16 Sep
2025
16 Sep
'25
4:12 p.m.
Hi Charles,
Good question. Certainly, amateur radio activity requires a license. More broadly, it’s
also helpful to know that a volunteer is familiar with the ham community, and a license
definitely signals that.
Some of our volunteer opportunities are not strictly ham-related, however, particularly in
grant-making efforts, where we might benefit from contributions that could come from
someone in an aligned or adjacent community. So yes, a ham license is helpful, and for
some things, a ham license is going to be needed, but no, not every volunteer role needs
to call for a license up front.
I know we’ve visited a similar question in the past, and some have a fairly exclusive view
of ARDC’s mission, which no doubt reflects their own perfectly legitimate reasons for
being involved. We certainly all find our way here by different paths. If the
foundation's stated goals include bringing people in toward amateur radio (“digital
communications” being at least one avenue), and if a volunteer interested in contributing
thus finds their way toward being a part of the community, then it winds up being to
everyone's benefit to welcome their curiosity and participation. In my view at least,
it’s a great way to let someone see first-hand what being a ham is all about.
Thanks and 73
--
John Burwell - KI5QKX
44Net Program Manager
Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC)
ardc.net
On Sep 16, 2025, at 14:35, Charles J. Hargrove via
44net <44net(a)mailman.ampr.org> wrote:
Shouldn't a volunteer for an amateur radio related organization actually
have an amateur radio license _before_ volunteering? Otherwise the group
gets diluted by those who don't know what being an amateur radio license
holder and active participant is all about.
"An amateur radio license OR a technical degree OR experience in digital
communications is required to serve in any volunteer role."
On 9/16/2025 3:23 PM, Rebecca Key via groups.io wrote:
Hey Everyone,
*We’re now accepting applications for our 2026 volunteer cohort, which includes some new
roles. Check out our latest blog post for more details:
https://www.ardc.net/join-ardcs-2026-volunteer-team/ <https://
www.ardc.net/join-ardcs-2026-volunteer-team/>.*
*As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!*
*73,*
*Rebecca KO4KVG*
--
Charles J. Hargrove - N2NOV
NYC-ARECS/RACES Citywide Radio Officer/Skywarn Coord.
NYC-ARECS/RACES Nets 441.100/136.5 PL
ARnewsline Broadcast Mon. @ 8:00PM
NYC-ARECS Weekly Net Mon. @ 8:30PM
http://www.nyc-arecs.org
NY-NBEMS Net Saturdays @ 10AM & USeast-NBEMS Net Wednesdays @ 7PM
on 7.036 Mhz USB (alt 3.536)/1500 hz waterfall spot; MFSK-16 or 32
"Information is the oxygen of the modern age. It seeps through the walls topped
by barbed wire, it wafts across the electrified borders." - Ronald Reagan
"The more corrupt the state, the more it legislates." - Tacitus
"Molann an obair an fear" - Irish Saying
(The work praises the man.)
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provides, it can never take the place of volunteers." - Ronald Reagan
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