Amateur radio, for me, is the communication between people. The focus is on the human aspect, not the technology. It is important to uphold the etiquette that is customary among amateur radio operators.
For me, it is also essential that amateur radio as such is preserved. The most important organization in this regard is the IARU, which is supported by national clubs. Therefore, supporting the national IARU clubs is absolutely necessary for every amateur radio operator. Every amateur radio operator should definitely be a member of their national IARU club. The work of the club requires funding, so membership is usually not free. By paying membership fees, the work of the clubs is financed, making international coordination and interaction with national and supranational authorities possible. Better than only being a passive member is engagement. Be active, find some tasks. Do not ask, what the club can do for you. Ask yourself, what you can do for the club.
In 1928, Paul M. Segal, W9EEA (SK), formulated the rules for how American amateur radio operators should interact with each other in just a few sentences. In my opinion, these rules are still a good guideline for all amateur radio operators today. The current version by the ARRL was developed in 1947 from Paul’s original version. Simply take this version, replace ARRL with your national IARU club and the USA with your country, and you have your own little catechism.
The IARU created its own version. It is structured quite differently but, at its core, does not contradict the US versions.
