WANTED: Your ideas on promoting Amateur Radio to the public

[VK5AV]

I'm a newbie here, so forgive me if I tread on any toes or challenge any long held beliefs.

I still haven't got my license,but I've been around radios as long as I've been working (in one way or another) and having picked up on SDR in the last year or so, I am constantly finding out new things that I can do with a radio receiver.

When I was a kid, there was a ham radio operator up the road so I picked up a sort of stereotype of an old bloke sitting in a room surrounded by electrnics talking to some other old bloke a long way away.  Apologies to any old blokes our there that fit this description, I secretly aspire to be like that in a few years.

But perhaps in order to get the next generation into Amateur radio, there needs to be more information on the things you can do that aren't just talking to someone a long way away.  Signals from the ISS and satellites can be received and decoded with a bit of planning and some inexpensive hardware (perhaps the delights of an SDR will prove to be a "gateway" to the broader subject), but there is also wifi signals, picking up wireless data on 433 MHz, radio astronomy, even a lead in to the security aspects of wireless transmissions, all topics that could spark an interest that leads to other things.

Of course whatever topic is being used should be strictly on the legal side (no tips and tricks on hacking next doors smart fridge!), but getting people interested in the multitude of things that radio communications are currently used for in one way or another could lead to bigger and better things.

Anyway, that's my 2c.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Andy. These are the sort of ideas we need to foster in the hobby. How can we make it appealing to young and old alike.
I hope you decide to join the hobby (if you havn't already - i'm late with my reply).
73
Tim VK5AV

[SWLVK5ANDY]

I'm a newbie here, so forgive me if I tread on any toes or challenge any long held beliefs.

I still haven't got my license,but I've been around radios as long as I've been working (in one way or another) and having picked up on SDR in the last year or so, I am constantly finding out new things that I can do with a radio receiver.

When I was a kid, there was a ham radio operator up the road so I picked up a sort of stereotype of an old bloke sitting in a room surrounded by electrnics talking to some other old bloke a long way away.  Apologies to any old blokes our there that fit this description, I secretly aspire to be like that in a few years.

But perhaps in order to get the next generation into Amateur radio, there needs to be more information on the things you can do that aren't just talking to someone a long way away.  Signals from the ISS and satellites can be received and decoded with a bit of planning and some inexpensive hardware (perhaps the delights of an SDR will prove to be a "gateway" to the broader subject), but there is also wifi signals, picking up wireless data on 433 MHz, radio astronomy, even a lead in to the security aspects of wireless transmissions, all topics that could spark an interest that leads to other things.

Of course whatever topic is being used should be strictly on the legal side (no tips and tricks on hacking next doors smart fridge!), but getting people interested in the multitude of things that radio communications are currently used for in one way or another could lead to bigger and better things.

Anyway, that's my 2c.

[VK5AAD]

The website was developed seperate to the WIA domain as that was what the committee had access too (I am a member of the WIA Education Committee). It now has a WIA domain link that points to the site. www.education.wia.org.au

Yes, good to see they're on the same physical, and presumably virtual, server now.

The facebook link appears to go to the WIA facebook page. I can't comment on the X link as I don't have an X/Twitter account. The Web link icon goes to the WIA home page.

Looks like they've been fixed up now by whoever is doing the content management. When I commented, all those I checked were Squarespace links.

The web presence is definately needing an overhaul. It would be a massive job.

Indeed. Removing some very stale content would be a good start.

[VK5AV]

I wonder how this new resource would have helped said girl in post #8 or guy in post #12 above.

It's all well and good for the WIA to try and help boost the numbers by building a separate education website, but if we have dickheads sitting on the side drilling people for getting their callsign wrong or getting the callsign sequence wrong on their first go on air, what's the point??

It's fairly easy to get a foundation licence these days and deliberately so, it's then up to the rest of us to help the new licencees move up if they want to or make them feel comfortable enough to want to hang around, not piss them off and embarrass them to the point where they leave.

Getting them a licence isn't the problem, VK5PH is doing a great job, 51 so far this year I believe. Keeping them is the problem. I can only imagine what the people who got bounced in post #8 and #12 above has told everyone they know about the welcome received. Great advertising.

