I see that my post regarding member net check ins has brought up a few questions, so I will try to answer them here.
ARES members are not required to check in to any nets, or indeed to have any minimum activity at all. Many of our members do nothing more than register with ARES to be possibly available in case of local needs. We keep their contact information on file. This is about 2/3 of our total enrolled members.
The ARRL has established additional levels of training for ARES Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. These have several requirements for each level, and for Level 2 and above members are required to check in to an ARES net at least quarterly. If you are not an ARES Level 2 or 3 member, this requirement does not apply to you.
I am attaching the Western Mass. ARRL Task Book, in both MS Word and Adobe PDF formats, so you can see the requirements and determine if you might want to move towards an ARES level.
I am also attaching a welcome document I have been sending to all new members. It contains a brief description of the different ARES Levels and a listing of ARES nets.
Again, there is no requirement that you have any level of activity to remain enrolled in ARES. However, to maintain a Level 2 or Level 3 certification you must check in to an ARES net at least once per quarter. This requirement, along with others, is established by the ARRL.
73 de Chuck, WS1L
Amateur Radio Emergency Service ®Section Emergency Coordinator
Western Massachusetts