Them Bones

This has possibly been sent to this reflector many times, but I do not recall seeing it used here as a tool to drum up support within the local Clubs. At almost every Club meeting I attend, (I am a member in two Clubs), I remind people that I may be appointed as a PIO by the Kansas SM that was serving when I showed interest in designing a Club web site, and getting news stories in the local papers. But the fact remains that we are appointed, yet the entire ham community is also a mouthpiece of PR for ham radio. I urge people to get involved to help me out. I am running this prior to officer elections. I hope some of you find this helpful in your area to see what kind of "bones" you have, invokes thought to the community and each individual.
73,
Kent Stutzman,
KB0RWIPIO Kansas Section----


This article has been published many times over the years by many amateur radio news sheets. Each time it is published, the editor adds to or modifies the content to suit his or her Club situation, but the message it contains remains the same.
This message, I hope, will not only be thought provoking but will invoke a little self-criticism where needed.

The structure of an organization is made up of four kinds of bones. There are Wishbones, who spend all their time wishing somebody else would do something about this, or something about that. There are the Jawbones, who do all the talking, but very little of anything else. Next comes the Knucklebones, who knock everything that others are trying to do. Finally, there are the Backbones, who get under the load and do the work. What part of the organization's structure are you? If you are a Wishbone, Jawbone, or Knucklebone, what kind of a Ham are you? Are you happy?

Take a good look at the Backbones in your radio club. These people are not always the board members, but they certainly are the “doers” in the club. I can well imagine that the Backbones also have happy family lives, because it seems that hard work and self-confidence seem to extend into family and working partnerships as well. What constantly amazes me is the number of Backbones who spend long hours representing or working for the club. They seem to never tire making the Club's activities successful.We hear a lot about getting involved. Take it from one who knows, getting involved is the best therapy there is for adjusting to the life of a Ham.

You'll see a change for the better not only in yourself, but in your hobby and your club. You'll suddenly find people are friendlier, there is no spare time to wonder how to fill as there is work to do for each and everyone of us in the club. But, most important of all, you will suddenly realize what you are doing for others. What a beautiful example to set for your children.

So why don't you take a personal inventory? If you are honest with yourself and find you are a Wishbone, Jawbone or Knucklebone, there is no time like the present to make the change so you, too, can become a Backbone. The dedicated, hard working Backbones will welcome you joining them. Only in this way can the Club continue to serve amateur radio and the community.


Reprinted from “QUA/HAMnews” March 1991 which is published by the Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky.