ARRL – the National Association for Amateur Radio
ARES – Amateur Radio Emergency Service®
ARRL – the National Association for Amateur Radio, is a non-commercial association of radio amateurs bonded together for the promotion of interest in Amateur Radio communication and experimentation, for the relaying of messages by radio, for the advancement of the radio art and of the public welfare, for the representation of the radio amateur in legislative matters and for the maintenance of fraternalism and a high standard of conduct.
ARRL has been serving the general public directly and government and relief agencies for more than 75 years. To that end, in 1935 the league organized the Amateur Radio Emergency Corps (now called the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES).
Together, ARES is part of the League’s public service Field Organization of volunteer radio amateurs. As leaders and representatives of radio amateurs, the ARRL has responsibilities in motivation, education, policy, and leadership in promoting Amateur Radio functions in the public service, especially in times of emergency when the resources of radio amateurs may be most survivable communications available.
The ARES Oklahoma (ARES-OK) organization consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes or other communication emergencies occur.
As a way of keeping our communications skills sharp; in addition to participating in many exercises and drills with our government partners, ARES volunteers also provide communications for many non-profit groups’ events during community events – such as “Fun Runs”, Bike Rides, Walk-a-thons, and the like.
Memoranda of Understandings
One of the principal justifications for continued access to the Amateur Radio spectrum is public service. A major part of Amateur Radio’s public service communications activities is conducted within the context of the ARRL’s formal agreements with the emergency management, government organizations, NGOs, non-profits, and public service agencies.
The ARRL (ARES) has long-standing MOUs in place with the following:
- National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army & SATERN
- SKYWARN (National Weather Service)
- Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO International)
- Citizen Corps (Department of Homeland Security)
- And many other government and non-government organizations
Mission Statement
The purpose of our Mission is to move forward in providing Aid to folks who need help because of fire, flood, tornado, or other disasters. We are volunteers who help to educate others with a heart to give aid to those in need.
Bobbi Goodson (KC5YGG/SK)
A PDF version of this information is available at this link.