QCWA membership often appeals to amateurs who want to be identified and
associate with some of the best known respected and proficient amateurs in the world. The
knowledge that so many well-known amateurs have joined together in this unique non-profit
organization dedicated to promoting the best interests of all amateurs for now and for
posterity, appeals to many.
There are, other reasons for joining QCWA.: Membership in QCWA is for
those amateurs who may enjoy the hobby, who appreciate the effect it has had on their
lives, and want to share their experiences and talents with others for the good of Amateur
Radio.
"QCWA Membership is also for those who would like to participate
in promoting more cooperation and good will among all amateurs and who would like to be a
part of an organized effort to preserve our amateur traditions. QCWA membership likewise
appeals to amateurs who are aware of the forces which would acquire our frequencies and
reduce our privileges, amateurs who would like to be a part of a unified effort to defend
our privileges.
"Membership in QCWA also appeals to altruistic amateurs who would
like to support QCWA scholarship funding for deserving amateurs pursuing educational
objectives. Others join QCWA so they can participate, socially in chapter meetings and be
a part of local activities for the good of Amateur Radio and the public, interest.
'Some eligible amateurs recognize the importance of QCWA objectives as
they may influence the present and future of Amateur Radio, but join principally to
acknowledge approval and support for QCWA purposes. Others join the ongoing activities in
QCWA. Either category is welcome in QCWA.'
One of QCWAs most important activities is the scholarship program. QCWA scholarships
are available to radio amateurs who are pursuing college level courses leading to degrees,
regardless of licence class or geographic location.
One way QCWA members and others wishing to support the program can help is through
bequests for a continuing scholarship in the name of the contributor or his/her family.
Other members remember their friends who became Silent Keys by contributing to the Fund in
their memory. There are no administrative costs charged to the principal or earnings on
the Fund. Selection of awardees is accomplished at no cost by a Committee of the
Foundation For Amateur Radio Inc. (FAIR), :Washington, D.C. (In 1998 the Foundation
awarded 67 scholarships. Fifteen of these were funded directly by the Foundation or by
its' member clubs and grants. Other scholarships were funded -by various organizations or
individuals. These included seventeen QCWA scholarships totaling $13,300.).
QCWAs Memorial Scholarships are funded from a Trust Fund established
for that purpose. A1l monies earmarked for the Scholarship Fund are deposited in
interest-bearing accounts separate from the general funds. Only interest from the
Scholarship Fund may be used for Scholarship awards; the principal amount remains as a
perpetual trust fund. As such, should QCWA ever be dissolved, the Fund will be transferred
to a charitable organization with the stipulation that the scholarship program be
continued.
Contributions to the QCWA Scholarships program are directed to Jim
Walsh, W7LVN, QCWA General Manager jwalsh@teleport.com.
If you now have an Amateur Radio license and were licensed 25 years ago
you are eligible to join QCWA. It is NOT necessary that you have been continuously
licensed during the twenty-five year period.
Additional information about QCWA can be obtained from James Walsh, W7LVN, General
Manager, QCWA, at jwalsh@teleport.com or
the QCWA Website at http://www.qcwa.org .
