Re: [amsat-bb] Voluntary register of AMSAT Members

[Dee <morsesat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

ALL,
     I am an area Co-ordinator in NJ.  I go to all the local 
Hamfests(weather permitting) and Put up a LARGE Banner with AMSAT on it. 
 I usually have Nova running and answer a ton of questions while selling 
the trinkets and other items to make money for AMSAT to put up 
satellites.  I don't specify where the money should go as the BOD 
usually has areas that need "watering!".  I am doing the Hamclub route 
giving talks and answering the amazing questions.  Most of all, I am 
infront of the Ham community having fun doing what I like to do and 
returning the favors of others before me doing the same to get 
satellites up where they belong.
     Yes, I have my own agenda and beliefs of what should be paramount 
in this end of the hobby, however, I am not unique as others do the same 
and most even more behind the scenes.  Many phone calls are to me for 
assistance with "newbies" and "oldies" alike.  Area Co-ordinators do 
have full time jobs and must think of family events too.  
     I also use the satellites but not often enough since my work does 
take up operational time and satellites aren't in view usefully at the 
exact time I am home or want them to be. Without stretching the day by 
an extra 10 hours (we all would like to do this), I feel pretty good 
about what I accomplish for AMSAT in the time I have to give back.
     What is interesting is the amount of hams that use satellites 
without thinking of the costs involved and not even considering joining 
an organization (the ONLY one in the U.S.A.) that is directly involved 
with assembling and launching the elements involved with this end of the 
hobby. This is where I step in and ask the people that step up to my 
AMSAT table and give them a guilt trip.  I sell more stickers and 
patches that way, (Hi, Hi.!) and nothing warms me as much as that same 
ham starting to fill out the membership application.  
     My motto  "I work for donations!"  I am happy to become the 
entertainment at a club meeting for that "Special Donation!"  Now, can I 
interest all you on this BB who have "admitted" to not being AMSAT 
members to step up to the plate and drop in your membership fee.  Martha 
would love to hear from you all and ask her for our special "gifts" to 
new and renewing membership applications.
73,
Dee Interdonato, NB2F
NJ Co-ordinator
"I work for Donations!"


Emily Clarke wrote:

> At 11:53 AM 7/8/2003 -0400, Jim Sanford wrote:
>
>> What does an area coordinator do?  As much or as little as he can at 
>> the time, mostly be available to answer questions, and direct 
>> interested people to resources.
>
>
> I think this is a very important difference in the way other 
> organizations (Red Cross, for example) run their area coordinators.  
> Area Coordinators are supposed to be active coordinators.  It's not 
> just a title it's a job.  IMHO an AC shouldn't sit at home and wait 
> for someone to fall - AC's should be out there proactively beating 
> drums, selling AMSAT and reaching out to others.  You aren't going to 
> get people to join AMSAT if the ACs aren't out there touting the 
> benefits of membership.
>
> I counted 5 coordinators within shouting (2m repeater) distance of my 
> home, and I've never heard any on the birds or on repeaters, talking 
> up sats or holding nets. Heck, I've only ever heard one on the air and 
> that was during the VHF/UHF contest.  If I had joined any other 
> organization I would have had an AC contact within a week.
>
> -emily (w0eec)
>
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