Ask the average person on the street to explain what Amateur Radio is, based on their personal insights or knowledge of the hobby (an interesting question for a pollster; perhaps one hired by the League). You will be shocked at the answers you receive. The average person is unable to provide a realistic summary or description of the Amateur Radio Service. Why is this so? WE ARE INVISIBLE.
Other than a short mention in an occasional news story covering a major disaster, we are rarely discussed in mass media or popular culture. When we are, the coverage is brief and superficial. Has the amateur community taken any effective steps to correct this problem? No! They are apparently busy blaming the license structure and radiotelegraphy. Admittedly, such organizations as the REP haven't the funds or the contacts to correct this problem. However, no erstwhile attempt has been made by any national Amateur Radio organization to raise the funds necessary to create an effective media and outreach campaign.
Most Amateur Radio clubs and organizations have no organized approach to community outreach. There are no guidelines or programs designed to encourage involvement in educational programs. There are no effective national programs designed to promote cooperation with such programs as the scouting movement. Few if any Amateur Radio clubs make a speaker available to community groups to promote Amateur Radio. Few Amateur Radio clubs even know how to put together a press release!
By the way, as a corollary to the above exercise, ask the same person to explain what the Boy Scouts do, or the Girl Scouts, or the National Rifle Association, or Trout Unlimited, or Ducks Unlimited, or ??
