I spent a chunk of the day yesterday, after work, but before working on a new book (yeah, I've got two jobs now), playing with my radios. I was programming the digital one to get it to use my Raspberry Pi as a hotspot (it used to work, now it doesn't). I also spent some time on the HF rig (High Frequency), made a simplex contact in Maryland, and failed to make any contacts in fldigi or JS8Call. Finally I checked into a local NTS net on one of the UHF radios (Ultra High Frequency), just for practice. In short, I played radio. However, I'm also practicing using all these different forms because I'm a volunteer for the local ARES group. I'm looking at joining a couple of other organizations in the area (new town, new volunteer opportunities).

Why?

Because the world needs volunteers. There's just so much that needs doing. Yeah, I'm volunteering with an emergency service (not my first one either), but there are preservation societies for various historic... stuff, food kitchens, Scouting, charitable organizations, churches, Scouts, synagogues, Freemasons, and did I mention Scouts. All of these organizations do vital work for your community. And, I happen to know, worldwide, these organizations are suffering from a severe shortage of volunteers. People just don't engage in these organizations anymore (also, Covid added to the problem, because of course it did). It's a shame. We are going to lose organizations that truly matter.

The thing is, volunteering does a whole bunch of stuff. Yeah, you're helping do some worthy cause, which is reason number one. However, you also get to meet people, make friends and contacts. You get to move, even if it's just going to a meeting. Volunteering is also a great help for your emotional well being. In short, absolutely support the worthy cause, whatever it might be, but also improve your own life at the same time.

So, please, get out there and volunteer. You are needed. Yes. You.