[KYHAM] ARRL BOD Minutes Call for a Public Service Comms Study

[Ron Dodson]

An interesting (at least from an ARES point of view)
event took place during the 
2002 Annual Meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors held
January 18-19, 2002. Item 35 from the minutes states...

	*35. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr.
Walstrom, it was unanimously VOTED that the following
resolution is adopted.
	WHEREAS, Amateur Radio's emergency communications
capability ranks first among the bases and purposes of
the service set forth in the FCC's Rules; and
	WHEREAS, non-emergency public service communications
events are training experiences which prepare Amateurs
for service in both natural and man-made disasters; and
	WHEREAS, since the founding of our League, the ARRL
has sponsored programs which train, organize, and
enable Amateur Radio volunteers to provide emergency
communications support to charitable agencies and
government authorities; and
	WHEREAS, in these challenging times not only for our
country but also for the entire civilized world, it is
essential for Amateur Radio to offer the most efficient
and effective emergency communications systems,
including support for Homeland Security;
	NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ARRL's
Volunteer Resources Committee is directed to perform an
in-depth study of the League's programs related to
emergency communications and non-emergency public
service communications, and to report recommendations
for modernizing, streamlining, and increasing the
effectiveness of these programs to the Board at the
Annual Meeting in January, 2003.*

In all likelihood, I feel some type of noticable
activity will be forthcoming in the next 12 months to
accomplish this.  Dedicated ARES (and even RACES)
operators would do well to keep an ear to the ground in
the event WE are asked for comments etc. in the
future.  Given the ever changing world situation and
events of recent years, we may be  seeing some
changes/modifications in our futures.

73, 
Ron, KA4MAP