Letter to AOS

[Ross]

I personally think it starts at home. If we can get our own children (and grandchildren) interested, then that's a great start. Sure there may be a financial issue at the beginning, but maybe a plant or two might be a start? We all know one plant leads to another!

[Royal]

and another, and another...

[Gin]

I have a friend that is 90 , she is not old ! .. Just where is the line ? what about older people that need a hobby also disabled , Senior centers ? by the way I am not a member of one . Gin

[Blondie]

Old and young alike--we can ALL love the orchids. But the AOS article says the young people are nowhere to be found. See here:

AOS | Communications; The Changing Orchid World

I decided to go ahead and email the post to the President of AOS. No one else from there has responded yet. I told them to come to this board to see the discussion.

[Ross]

So maybe young people nowadays are attracted to flashy things like video games? I would say, if AOS wants to attract younger people, they need to do something to attract the younger people. Right now, they don't even attract me. There might be 1 in a thousand young people interested in the type of articles in the magazine. And that's being generous. I think there needs to be some other mistique besides scientific journal stuff presented. I started my son and grandson by getting them involved (at different levels). My son waters and cares for the 'chids whenever I can't. My grandson checks them over for signs of changes whenever he's over. And I take the liberty of getting them involved by discussing changes and other issues with them. A magazine won't cut it nowadays, I'm afraid. Not with young folk. Direct interaction might. School programs might. TV shows might. Young people today seem to suck up knowledge faster than ever. Faster than I did when I was in high school (and I was an honor roll student). They seem like giant sponges that need to be fed pretty fast. This probably applies to a lot of you reading this post. I admire the ability to absorb knowledge that you exhibit. AOS hasn't done one thing to take advantage of this (in my mind). I'm not surprized that the biggest percent of AOS members are "older". Wake up AOS. Move into the schools. Move into the dorms. Move into the game rooms. Do what you must to attract the younger ones who just might be waiting for such a challenge.

Sorry for the soapbox, folks. But this hit a hot bot for me.

[isurus79]

Ross,
Well said!!

[Royal]

Originally Posted by Ross

I was an honor roll student

From now on, If I disagree with Ross, don't listen to me. Listen to him. I was not even close to being on the honor roll!

[Phantasm]

I have been following the discussion and find it interesting, especially since the thread was begun and for the most part extended by younger people. A proactive method such as writing the AOS President directly is to be commended, and I would be disappointed if you didn't get a response.

The AOS is a reflection of it's members and only determination to bring in new, vital blood will keep the organization evolving. In contradiction to some opinions, I think the magazine, Orchids, is a valuable resource to the orchid world. The quality has improved vastly over the last few years and there is usually something for everyone from beginners to experts. The present issue has a great article on Cattleya guttata and has photos of around 30 different color varities of this rarely grown species.

As an AOS Judge, I am well aware of the disconnect that appears between the AOS, Societies, Judges, and unattached orchidists. To just say someone is elitist or uninterested or doesn't want to be involved is dodging the issue. Many have been guilty of all of this; the AOS, local Societies and commercial Orchid companies all are struggling these days.

Is this a lack of interest in orchids? A lack of interest in social settings to learn about orchids? or perhaps a lack of understanding and an inability to venture outside the box?

Most hobby groups including garden groups have diminishing memberships even in the face of larger population growth. Perhaps it is a breakdown of society itself, community, neighborhoods and personal relationships.

[Blondie]

Wow! Look at us go! And a real AOS judge came to join in. WHOO HOO!

We can actually thank the pres himself for getting this conversation started by writing his article. I had quite the response to it, as you can see.

Personally, I'm not a video gamer or anything, but I do agree that we are sponges and are excited for new information. I also know for a fact that there are a LOT of cool organizations out there for young people in many cities that draw huge crowds. It's all about tapping into the market in the right way.

But seriously, if there was an orchid video game, I would totally play it!

[caseydoll]

What a terrific letter Blondie! I'm going to be 30 (yikes!) next month and I've been growing orchids since I'm been about 22. I've always been interested in gardening and houseplants but one day i walked into Home Depot and saw a beautiful white phal. I didn't purchase it that day but thought about nothing else for about a week. So of course I had to drive back over to Cadillac (a shout out to Ross! ) and get it along with a book and orchid media. Until I joined this board I had NO IDEA that orchids were this popular as I know not one person who has one. I was very naive! I really don't know what other young people are interested in since I don't have any friends that live anywhere near me. (I work at a machine shop with all men and all my high school friends have moved away long ago) I would love to join a local orchid society but all the ones around here are too far away for me to be interested. Thats why i love this board so much!

I hope AOS sends you an e-mail back Blondie. This whole subject is really interesting!