CT Region 3 ARES

Yes, it is this week: April 18-24 when we celebrate our work together. Each of you is a special volunteer with unique skills. It’s time to thank you all and encourage you to reflect on your good work.

To do this, I would like you to think about some special time you enjoyed as a volunteer and tell your story. Everyone has a story but many times, we’re shy about telling them.

Now, let’s try something different. If you have something you would like to share, we on the Section cabinet want to hear about it. Our Assistant PIC Dana KA1WPM is collecting your stories starting now. You may write or you may also choose to simply talk about your event. If that is the case, then just say that in your note to Dana ka1wpm@arrl.net.

We will use as many stories as we can; we’ll put some on the Web or in the Section news articles.

The stories you wish to talk about will be shared on line in my Accessible Learning Lounge on Wednesday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. You’ll just need a microphone for your computer. Not to worry, I’ll get you all the details so those of you who want to listen to the stories will have plenty of time to get ready and come. Speakers will have the chance to test their sound systems before the event.

National Volunteer Week started in 1974 and is sponsored by Points of Light Institute and The HandsOn Network.

The other item I need to bring to your attention is how to access the Section news on the ARRL Page. Go to http://www.arrl.org/groups/view/connecticut. Then either mark that Page in your favorites or use the Your Favorites dropdown list on the Web site itself, point to “Add” and press the “go” button. Remember also to check http://ct.arrl.org for news.

Now, don’t be shy. Get those stories in asap! Let’s celebrate together!

73,
Betsey Doane, K1EIC
CT Section Manager
ARRL, The National Organization For Amateur Radio ™

Jonathan - KB1KIX in Announcements on April 21 2010 » 0 comments

Newsflash from the ARRL website at www.arrl.org

On Thursday, March 25, ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Red Cross (ARC) at ARC National Headquarters in Washington, DC. The MoU, which replaces an earlier Statement of Understanding that expired in 2007, provides a “broad framework for cooperation” between the ARRL and the ARC “in preparing for and responding to disaster relief situations at all levels in rendering assistance and service to victims of disaster, as well as other services for which cooperation may be mutually beneficial.”

The ARRL Board of Directors approved the signing of the MoU at its January 2010 meeting following the completion of negotiations. The Red Cross requires the completion of a criminal background check to participate in Red Cross activities and provides a process by which a volunteer may have a criminal background check performed at no cost to the volunteer. In the case of ARRL volunteers, the Red Cross has agreed to accept an alternative process: ARRL volunteers may arrange, at their own initiative and expense, to have the criminal background check performed by a state or local law enforcement agency.

The Red Cross also has agreed that ARRL volunteers shall not be asked or required to consent to credit checks, mode of living investigations or investigative consumer reports in order to provide a communications function.

The ARRL and the Red Cross encourage interested volunteers in their respective organizations to become members and to participate in the activities of the other organization. ARRL volunteers should be aware that if they wish to become Red Cross volunteers, they may be required to consent to additional background checks in accordance with Red Cross policy that may include credit checks, mode of living investigations or investigative consumer reports.

Per the MoU, “both ARRL volunteers and ARC workers will work cooperatively at the scene of a disaster and in the disaster recovery, within the scope of their respective roles and duties as recommended.” During a Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation (DRO) and depending on their training and qualifications, ARRL volunteers may perform in one or more of several roles, including Amateur Radio Liaison, Communication Equipment Operator, Communication Equipment Installation/Repair and Disaster Assessment. ARRL volunteers who are assigned roles by the Red Cross during a DRO will be provided with Red Cross credentials as required by the role, consistent with Red Cross policy.

“Because of the importance of emergency communications, we are happy to be able to continue the League’s long-standing relationship with the American Red Cross,” said ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. “The ARC and other served agencies give Amateur Radio operators the worthwhile missions in our communities that allow us to thank America for the privilege of being hams.”

KB1KIX District Emergency Coordinator for Region 3 ARES comments:

Please keep in mind, this does clear up many of the concerns aired by volunteers and the ARRL that has been ongoing for over two years now.

Background checks are still required and you have two options.

You can use the American Red Cross service, but be aware that there is a possibility that the background check can go beyond just a criminal check and include “mode of living” or financial checks. The American Red Cross will pay for this background check.

If you would like to submit a criminal background check from a local law enforcement agency, that will work as well but you will be responsible for the cost of the background check.

If you have any further questions, feel free to direct them to me at my call (kb1kix) at arrl.net or during our regular weekly nets.