ARRL Field Day 2017

Big Island ARRL News, 24 June 2017, 04:25 hrs, UTC, Post #236.

Source:  Personal e-mail from Stacy Hollbrook (KH6OWL), ARRL PIO–Honolulu, dated 23 June 2017.

Comment:

I received this e-mail from Stacy Hollbrook (KH6OWL) today (Friday, 23 June 2017) regarding the goals and purposes of the annual ARRL Field Day event:

“I don’t think Field day should be just about making contacts on the air but more about making local contacts and growing the hobby.”

“Here are some suggestions by other clubs that may help.”

“Assign a welcome ambassador – Many years ago, in my role as ARRL Technical Coordinator for New Mexico, I visited a number of Field Day sites. I happened upon one at the same time as another ham. I naturally sought out who was in charge, but this other guy was more of an introvert. He wandered around the site for about 10 minutes, spoke to nobody and got in his truck. As he was about to pull away, he rolled down his window and sarcastically said, “thanks for making me feel so welcome.” Part of your plan should include a trained welcome committee who welcome each attendee, with a special eye for newcomers. Recruit some younger members of your club to fill this role, too. A key to the sustainability of our hobby is our ability to entice the next generation to get involved. This is our chance to show off the most important aspect of what we do, friendly fellowship. People may come to check out the technology, but they stay because of the friendships.”

“Get guests involved – Every Field Day site should have a Get On The Air (GOTA) station, where visitors can try their hand at making contacts. The MSU Amateur Radio Club holds open shack nights throughout the year and the first thing we do after showing off the blinking lights is put a microphone in the visitor’s hands. Nothing creates excitement like involvement.”

“Enjoy! – The most important thing about any club activity is to create an environment where your participants can have fun. We promote ourselves as, and in fact we are, crucial partners in times of community need. To make this happen, we need a cadre of engaged, dedicated and excited volunteers who not only know what they are doing, but love what they are doing. Field Day done right can be an annual celebration that everyone in your area, licensed or not, will want to be aware of and involved with.”

“Link to Hawaii Field Day”

“Oahu – Members of the EARC HI and KARC Amateur Radio Clubs will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, June 24 – 25 at Kualoa Regional Park.”

“Maui – Maui Amateur Radio Club, Field Day will be held at Hookipa Lookout Paia, HI. 9 AM 24 June to 12PM 25 June.”

“Hawaii Island – Field Day site is at the Eden Roc park. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. 24 June & ends at 8:00 a.m. 25 June 2017.”

https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com/category/ham-radio-hawaii/

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