RSGB Youth Chair and Schools Youth Champion, Chris Aitken, MM0WIC

How long have you been an RSGB volunteer? I’ve been a volunteer with the RSGB for over a year now, both in the role as Youth Champion for Schools and more recently as Youth Chair.

Why did you choose to volunteer? It seemed like a natural extension of what I initially wanted to get out of starting my own school club, which is to see the number of young people in amateur radio grow.

What do you gain from volunteering? For me it is all about bringing opportunities to young people through exposure to the many different elements of amateur radio. For a lot of schools, they are simply not aware of the opportunities that exist within the hobby. This is both from a career perspective and also from the skills the hobby can bring: expanding their horizons, building confidence, developing communication skills and encouraging curiosity. Who wouldn’t want that for their students? Working alongside an excellent Outreach team and, as a teacher, working directly with the RSGB, gives me the reach to actually make a difference to young people across the UK.

What would you say to people thinking about volunteering for the RSGB? Absolutely go for it. If you think you can make a difference, then you definitely can. There are plenty of like-minded people within the RSGB community who can help to drive things and offer support.

Fun fact: do you prefer operating or tinkering/constructing? RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML has really given me the bug for operating by doing SOTA. I hope to activate a few more hills over the next year.

Category: Volunteers' Week