On reddit, someone recently brought up the lack of ARRL student dues. There is a $25 “youth membership,” but you have to jump through hoops to take advantage of it. The web page says,
Must be 21 years old or younger AND the oldest licensed Amateur in the household. Please call ARRL directly to join or renew under this level. 1-888-277-5289 (Toll-free US only) M-F 8am-5pm ET.
One commenter said, “I don’t get why you need to call them up for the youth rate, like why add this stupid step?” Another replied, “Yea, they’re really not that interested in youth.” It certainly seems that way, doesn’t it?
Overall, the ARRL really needs to take a look at its dues structure. Without question, the recent dues increase caused a lot of members to quit, and the current dues structure is not encouraging new members to join.
I’ve written in the past about how the ARRL needs to take a look at its life membership fees. And, there has been talk for ages about a “digital only” membership for those who don’t want to get a printed QST.
I think we may see some changes coming down the pipeline on dues, and maybe sooner than you think. The ARRL’s new CEO has the declining membership on his radar, and he mentioned this in his recent remarks at Ham Radio University. He also mentioned that the ARRL would be looking at new ways to deliver QST and its other publications to its members. Stay tuned.
KC8WAU says
The Wireless Institute of Australia has announced complimentary membership for 1 year to operators who pass any Australian amateur radio exam. Maybe the ARRL could do the same.
KC8WAU says
Read the article at http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2019/january/wia-complimentary-membership-for-new-ham-radio-qualifications.htm#.XEVdkFVKjIV
AJ HILLBILLY HAM says
ARRL NEEDS TO HAVE SPECIAL RATES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE , SENIORS , VETS , LEOs -(LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) -PERIIOD .
ARRL ALSO NEEDS TO IMPLEMENT THESE PROGRAMS TO BE VERY USER FREINDLY , WITH DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSTANTIALLY LESS COST .
ARRL HAS TO REPRESENT THE RANK AND FILE MEMBERS MUCH MORE IN TUNE , SURVEYS REQUIRED AND A TEAM TO PROMOTE AND STUDY THIS – 30DAY PERIOD , PUBLICIZED WIDELY SO MANY CAN PARTICIPATE .
MOST ON SOC SEC OR LIMITED INCOME , CANNOT AFFORD DUES .
ARRL DID NOT FULLY SIDE WITH OPs LIVING IN HOAs – THEY NEEDED TO TAKE A STRONGER STANCE IN FAVOR OF THESE AMATUERS LIVING IN HOAs THAT NEED HELP TO PASS WELL WRITTEN LEGISLATION – OTHERWISE MEMBERS DO NOT GET OR SEE TRUE REPRESENTATION .
MOST PREPPERS CAN AFFORD ARRL MEMBERSHIP – THIS NEEDS TO BE PROMOTED AND ARTICLES WRITTEN FOR THEM – THEY SPEND MILLIONS ON ARMS , LOADING EQUIPT. ,AMMO, BOOKS – UTILIZE THIS VALUED GROUP .
73s BE WELL , KEEP STRONG AND ENJOY HAM RADIO .
W5HEH ,”AJ”
Steve W8SFC says
This situation reminds me of how government deals with revenue. One side demands a high percentage per citizen to fund the treasury, and achieves X result, while the other side demands payment of a lesser percent of individual income and they get Y result. As it turns out more people can pay toward Y than X and the revenue stream increases in Y to a much higher total intake than X ever did at the substantially higher percentage. It is basic economics – more people can pay $30 each year than can pay $50 annually to belong to the organization so knocking off $20 of the dues will in turn encourage more people to join at the lower rate which will result in greater numbers of dues paying members and more overall in the organization’s treasury.
The $50.00 dues rate per year for an ARRL membership is hard to justify for new hams who are still trying to figure out how much they can devote to the hobby out of most people’s finite income. It would also behoove ARRL to take the time and effort to relate to the operators themselves exactly how does ARRL’s activities impact and benefit the hobby. When you say ARRL to the new ham, does that person really understand what you are talking about above and beyond the initials? Perhaps ARRL needs to do a better job of selling itself to the members and prospective ones on the basis of what has made this a better hobby as a result of the actions of ARRL.
Frank says
I could not agree with you more on ARRL needing to itself. They’re becoming outdated themselves.
Ed KC8SBV says
I was introduced to ARRL when I was in grade school, and I still have those books. Yeah, there was no internet to browse their website. The books captured my attention, with the THEORY, and projects. I became an engineer, not in electronics, but I can’t let go of the THEORY and using it.
I am not alone, but one of many who like to tinker, thanks Dan, I appreciated our new Presidents speech, I am in good company!!
Ed KC8SBV
Ed KC8SBV says
If I were to give $50 to ARRL yearly, I want to ditch QST and get QEX. When they make that option available, it will be more compelling.
Ed KC8SBV