Ladies CW program

Fun Fact

**Note: Female hams are called “YLs,” which is short for “Young Lady,” regardless of the operator’s age. While that might seem  antiquated, cute, and maybe patronizing, keep in mind that the ham radio subset of men is referred to as “OMs,” or “Old Man.”also regardless of age. OM was an early telegraph abbreviation continued on today on both CW and SSB

Ladies Welcomed

We now have over 200 YLs in the Club and are pleased to be the home of a YL-only group that calls itself “YL4CW”. The purpose of this group is to cultivate friendships, mentor relationships, and build confidence while making CW fun to learn.

Our weekly YL only gathering currently hosted by Anne KC9YL, is an Open House – where YLs can share their stories, encourage each other, and practice CW.

Admission

YL4CW was born because it can be difficult to find and cultivate YL friendships, and LICW welcomed a chance to support YLs. There is no skill level or even licensing required. This is a great place for experienced YL operators, new operators, YLs who got licensed at the urging of their OM, and YLs who aren’t licensed yet but are thinking about it.

Goals

The future of amateur radio depends on diversifying the ‘greying’ member base and LICW is doing our part to get YLs and youth involved.  Thank you to all the YLs who are taking an active part in this program. It’s interesting that our Kids CW program is composed of 60% girls.  As a Club we will be working diligently towards this vision for helping the future of our hobby through the use of CW.