This thread still around ?
I have observed nothing more positive of recent times.
Maybe you have to be old to relate to some things. A radio club in the 60's ? 70's ? Everybody enjoyed operating their radios and exchanging information. A collection of people meant a pool of different people to help with different subjects. Share info. --- and I don't mean totally communistic style ---
Kinda strange but many clubs have/had a place to go but of coarse often it was a courtesy of something/somebody. -- BUT get that sense people/the population do not like the radio people ? .....Instead of something positive not so. Maybe they just figure they are obsolete.
Now a club gives license tests once and awhile begging for new TECH's. A TECH license is the cream of the top of excellence. I'd swear there is something wrong with this approach. Radio Waves go from 'very low' to 'infinite high' ? Only 146 mhz ?
To even be noticed you have to be 'white' and blessed with non-radio assets. (I'm white..I think..even getting old) Clubs are very private. If you don't get the interest of the clique forget yourself.
I have observed NO HELP/ZERO with radio problems. No sharing anything. An ego arena ? Who has the most expensive toy ?
#1 I think this is mostly a HOBBY. There is some type of hobby interest. If the only reason your around is job promotion it might work but often not. (who cares about hams?)
I can recall a club always having a 'radio room' and people that operated radios. (and it was fun) Now a monthly meeting or yearly and bring your Baofeng and a backup ?
The shock is the internet here. Sites like EHAM/QRZ/QTH,etc. and it seems amateur radio is still alive.
Personally and I could be all wrong but take the earths population. Nobody still interested in radio waves ?
-- but better try to keep frequencies to operate !! 3 ghz going now ? The lower part of 220 ?
Serious though. One local club had a membership into the hundreds. Almost zero now. Everybody die ?
Stop by a club. If not looking like you just got out of the 'military police' you will be ignored.
ARRL ? Just got January QST. I read the new CEO editorials and sort of kick back and think....what did he say

So..my almost 2020 rant....
o-just a PS... Connecticut there are tons of repeaters. They are almost 100 % silent.