I agree with Kay. As she notes though we are already involved in projects involving youth ( e.g. SAREX/ARISS, BSA, ETP, Teacher’s Institute, etc.) none of which has proven to be a one size fits all answer. Unless we want to find a new source of revenue or scale back other programs, ARRL isn’t in a position to shoulder the lead in a new major project, but investigating areas of common ground and companion strengths with N6RC doesn’t cost us anything and could lead to another beneficial relationship. We appear to agree that we need to act soon (see comments bellows) and that a single ARRL reply is preferable and that should come from Joel or Dave. Normally I would suggest the reply should come fro the President but given Dave’s prior involvement with Radio Arcala as a Judge of its essay contest and on the Radio Arcala Facebook group I think the nod goes to him. 73, Jay, KØQB. -----Original Message----- From: Kay Craigie [mailto:n3kn@verizon.net] Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 7:03 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:18014] Re: interesting mail Outcomes of projects like Radio Arcala are hard to quantify. For example, there are no data showing how many children go on to become Amateurs because of the SAREX/ARISS program, so we can't prove it is successful in that regard, but we continue to support it. I'm not impressed by the prediction of "hordes" of youth stampeding into ham radio as a result of this or any other project. I stopped believing in magic wands some time ago. I do think that social networking is a really good opportunity for outreach. Radio Arcala is one of several organizations with which the League might be able develop a cooperative relationship because their goals match some of our goals. However, "cooperative relationship" and "give you a pile of our money" are not synonyms. (N6RC does mention fund-raising towards the end of his letter.) The nature of the cooperation would have to be worked out carefully and objectively. I doubt we're in a position to provide an ongoing stream of major money to an independent organization, no matter how worthy their aims. Talk, however, is cheap, and so some talk with N6RC might lead to something good for ham radio. 73 - Kay N3KN Prior Comments – Some but not all * I'm thinking they are really trying to figure out the same thing we are - how are we going to engage the next generation and interest them in what we enjoy so much. At the end Mr. Crouch asks for help….and…..asks me for "a vision of the future for amateur radio". Maybe he's lookingfor the ARRL strategic plan? I think the response should come from Dave, or Joel (or Bob Vallio). Other thoughts? * I also think it appropriate for Joel to respond *In my opinion, if we don't lead the charge, others will and we become seem as the old guys without a clue while others displace us (the ARRL). Its time to get moving!!!!!!! * think they are indeed worthy of our possible assistance and any promotion we can give them. They are well worth a look. * Amen …..Its time to get moving!!!!!!! * (W)we talked about Radio Arcala in our breakout group. The suggested strategy ….. was to enhance the ARRL's existing presence on the various general-interest social networking sites (such as Facebook) to grab the interest of people who don't know about ham radio already. Step Two would be to steer them towards sites such as Radio Arcala. It could be a really nice synergy. * (T)here is a Radio Arcala group on Facebook called "Arcala Xtremes" with 258 members. I’m (i.e. K1ZZ) one of the 258.