Where did December go? Better yet, where did 2005 go?
As 2005 draws to a close I have naturally begun reflecting on the year that has passed me by and think about the things I want to accomplish in 2006. And as the Radio Club Presidency completes our first Quarter of service, I have identified four recognizable qualities that I hope the ACS Membership at large will embrace during 2006. They are: Flexibility; Education; Empowerment; and last but not least Diversity.
Flexibility is essential for an organization (or individual for that matter) to grow and improve. For me, it is the benchmark of progress. And as we measure ourselves against this quality and question how flexible we really are, I suggest we adopt a motto I learned during my CERT training: Semper Gumby.
We need to embrace any uncertainty or even fear that can accompany change while remaining confident. Some of us have had to face the change in the general demographic of our new membership (discussed later), which has by and large been composed of what I will call “Hamsters,” or new Hams. These are the folks who either flew or lumbered through Our Mentoring program and we are very proud of them all.
Which relates to the next point of discussion -- Education.
Education is something I will never take for granted. I will tell you exactly why because it is important to me.
I embrace educational opportunities because of my Abuelita; my Grandmother Christine Viloria -- a third grade educated, first generation Angelina who grew up picking cotton in the fields of Southern California. You may ask, why would a woman like that effect anyone’s education? She did this because she never took education for granted. Despite lack of formal schooling (no doubt socio-economically driven), she has always had a thirst for knowledge. Further, all four of her children hold degrees -- from AAs to Doctorates -- and 6 of 9 grandchildren hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. All of this, because a minority within minorities who picked cotton knew that education was the key to a better life.
So it is with this appreciation that I encourage all members and prospective members to press forward and be willing to learn – weather it be to graduate from formal mentoring by getting licensed, to upgrade your license, to improve your Morse Code skills or to better master your radio in general. Just do it!
Better yet, hop onto the www.lafdacs.org website and tell us what educational opportunities you want us to provide.
Empowerment is a key here. You can empower yourself or make yourself more powerful by adopting an Elmer (which by the way is Ham speak for Mentor), who in turn helps you improve your skill set. I love the name new Ham Julian Rogers’ (KI6BTO) community group -- the Southeast Empowerment Congress (in South Los Angeles/LAFD Battalion 13). Just their name along makes them sound like they’re going to get things done!
Diversity is perhaps the biggest asset (and hurdle) that we hold as a membership. In 2005 our Demographic has become much more diverse. This change is a challenge for many; we have to loosen up any stagnant habits, even alter some traditions to truly embrace diversity. If we are going to truly serve and represent the City of Los Angeles, our constituency MUST accurately represent the population that we serve.
With 2006 just arond the corner, let's set some lofty goals and work together to accomplish them. You can post your comments and ideas on the Blog (using your real name or call sign please), or give your ideas over the air during the Monday Night Post Net at 147.300.
I look forward to serving you in the coming year and hope that the remaining Holiday Season is a safe and happy one.
My best,
Carolyne J. Keeler, KG6TWQ
N6ACS Radio Club President
Los Angeles Fire Department
