Most amateurs enjoy using "HF" which is the range of frequencies below 30MHz - the "shortwave" bands. By using the shortwave/HF bands amateurs bounce signals of the high areas of the atmosphere giving world-wide range.
Many people simply enjoy talking across town to other amateurs, while others attempt to contact difficult to find locations around the world. Amateurs also speak to the Mir space station and the shuttle. Others enjoy using minimum power to contact people around the world, using morse code because it gets through better than any other means.
Other amateurs become involved in community activities such as WICEN and JOTA. WICEN provides communications on a voluntary basis for emergencies, emergency service training exercises, some sporting events and community events such as ANZAC day marches.
JOTA provides the opportunity for Guides and Scouts from around the world to experience the thrill of talking to their counterparts in distant countries without the monstrous telecommunications companies getting in the way.
The final virtue of amateur radio is freedom. There are "gentlemen's agreements" that should be adhered to, to allow a co-operative environment. But there is no better place to see the breaking down of barriers than in amateur radio - for how else can one talk directly to the people of a country and find out what it is really like, without leaving the comfort of your own house? Also as I mentioned before there is no phone company to decide to pull the plug if it doesn't like what is being said.
For more information contact:
Australia - WIA (Wireless Institute of Australia).
USA - ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League).
UK - RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain).