[TCARC-NTX] FW: ARLB041 ARRL becomes an affiliate program of Citizen Corps

[David Johnson]

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB041
ARLB041 ARRL becomes an affiliate program of Citizen Corps

ZCZC AG41
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 41  ARLB041
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  June 24, 2003
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB041
ARLB041 ARRL becomes an affiliate program of Citizen Corps

ARRL now is an official affiliate program of Citizen Corps, an
initiative within the Department of Homeland Security to enhance public
preparedness and safety. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, signed a
formal Statement of Affiliation between DHS and ARRL during the ARRL
2003 National Convention June 21 in Dallas, Texas.

Chief Operating Officer of the Emergency Preparedness and Response
Directorate (FEMA) Ron Castleman represented DHS at the signing. Citizen
Corps Liaison to the White House Liz DiGregorio called ham radio
operators the ''first of the first responders.''

''You are there. You are part of that very, very first response when it
happens locally,'' especially in the initial stages of an emergency or
disaster, DiGregorio told the overflow audience at the signing ceremony.
She urged amateurs to explore ways to expand their role in the community
beyond being the last resort when other communication systems fail.
''You need to show your community that you're engaged,'' she said.
''They need to know as a community that ARRL is there.''

Among other things, the affiliation statement calls on DHS and ARRL to
raise public awareness of Amateur Radio as a safety resource. In
addition, DHS and ARRL will cooperate in providing training and
accreditation for Amateur Radio emergency communications and promote the
formation of local Citizen Corps councils. NNNN /EX