Dave
There have been many studies done on this topic and I don't recall all the
particulars but generally speaking, out of 10 people that get their Tech
(mostly via on-line studies and testing), probably 2 continue past one year.
Lots of reasons for this.
I know - pretty poor.
Further study seems to indicate that because many of these new hams never reach
out or are contacted by local hams or clubs, they lose interest in a year and
move on. It takes nurturing and interaction with other more experienced hams
to keep their excitement alive and grow a passion for one of the many interests
in this wide ranging hobby. We all know its a hobby that has probably 50
things one can get motivated about and can stay with them for years. I know
that well. Over 60 years in the hobby, been contesting (one of my top 3
passions in the hobby) for over 50 years.
My limited success in this area has come from sitting down with the new hams,
in front of a quality station, show them what is possible - making contacts
from around the world, have them interact with others from different countries,
etc. - help them get more excited about what is possible in this hobby.
They go home, think about updating their station and they grow. It takes each
of the experienced hams to pay it forward, take that critical time to help the
new hams, open their stations, share your passion. This is a winning approach
but sometimes it takes time and effort than we're not able or willing to
apply. This is not a "one and done" deal.
Believe me - results tend to be great (both for the new ham and for you).
Now back to the challenge of growing this incredible life long adventure.
Regards,
Mark, K1RX
On Monday, July 28, 2025 at 02:49:01 AM EDT, David Gilbert via Elecraft
<[email protected]> wrote:
Does anyone ever follow up on these activities to determine what happens
afterward? What percentage of interested parties actually get their
license? What percentage of those are active two years later?
If nobody knows the answers to those questions (and I don't mean some
anecdotal example), whatever they're doing may or may not be effective
at all other than whatever warm vibes it gives themselves.
Dave AB7E
On 7/27/2025 7:27 PM, John P via Elecraft wrote:
> Hi Wayne,
>
> In the past I have introduced young kids to ham radio via Scout Jamboree on
> the Air, visiting middle schools and setting up and operating a station, with
> student participation, buying SW / ham band receiver radio equipment (at ham
> flea markets , my money) and donating and setting up a receiving station at
> schools, ( I usually provide curriculum radio usage help/guidance for
> various subjects (foreign language, geography, math, science). With any luck
> I would get 2-3 interested kids licensed via VE help.
>
> I introduce adults to ham radio via my hf/vhf mobile station. Many people
> inquire about my pickup truck mounted antennas when shopping, traveling etc.
> giving a live demo contact as conditions allow. I usually carry ARRL
> brochures to hand out along with my ham call info as well as info on various
> ham club locations too.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> John Petrowicz
> KB1NU
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