Getting the younger set involved

Another factor that would help is remembering and reminding other members that disparaging comments about "today's kids" and making them feel like they are not welcome is NOT a good recruitment tool.

When I started working at Portola, I was 14. I was made to feel welcome and given a chance to get involved. A lot of other museums and associations I visited did NOT extend that same feeling to me.

I often hear older people at museums dismissing today's younger fans. Telling them they missed out on "real" railroading is also just as discouraging and a real insult. An oft heard refrain on a popular rail website is "It's all crap now". Well, I'm no longer in the "young" category, but that still sets my teeth on edge and I know that it really discourages younger fans. (They've told me as much.)

At Portola, some of our members have made a concerted, specific effort to attract younger fans and it is working well. What it takes is reaching out to them and making them feel wanted and included.