Mick,
Certainly agree VK5PH is doing an amazing job.
It's probably worth a seperate thread to throw ideas around to prevent further occurances of post # 8 and #12. Of course you can't control what any particular person says or does on air, however maybe we can do more to give them the experience and confidence to be able to brush off the inevitable comments that might come there way.
Tim VK5AV.

[VK5AV]

Feel free to take a look at this resource, work in progress.

The WIAs Education Committee have launched their own website...

By why in a separate domain?  Why not something like education.wia.org since the WIA already owns and uses the wia.org domain. The com.au domain has reasonably strong controls on registrations, and this is a legit site, but creating names like this which include the name of a know company or organisation is a common tactic of scammers. Finally, why include social media links (Instagram, X and Facebook) on each page which go to those of the (presumably) hosting provider, SquareSpace, and not of the WIA?

For me, a relatively new amateur and even newer WIA member it gives the appearance of the Education Committee having to go around internal WIA obstacles - ie not a united organisation.     

The website was developed seperate to the WIA domain as that was what the committee had access too (I am a member of the WIA Education Committee). It now has a WIA domain link that points to the site. www.education.wia.org.au
When the WIA update their website to a more modern format, then I expect further integration will take place.
I will pass back the feedback on the social media links. The facebook link appears to go to the WIA facebook page. I can't comment on the X link as I don't have an X/Twitter account. The Web link icon goes to the WIA home page.
The web presence is definately needing an overhaul. It would be a massive job.

[VK5MCH]

I wonder how this new resource would have helped said girl in post #8 or guy in post #12 above.

It's all well and good for the WIA to try and help boost the numbers by building a separate education website, but if we have dickheads sitting on the side drilling people for getting their callsign wrong or getting the callsign sequence wrong on their first go on air, what's the point??

It's fairly easy to get a foundation licence these days and deliberately so, it's then up to the rest of us to help the new licencees move up if they want to or make them feel comfortable enough to want to hang around, not piss them off and embarrass them to the point where they leave.

Getting them a licence isn't the problem, VK5PH is doing a great job, 51 so far this year I believe. Keeping them is the problem. I can only imagine what the people who got bounced in post #8 and #12 above has told everyone they know about the welcome received. Great advertising.

[VK5AAD]

Feel free to take a look at this resource, work in progress.

The WIAs Education Committee have launched their own website...

By why in a separate domain?  Why not something like education.wia.org since the WIA already owns and uses the wia.org domain. The com.au domain has reasonably strong controls on registrations, and this is a legit site, but creating names like this which include the name of a know company or organisation is a common tactic of scammers. Finally, why include social media links (Instagram, X and Facebook) on each page which go to those of the (presumably) hosting provider, SquareSpace, and not of the WIA?

For me, a relatively new amateur and even newer WIA member it gives the appearance of the Education Committee having to go around internal WIA obstacles - ie not a united organisation.     

[VK5AV]

Feel free to take a look at this resource, work in progress.

The WIAs Education Committee have launched their own website with a dual purpose in mind:
· firstly, to promote amateur radio generally, and lead a person logically through the various steps required to achieve an amateur radio Foundation qualification, and;
· to act as an information resource for WIA-affiliated clubs and individuals, so educational tools and resources relevant to amateur radio in Australia are easy to find and relevant.
Although still a 'work in progress', there's quite a lot to see at: www.wia-education.com.au
In the club section, you will find new 'Educational Frameworks' for the Foundation, Standard, and Advanced qualifications.
These Frameworks have been developed to help trainers deliver all the information required to pass knowledge assessments for each of the three grades.
The syllabi for each grade have been rearranged into more logical and consistent 'frameworks', and some new content has been added where appropriate.
It is hoped these 'educational frameworks' will form the basis of a syllabus update by the ACMA.
In the club section you will also find a collection of well-proven training resources that your club could use in its training programs. There is a set of proven Foundation grade PowerPoint training slides kindly contributed by Fred Swainston VK3DAC.
One of the questions in the recent survey sent to affiliated-club Presidents and Secretaries asked if their club had developed well proven educational materials that could be shared.
Some of those materials may be placed on this website in the future for the benefit of other clubs.
And finally, we have developed an EMR flowchart tool which, together with an RSGB calculator and a new PowerPoint presentation, will help Australian radio amateurs meet their EMR compliance responsibilities.
Keep an eye out for the EMR tool appearing on the website after its release at the REAST Hobart conference, the first weekend in November.
So, take a look at the new Education Committee website and let us know what you think. If you like it – tell the world; If you don't – tell us.

