[PPRAANet] Hayman Fire Volunteering

[Rob Roller N7LV]

Although I haven't specifically asked the PPRAA members to volunteer, I just
want to make sure that you know that I will sign up any PPRAA club member to
help with the fire.  That's been implied all along, but I need to make it
explicit.

Not all of the PPRAA members are registered with ARES, but many are, so some
of you have already volunteered.  Many club members have been in ARES in the
past, even if not currently.  Many have also been involved with RACES or
with the military with comm background.  We can use all volunteers,
especially during the weekdays.

With the PPRAA being an ARRL Special Services Club, and also with emergency
communications being part of our charter, it makes perfect sense for club
members to volunteer.

If you have the time to volunteer, please let me know as I'm setting up a
schedule for the next few weeks.

Please read the text below, which is what I'm asking of the ARES folks, and
it really applies to anyone that wants to volunteer.

Thanks!!

73
Rob
N7LV



As we move out of the weekend and back into the daily grind of our weekday
jobs, we also move into the time of the week that is the most difficult to
staff during this Hayman Fire.  We are staffing

Some of the volunteers are only available after 1600 or 1800, which is near
the end of the volunteer day.  So obviously these folks can't help with a
full afternoon shift.  Others might be able to make arrangements with their
employer to take off part of the day with pay, or maybe with the agreement
that the time will be made up later.  Maybe by taking off part of a Friday,
you can arrange to make up that time on a Saturday.  I don't know.  I'm just
trying to offer some creative solutions that you might think of.  If we can
get around the normal work day of 8 to 5, we might be able to work out some
better coverage during the weekdays.  As an example, KD6FLM has worked out
something with his employer so he's available every Tuesday after 1200.

The Salvation Army is likely to continue to operate for the duration of this
fire, which will probably run several weeks, or months.  Who knows.  I'm
also going to be getting away from a fixed schedule, and trying to let your
volunteer hours dictate the schedule more.

For example if someone can come in for 0800-1100, then maybe someone can
take an extended lunch hour from 1100-1300 or 1400, and someone else can go
from 1400-1600, and then the folks that are free from 1600 on can fill in
the remainder.

Whatever works.

Another thought to consider is working the same 2-3 or so hours a week.
Like maybe you can sign up to be there every Wednesday from 1100-1400.
That's likely to be much more palatable for you if it's planned out, rather
than me asking you each day, and it relieves me from having to worry about
that time slot for the duration.  If I can fill in a repeating weekday
schedule, even if the shifts are only 2-3 hours long, that would also help
greatly.  Like I suggested in my "soapbox" e-mail, the more I can spread out
the work among our 200+ crew, the less I will have to rely on a smaller
number of people to fill in the slots.

Think about it, and let me know what you can do.

I've also received offers from help from ARES folks from outside of
Colorado.  Although I haven't specifically put out a call for help, I will
consider those offers.  Someone volunteering from out of town isn't burdened
with work and can probably fill the weekday positions where we hurt the
most.

Thanks.

Rob
N7LV