My response is as follows:

• QCWA membership is not for every radio amateur eligible to join. Many amateurs for one reason or other never join or support amateur organizations, irrespective of the worthiness of the objectives of the organizations or what they may have done to protect amateur privileges or advance the communications art. Some amateurs are true loners and a few could care less whether or not amateur radio with its many opportunities for personal enjoyment, technical advancement, public service, and developing lasting friendship with fellow amateurs will be available for future generations.

• QCWA membership often appeals to amateurs who want to be identified with and associate with some of the best known, respected, proficient and dedicated amateurs in the world. The knowledge that so many well-known amateurs have joined together in this unique non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the best interests of all amateurs, for now and posterity, appeals to many.

QCWA membership is also for those who would like to participate in promoting more cooperation and good will among all amateurs and who would like to be a part of an organized effort to preserve our amateur traditions. QCWA membership likewise appeals to amateurs who are aware of the forces which would acquire our frequencies and reduce our privileges, amateurs who would like to be a part of a unified effort to defend our privileges.

Membership in QCWA also appeals to altruistic amateurs who would like to support scholarship funding for deserving amateurs pursuing educational objectives. Others join QCWA so they can participate socially in Chapter meetings and be a part of local activities for the good of amateur radio and the public interest.

Some eligible amateurs recognize the importance of QCWA objectives as they may influence the present and future of amateur radio, but join principally to acknowledge approval and support for QCWA purposes. Others join not only to acknowledge support for QCWA objectives but because they want to become active in some or all of the ongoing activities in QCWA.

Either category is welcome in QCWA.

Leland Smith, W5KL
QCWA President Emeritus

When you join QCWA, you choose an initial term of membership. Thereafter, you will be notified by Headquarters when it's time to renew. At the time you apply, you will choose a term of membership (one year, two years, three years, or life) and prepay that amount of dues.

The chapter welcomes Associate Members, those amateurs who are interested in chapter activities but do not yet meet the requirement of having an amateur licanse 25 years ago. The chapter will accept the applicant and provide full priveleges except for voting and holding office with the understanding that the applicant will join QCWA as soon he/she is elligible.

Interested in membership? Contact the Secretary, Dan Manfre - WA2NDP, via e-mail at dmanfre@i2000.com.