[FLARES] Local ARES groups formal structure issues

Mon, 25 Aug 2003 16:07:24 -0400

Keith,

As you note, even with the very best of intentions, no one can be in two
places at the same time.

I do suggest that you visit with the individual members to see how they are
likely to respond in the case where they are needed in both counties.
Generally this will only be a problem before the disaster hits and both
counties are trying to man shelters, etc.  Once a disaster actually does hit
most likely members in both counties will be willing to go where they are
most needed, assuming that is not at home with the wife, kids, family, etc.

Really it is best to have this conversation with every members.  You will
find that the level of commitment, or availability will very greatly.  Some
will rarely take time off of work or away from the family for drills and
will only show up when they really are needed for an actual emergency and
then they are likely to be the first one on scene!

Others will show up for every drill and/or training exercise but will NOT
show up for the real thing.  They may have a spouse, kids or even pets that
they do not want to leave at home alone during a "real" event.

Some are just not willing to go to a shelter in off chance they might be
needed if the phone lines fail or the county's radio system goes off line or
the system gets overloaded.  Perhaps they have gone out before and found
that most communications is being handled by cell phones or land lines and
have not felt very useful.  Perhaps the ARC staff or others have even
questioned why they are even there!  This all can leave a bad taste in their
mouth and they may not go back to a shelter but are willing to assist in
other ways.

You can guess how an individual ARES member will respond but if you visit
with them a little before hand you probably will be able to determine what
their availability is likely to be.  Don't just assume that they will be
there even if they have never missed a drill and do not discount the ones
that never show for the drill either.  We deal with volunteers and as such
they can be somewhat unpredictable but if you take the time to find out a
little more information about their family and other obligations they will
appreciate the caring that you show and you will have a better idea when and
where they can best be used.

73,
Dave Armbrust, AE4MR
ARRL WCF Section Manager
3024 Salem Ave
Sarasota, FL 34232-5120
Tel: 941-685-2081
Internet: [email protected]
Web: http://www.wcfarrl.org

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| -----Original Message-----
| From: [email protected]
| [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Keith Kotch
| Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 10:51 AM
| To: 'Florida ARES'
| Subject: RE: [FLARES] Local ARES groups formal structure issues
|
|
| Dave, et.al.,
|
| The issue hasn't been/isn't whether to allow or accept a
| member actually
| living in another county it's the fact that there are a few members
| very, very active with us that actually live just across the river in
| South Volusia County.  They have helped Volusia ARES with drills and
| helped them with some antenna projects but they are most
| active with us.
| The potential problem occurs when both Seminole and Volusia ARES are
| activated at the same time.
|
| I just purchased and read a booklet by Jerry Boyd, KW7J,
| "Management of
| the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Function".  One of
| the areas
| he addressed was a dual-registration area mainly as it pertained to
| areas where mutual aid scenarios were common and how it helped to
| facilitate ID and insurance issues.
|
| My DEC doesn't have a problem with "out of county" membership as ARES
| group boundaries are really arbitrary anyway.  That part's not been a
| problem over here.
|
| As to the "loyalty" to one group....well, your comments do
| put things in
| perspective.  Not all of the members in my own county would/could
| respond.  It's just that the members in question regarding this are so
| very active with us that we've always been able to count on them to
| respond, but that's been in situations where we've been
| active and their
| home county has not.
|
| I'll double check with my DEC to see if there are any restrictions in
| place from a District or Section perspective regarding "dual
| membership".
|
| Keith, KF4BXT
|
|
|
|
|
|
| -----Original Message-----
| From: Dave Armbrust [mailto:[email protected]]
|
| Keith,
|
| The policy in the West Central Florida Section is that out of county
| membership is allowed as long as all parties agree.  If the EC of the
| ham's
| home county objects then the out of county ARES membership is not
| allowed.
| I am not sure what the policy is in North Florida but your Section
| Manager,
| Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP ([email protected]) can advise you.
|
| I would not worry too much about the loyalty or availability issue.
| Since
| we all deal with volunteers we can never be 100% sure any particular
| member
| will show up if called.  If a disaster strikes in your own back yard
| even
| local members may decide to stay home to take care of family,
| friends or
| property.  It is the out of county hams that may be able to
| provide the
| most
| ARES support.
|
|
|
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