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@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
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http://www.nyc-arecs.org

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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
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(The work praises the man.)

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provides, it can never take the place of volunteers." - Ronald Reagan

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