[VK5MCH]

I have just heard of a guy who got his licence in August, went out and bought a nice new FT891 and an antenna tuner with antenna looking forward to long lasting hobby in amateur radio. Now remember this guy has never spoken on a radio. He gets on air for his first time and promptly get chewed out by some miserable old bastard with nothing better to do. He has now given up amateur radio and is selling all the gear.

I cannot see any point in promoting this as a hobby if some old shite head is going to undo the work being done by people who want to keep this alive, trainers, examiners, helpers, mentors, club presidents etc if this BS of hammering Foundation members is allowed to continue. To the person who hammered this guy, you sound like a real piece of work, have fun doing that did you? Thanks for nothing and ruining all the effort this guy put into study and exams and wasting the trainers and examiners time.

[VK5MCH]

We are trying to get the newbies involved as they complete their licence.I honestly hope we can achieve that and we (VK5.AU) are willing to hold other days in the park as it suits our attendees as the training days are needed. Paul Hoffman vk5ph puts a lot of effort into training and examinations. We have to retain those he puts through and the parks days are the perfect opportunity to do this.

[VK5AV]

Very valid point VK5PRO. No doubt we could do a lot better in supporting people into operating confidence once they get their licence. Events like the "Get out and do something" will be a good help if we encourage newcomers to get along.

[VK5MCH]

I still makes mistakes. But guess what? I don't care. 

I am more interested in getting people into radio than them getting a few words wrong. Sad though that people are that petty.

[VK5PRO]

On the subject of promoting our hobby, I offer a extract of a conversation which I read today which I feel is something of importance to consider. .. (Ivory tower operators)

Quote ..... "I recently got my ham license . Really enjoy listening and tried some ft8. I'm located in Darwin and found most of the guys pretty nice and willing to help out, however I feel it's hard to actually get on the radio and make calls when your new to it, no one talks at all normal pace and I just get frustrated trying to remember how to call ect, had a couple of bad experiences with blokes getting the shits because I called wrong . I haven't made any calls since because of it. I am female so maybe they feel more inclined to be arseholes I don't know but anyway it's a cool hobby and even just cool to listen in. I wouldn't mind going up in license eventually , foundation is enough while I still learn though."

[VK5AV]

Thanks all for your replys to this thread. Sorry it's taken me some time to get back to this.
VK5TM, Yes Joe and Julie do a fantastic job. We have had them attend the SERG Convention a couple of times and run a session for kids. Publicity around Scouts and on local socal media generated a bit of interest, but not as much as I would have hoped.
Also re the grey nomads, they are possibly a great taget audience, and deserves some further consideration.
As an examiner in a Regional loaction, I don't do a huge nmber of exams or training, but usually those that come through have been interested in radio for 30 or 40 years, and finally getting around to stepping into Amateur Radio. There must be many more out there like that.
VK5MCH, Great initative re the flyers targetted to CB'ers, excellent idea.
You touched on another point I have been thinking about, and I think I recently discussed this with Paul VK5PH. That is helping newcomers get on air, and holding sessions so they can gradually build up their practical knowledge. That too needs some structure around it. Maybe some organised days where groups go out in the field or a park, build a wire antenna, set upa station, work other groups doing the same.
I would love to see some up to date promotional material as well.
Please keep the thoughts coming.
Cheers Tim VK5AV Mount Gambier.

[VK5TM]

Only my personal thoughts, but in the current climate of trying to survive day to day life, there are two demographics that might have the most likely positive results.

The school age population.

It's been, well, a very long time since I went to school, but I do notice that with the space (as in Outer Space) industry coming of age here in SA, there are more school age kids showing an interest in tech pursuits.

Again though, it would be a case of which aspects of the hobby to showcase to them to get them interested, the most obvious to me would be the modern digital stuff and satellite comms.

The 'retirees'.

Yes, I know this isn't getting the younger generation in which is what is really needed, but there is no middle ground I can see that has the time available for a hobby.

Everybody I know that falls in-between these two categories doesn't seem to have the time these days to scratch their ****, let alone have time for a hobby.