[K3CAL] ARRL Em Communications course for ARES/RACES operators

[Jim Tetlow]

Hello all, 

 

           I am sending this out to all as I find it somewhat upsetting; a
communications volunteer and a member of ARRL has to PAY ($50.) to take a
required emergency communications lesson EC-001 that was given earlier (Em
Comm 1, 2, & 3) that was given pre 2011 for free.

 

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel that $50.00 can be a lot more
useful to me for groceries, now that I have a fixed retirement income.
Paying for this course so I can be a volunteer using my time and radio
equipment, is really a slap to my face, makes me wonder if I really want to
renew my ARRL membership. I really don't know what I am paying dues (annual
membership) for......the leaflets promoting persons to get into ham radio?
That seems to be the only non-cost items available to members now. The
Handbook was $3.50 in 1962; $4.50 in 1974; $49.95 in 2010; thank God someone
gave me a 2011 Handbook as a present!

 

In reading into the attached information sheet, the persons whom qualified
for certification on the earlier 3 units do not have to recertify at this
juncture (that will most likely be something new for 2012). Any instructors
and managers will have to recertify; instructors, before they can certify or
mentor new students.

 

Remember those that are able to volunteer their time in emergencies or
participate in planned event exercises, are usually those that are retired.
Even though there is some that qualify, most retirement pensions aren't
$150,000.00 per year.

 

If enough members of CARA, a RACES / ARES club, agree with some of my
statements; maybe, we as a club, should send in a letter to ARRL extending
our views on the costs for Volunteer Communications Courses, or there will
be only 4 or 5 certified ARES members in CARA. I can't be one of them at
this time.

 

Your comments are welcome, as I may just be A Miser of an Old Man, Pincher
of Pennies, Old Foggy Fart, after all. (AMOMPOPOFF)

 

Regards,

Jim Tetlow

 

K3UGA

jimtetlow at chesapeake.net

 

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