How to Grow While Making New Friends
What I did today opened up a whole new world.
Last summer, I visited friends and family in the Midwest. My former partner at IBM told me that his hobby is ham radio. That perked my interest. I had an FCC license when I took flying lessons and worked at the Independence Airport.
Then I saw an announcement that the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office is looking for volunteers for their emergency communications program. Today was the first meeting. About 21 people showed up. I learned the importance of amateur radio in emergency situations.
I also learned that there are numerous clubs for people of different interests who are ham radio enthusiasts. I will be studying to take the test to get my ham radio license. I look forward to being part of the emergency response team.
In addition, I have enrolled in training for the Whatcom County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This training will involve being active in coordinating the response at the scene of a disaster. With both trainings, I will be able to respond and communicate what is happening at the scene.
In a previous post, I mentioned volunteering to make new friends. Here is an example of a way to learn something new, meet new people, and be of service to the community.
Your community may also need volunteers to operate ham radios. Whatcom County is offering training for the license. No equipment is needed. In case of emergency, volunteers can go to the local center to obtain mobile equipment or stay in the center to coordinate the response.
I may decide to buy a radio. I like the idea of communicating with people around the world.
What are you learning for personal growth? Will your growth help you help others? People who help other people are some of the most fun people to be around. Find your group and have some fun!