BaoFeng_Blogger
Member
Let me apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but the forum heading does say "Clubs"... and after reading through a number of posts, this was the one I thought appropriate.
Where do I start? Hmmm...
A few days ago I visited my local HAM Radio Club... looking to join and re-establish myself into the Amateur Radio scene, having been out of it for over 50 plus years.
As I walked into their monthly meeting place, 20 minutes ahead of time, I noticed several tables with male and female of various ages visiting with one another. "Hey", I thought to myself... "This looks like the type of club that might be fun". As I walked around visiting the various tables, but not interrupting any of the conversations, I was perplexed as to what I call a "Ghost Attitude" given off by the members (ie: seeing someone new standing there, while club member gives off the attitude of the new person not being present). The same "ghost attitude" response was also given when I approached those standing in groups... listening to the members as they spoke to each other.
Shortly thereafter, just before the regular Monday night meeting started, I found myself seated in a chair by myself... while the rest of the members stayed seated at the various tables. The meeting lasted for about a hour plus, which consisted of your typical club meeting agenda... concluding with a gust speaker. After the meeting, various members stayed awhile to chit-chat... once again leaving me to my own devices.
It amazed me that 20 minutes before... and after the meeting, that not one member approached me to welcome me there. The club could have had one of the club members "hang out" with the "guest newcomer", not only making them feel welcome... but also asking general questions as to their HAM Radio background (if any), what brought the guest to the meeting, etc., etc... then guide them in the appropriate direction, or person.
As a side note: I belong to a Cowboy Western "Shoot'em Up" group for the past 10 plus years. I have never let a occasion go by (when a "newcomer" has joined the group), to take them by the hand and mentor and guide them up to the point that they feel comfortable "safely doing it on their own". The same goes for those guests who come to see our live show. I take the time to interact and answer all the questions they may have... including them asking to have pictures taken with us.
Once again... I was disappointed with the reaction (or in this case, the "Non-reaction") of the club members. I feel, if the club wants to expand their membership, they need to be more pro active when it comes to guests attending their meetings.
So once again I ask the question: "Do Most Clubs Have A "Ghost Attitude" When It Comes To Guests...!...?"
What Say You?
BaoFeng Blogger
Where do I start? Hmmm...
A few days ago I visited my local HAM Radio Club... looking to join and re-establish myself into the Amateur Radio scene, having been out of it for over 50 plus years.
As I walked into their monthly meeting place, 20 minutes ahead of time, I noticed several tables with male and female of various ages visiting with one another. "Hey", I thought to myself... "This looks like the type of club that might be fun". As I walked around visiting the various tables, but not interrupting any of the conversations, I was perplexed as to what I call a "Ghost Attitude" given off by the members (ie: seeing someone new standing there, while club member gives off the attitude of the new person not being present). The same "ghost attitude" response was also given when I approached those standing in groups... listening to the members as they spoke to each other.
Shortly thereafter, just before the regular Monday night meeting started, I found myself seated in a chair by myself... while the rest of the members stayed seated at the various tables. The meeting lasted for about a hour plus, which consisted of your typical club meeting agenda... concluding with a gust speaker. After the meeting, various members stayed awhile to chit-chat... once again leaving me to my own devices.
It amazed me that 20 minutes before... and after the meeting, that not one member approached me to welcome me there. The club could have had one of the club members "hang out" with the "guest newcomer", not only making them feel welcome... but also asking general questions as to their HAM Radio background (if any), what brought the guest to the meeting, etc., etc... then guide them in the appropriate direction, or person.
As a side note: I belong to a Cowboy Western "Shoot'em Up" group for the past 10 plus years. I have never let a occasion go by (when a "newcomer" has joined the group), to take them by the hand and mentor and guide them up to the point that they feel comfortable "safely doing it on their own". The same goes for those guests who come to see our live show. I take the time to interact and answer all the questions they may have... including them asking to have pictures taken with us.
Once again... I was disappointed with the reaction (or in this case, the "Non-reaction") of the club members. I feel, if the club wants to expand their membership, they need to be more pro active when it comes to guests attending their meetings.
So once again I ask the question: "Do Most Clubs Have A "Ghost Attitude" When It Comes To Guests...!...?"
What Say You?
BaoFeng Blogger