Something to consider - if there are those who are jerks ('elitist' is too good of a word to waste) then so what? Do not let their personal problems limit your own life. Those same jerks drive cars, but you don't turn in your driver's license because of it - if you did: THEY WIN! Besides, I can tell you that there are acutally very few of them. Most hams are at WORST neutral and many are just fun people, community minded and more than you might think are into 'preparedness' at a level which would surprise you, it's just that they do it quietly...
As for community service like working with the city and county emergency organizations, there is a lot of good in that.
1. Building your local community preparedness is probably the second most valuable 'survival' tool that you can have. Remember: villages were formed as a survival necessity, voluntarily pooled resourses, mutual defense and the ability to patrol and stand watch in shifts are a few reasons which come to mind. Lone survivors, rarely lasted long in the real history of the world - despite what the TV says portrays. ???
2. It's good community service, helping others when you are able. In my 5 county area, we are largely on our own, because the State politicians are going to take care of 'their cities' first. We know this from experience and as country people, that's fine with us.
3. It's great intel... when you are in the center of the communications hub, you are able to know many things which never hit the outside world. Use this wisely.
4. Training and experience. When I was a soldier, we all knew to 'Train as you will fight!" and it's the same with anything, including ham radio. If a ham has been 'talking' for years,but has never passed a message, it's going to be tough the first few dozen times. 'Just Talking' on the radio is fun, but not overly productive. //any 13 year girl with a cell phone does that...// Morse and Digital modes are ideal for passing TEXT messages. In an emergency people need a written copy of any message, you're going to be busy and people forget.
OK - enough pontificating from me (ha ha) for the moment.
In short - passing the written test is a very good first step and should be respected and celebrated! Have confidence in yourself and don't let the stray nay-sayers have an effect. They're not the ones actually DOING anything anyway. Look for the person who is active in many areas: shooting, hunting, sailing, hiking, food gardening, or mental pursuits like an historical knowledge outside of The History Channel (ha ha ) and brings ham radio WITH them. They are usually the ones who are worth their salt when things are difficult.
73 de Ray
W7ASA ..._ ._
As for community service like working with the city and county emergency organizations, there is a lot of good in that.
1. Building your local community preparedness is probably the second most valuable 'survival' tool that you can have. Remember: villages were formed as a survival necessity, voluntarily pooled resourses, mutual defense and the ability to patrol and stand watch in shifts are a few reasons which come to mind. Lone survivors, rarely lasted long in the real history of the world - despite what the TV says portrays. ???
2. It's good community service, helping others when you are able. In my 5 county area, we are largely on our own, because the State politicians are going to take care of 'their cities' first. We know this from experience and as country people, that's fine with us.
3. It's great intel... when you are in the center of the communications hub, you are able to know many things which never hit the outside world. Use this wisely.
4. Training and experience. When I was a soldier, we all knew to 'Train as you will fight!" and it's the same with anything, including ham radio. If a ham has been 'talking' for years,but has never passed a message, it's going to be tough the first few dozen times. 'Just Talking' on the radio is fun, but not overly productive. //any 13 year girl with a cell phone does that...// Morse and Digital modes are ideal for passing TEXT messages. In an emergency people need a written copy of any message, you're going to be busy and people forget.
OK - enough pontificating from me (ha ha) for the moment.
In short - passing the written test is a very good first step and should be respected and celebrated! Have confidence in yourself and don't let the stray nay-sayers have an effect. They're not the ones actually DOING anything anyway. Look for the person who is active in many areas: shooting, hunting, sailing, hiking, food gardening, or mental pursuits like an historical knowledge outside of The History Channel (ha ha ) and brings ham radio WITH them. They are usually the ones who are worth their salt when things are difficult.
73 de Ray
W7ASA ..._ ._