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Welcome to the ARRL Mentor page. This page is going to be the central hub for all things that deal with mentoring or Elmers and clubs. We have already posted an initial set of resources to make navigating the site easier for everyone and especially the new ham.
There has been a bit of question as to why we are using the term mentor as opposed to the traditional term Elmer. Ham radio does have its share of tradition and lore, and to a lot of folks it seems that we are breaking from tradition and discarding the affectionate term Elmer. Not so. Most folks outside of Amateur Radio do not recognize what an Elmer is, but they do know what a mentor is. And because this program is geared toward the new ham we don't want to confuse anyone.
Now that you have found this page we will take a moment to tell everyone where the term Elmer is derived.
Origin of the term "Elmer"
The term "Elmer"--meaning someone who provides personal guidance and assistance to would-be hams--first appeared in QST in a March 1971 "How's DX" column by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD (now also VA3ZBB). Newkirk called them "the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio." While he probably was not trying to coin a term at the time, here's how Newkirk introduced "Elmer" in his column and, as it turned out, to the rest of the Amateur Radio world:
"Too frequently one hears a sad story in this little nutshell: 'Oh, I almost got a ticket, too, but Elmer, W9XYZ, moved away and I kind of lost interest.'"
Newkirk went on to say, "We need those Elmers. All the Elmers, including the ham who took the most time and trouble to give you a push toward your license, are the birds who keep this great game young and fresh."--Rick Lindquist, N1RL
As you can see, the term is not very old. Prior to the first use of Elmer as the one who guided and encouraged us, what were these folks called? I have received a lot of suggestions; teacher, mentor, tutor, guide, helper, sage? All are appropriate but my guess would be that first and foremost they were called friend.
Norm Fusaro, W3IZ
