As a self-organizing global communications net that needs no infrastructure, ham radio's whole value today is emergency communications. It should be 'sold' to the public specifically for this function. What better way would there be to bring young people back into the field?
That’s basically what we’ve been doing, BA. In reality, that’s precisely what Amateur Radio IS anyway. There’s certainly a hobby aspect to it, but many amateurs are involved in providing emergency communications when necessary, and they practice this, prepare and keep their equipment ready for the moment’s notice.
There are others involved in satellite communications and Amateurs have launched many satellites into space. The International Space Station contains a full set of both voice and digital radio gear, and nearly every American and most Russian Astronauts are also amateur radio operators as well.
Ham radio is something that most people don’t “see”, but it can be felt. Everything from digital communications we use today in Wifi systems, to cellular telephones, satellites and other forms of communications (not to MENTION computers) had it’s beginning somewhere on the desk of a Ham Radio Operator. Every piece of technology out there has been touched in some way by Amateur radio and had it’s meager beginnings with Ham radio at some point or another.