Also known as an amateur radio club, a ham radio club is an organization that has a membership composed of people who are ham radio operators and enthusiasts. A club of this type may be a local social organization or include members from anywhere in the world. Some clubs rely strictly on wireless communications to keep the club going, while others hold regular events that members are free to attend.
Most people who join a ham radio club do so for two reasons. First, they are interested in providing emergency communications for their communities in the event of some type of disaster. To that end, networking with other ham radio operators makes it possible to establish a wide communication network that can be called upon when and as needed. As part of the ongoing communication, club members can share information regarding equipment and general radio operations, which in turn increases the ability of each member to offer effective services to their communities.
Along with the desire to provide emergency communication services free of charge, people tend to join a ham radio club as a means of creating a social network. Since all the members share a common interest in ham radio operations, this can form the basis for the social interaction. The relationships established might be strictly via audio connections, or also include spending time with one another at ham radio festivals, competitions, or events that are sponsored by the club.
One of the benefits of new enthusiasts joining a ham radio club is the opportunity to learn from those who are already highly proficient in ham radio operations. Newcomers can take advantage of the collective wisdom of club members, or even receive mentoring from experienced ham operators, known as "elmers," and thus avoid common mistakes. This includes issues like purchasing the wrong type of equipment, failing to set up new equipment properly, and failing to observe the etiquette that has become the standard for radio operations among dedicated users.
A ham radio club may be a local, national or even an international organization. Clubs may also be set up along cultural or ethnic lines. Since the wireless communications provided by the use of ham radios forms the basis for interaction, there is no real reason to limit membership to a single geographical location. An international ham radio club may serve its members by establishing chapters around the world, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of communicating with people around the world, as well as getting together with local club members.
