This is not the meeting where want to discuss politics or topics that will embattle the membership.  Keep it light and focused on the needs of the newcomers.

 

      New hams are thirsty for information no matter how basic.  When and where are the club meetings held?  How do I get on the air?  What does this or that term mean?  Be prepared to answer the simplest questions and provide details when you do.  The Mt. Baker club in Bellingham Washington has developed a great handout for new hams that helps answer some of these questions.  With Mt. Baker's permission ARRL has made this booklet available to download and customize for your use.  The modified version provides a place for your club to insert club and local information.

 

< http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2005/03/06/1/MBARC-Info-Pack.pdf

 

>    Use this brochure or develop one of your own but in any case be sure

to give your new hams something informative to take home with them.

 

      A closing thought when working with new hams, one person's favorite

activity is not all that ham radio has to offer.  Meeting programs and mentor sessions should stimulate new hams to explore the many options offered to the licensed radio amateur.  Organizing and teaching an Amateur Radio license class where the students are encouraged to be a part of the fabric of ham radio and invited to participate in club activities is guaranteed to increase your club's membership with active hams.